Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online Application form including the employment, educational details, behavioural and technical/ professional skills questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only with all the required details and the shortlisting is not basis CV/ cover letter. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Main Purpose:

To lead the British High Commission’s digital-first communications, delivering high-quality, creative and audience-focused content across social media and digital platforms, while supporting effective media and press engagement to promote UK priorities in Sri Lanka.

The role will combine strategic digital communications, content creation and media engagement, translating policy objectives into compelling, accessible communications that strengthen the UK’s profile and impact.

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

Digital Communications & Content Creation (60%)

1. Lead, in support of the Head of Press and Communications, the High Commission’s digital communications strategy and delivery, with a focus on social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram and emerging channels.
2. Provide, in support of the Head of Press and Communications, strategic digital communications advice to colleagues and senior leadership, ensuring content and campaigns are designed to maximise reach and impact.
3. Plan, create and publish high-quality, engaging digital content, including social-first posts, reels, short-form video and multimedia storytelling (working closely with the BHC’s Soft Power lead).
4. Translate policy priorities and complex content into engaging, audience-friendly digital outputs, identifying and developing compelling stories that showcase UK impact and priorities in Sri Lanka.
5. Lead on photography and videography, including filming, editing and producing content for campaigns, high-level visits and events.
6. Use a range of digital editing tools and platforms (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and other content creation apps) to produce visually compelling outputs.
7. Monitor and evaluate digital performance and audience engagement, using platform analytics and insights to optimise content and improve impact.
8. Stay up to date with emerging digital trends, identifying opportunities to innovate and strengthen the High Commission’s digital presence.

Communications, Press & Media (40%)

1. Develop and deliver communications plans and campaigns across key policy areas, working closely with policy teams.
2. Produce high-quality written communications products, including press releases, speeches, op-eds and briefing materials.
3. Manage relationships with local media and lead on media engagement, including interviews, press briefings and event coverage.
4. Monitor and analyse local media reporting, sharing insights with internal stakeholders.
5. Ensure strong integration between press, media and digital outputs to maximise reach, consistency and impact.
6. Work closely with senior leadership, including the High Commissioner, to deliver communications and digital content for high-profile engagements, visits and campaigns.

Additional responsibilities:

1. Work closely with the Head of Press and Communications and senior leadership to deliver strategic communications priorities.
2. Provide flexible support across the team, including covering other roles when required.
3. Contribute to wider Public Diplomacy work, including campaigns on education, culture, sport and scholarships.
4. Support communications during crisis situations, particularly through digital channels, as required.

Learning and development opportunities (if any)

The job holder will attend an International Communications Skills training course, delivered by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This takes place virtually.

The job holder will further be able to access a wide range of online and face-to-face training. Much of the learning is on the job, which will be diverse and varied. There are also a range of informal development opportunities including accompanying on visits, and job shadowing.

There is also the opportunity to be involved with the wider work of the High Commission, taking part in change management and crisis management planning, as well as joining committees such as wellbeing, diversity and inclusion. 

Language requirements:

Language: English and one of either Sinhala or Tamil

Level of language required: Expert

Essential on arrival:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience in communications, journalism, media, digital marketing, 
• At least 3 years’ experience in digital communications, media, public relations, journalism, marketing or related fields
• Proven experience in digital communications and social media content creation
• Experience providing qualitative digital communications advice and contributing to campaign planning
• Strong skills in photography, videography and video editing
• Experience using digital editing and design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva (or similar platforms)
• Demonstrable ability to create high-quality, engaging digital content tailored to different audiences and platforms
• Ability to translate policy or technical content into clear, accessible communications
• Strong understanding of the Sri Lankan media and digital landscape
• Experience in communications campaign planning and delivery
• Experience managing social media platforms using scheduling and analytics tools (e.g. Hootsuite or similar)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and one of either Sinhala or Tamil.
• Ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs