The British Embassy in Baghdad is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual for the position of Media and Communications Officer, Grade –Administrative Officer ( AO)

The Communications and Media Officer plays a central role in the British Embassy Baghdad’s Press and Public Affairs team, supporting delivery of the UK’s objectives in Iraq through effective communication and engagement. We are looking for an enthusiastic and proactive individual who will lead on managing the Embassy’s social media presence, support on editing and filming, monitor print and online media, and provide media support for high-level visits and events. The role also involves developing and implementing creative campaigns, producing timely analysis and reports on media trends and public sentiment, and supporting the Chevening scholarship programme. The jobholder will work closely with political, programme, and operational teams, as well as external stakeholders, both inside and outside the Embassy, requiring strong organisational skills, cultural awareness, and the ability to communicate in both English and Arabic.

 Duties and responsibilities:

Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement Support

•    Identify, map, and maintain an up-to-date database of key journalists, editors, broadcasters, influencers, and other external stakeholders relevant to Embassy priorities.
•    Prepare stakeholder profiles, background notes, and engagement briefs.
•    Provide interpretation and translation during meetings, interviews, visits, and external engagements.
•    Support coordination of meetings and events involving media or public facing stakeholders.
•    Assist senior colleagues in preparing for engagements by ensuring consistent messaging and accurate contextual information.

Social Media Management 

• Assist with social media content creation, including drafting posts, capturing photos/videos, and basic editing.
• Help maintain the Embassy’s content calendar and ensure alignment with wider communications activities.
• Produce monthly social media reviews with actionable insights using analytics tools to help guide the Embassy’s strategic communication approach.  
• Create, film and edit products for Embassy social media, inside and outside the Embassy. 

 Campaigns and Initiatives

• Develop and deliver creative campaigns and initiatives that support Embassy objectives and UK priorities in Iraq.
• Lead on events that align with UK in Iraq priorities and are part of our public diplomacy work.  
• Coordinate with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful implementation.  
• Evaluate impact and report on engagement and lessons learned.  
• Attend events outside the Embassy where comms support is needed.
• Support media arrangements for visits and events, working with stakeholders inside and outside the Embassy

Chevening Programme Support 

• Provide logistical and administrative support for the Chevening scholarship programme, including interview scheduling, security access, and applicant coordination.  

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future, and this would be at the discretion of the line manager and Senior Management. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as and when required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any response to a crisis.

Key behaviours required:

• Communicating and influencing: Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
• Working together: Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.
• Delivering at pace: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as:

• We can obtain the appropriate level of local and UK security clearance for you; and
• You have (or be willing to obtain) the right to live and work in Iraq. Candidate’s residence permit and work permit, and the expense to obtain them, will be their own responsibility – the Embassy does not provide residence or work permits. If you have any questions about residency and/ or visa requirements, you should contact the relevant Iraqi Government Ministry.

• Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic. 
• Strong organisational and time-management skills. 
• Ability to work proactively and collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders. 
• Familiarity with social media platforms and analytics tools. 
• Cultural awareness and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.