View Vacancy – Communications and Campaigns Manager

The British Embassy in Kuwait is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual for the position of Communications and Campaigns Manager, Grade – B3 (L).

Purpose of the job:

The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the Embassy’s public profile and engaging with the Kuwaiti media.  This will include oversight of all external communications, public diplomacy campaigns, and monitoring perceptions of the UK (and the British Embassy) in Kuwait, understanding and predicting how to best position UK government messages for a local audience. You will need to understand and explain UK government policy to a wide range of customers, you will also provide analysis of the local media and Kuwait government announcements, providing assessments of their impact on UK government priorities.  As the Communications Manager, based in the Political Section, you will advise the wider Embassy on the local media environment, running media campaigns, placing content, managing the Social Media Officer / Translator, and liaising with local and regional media outlets. You will have a media, public relations or communications background and bring creativity, adding energy and innovation to the Embassy’s communication channels.

Duties and responsibilities:

To manage the Embassy’s Communication channels:  To understand the UK’s policies and how these translate to the Kuwaiti context.  To develop vibrant communications channels to reach and influence the media and public. Organising press conferences, interviews and other functions. Acting as Arabic spokesperson as required.

Content management: Preparing and placing content in the local media, writing press releases and blogs. Liaising with stakeholders and managing communications campaigns (and public diplomacy initiatives) in support of all Embassy sections.

Media monitoring: Producing a daily written summary (and oral update) of news relevant to the work and policies of the Embassy. To produce a weekly digest report of key articles / academic papers on Kuwaiti politics. To analyse trends and developments within the political scene and media environment.

Developing relevant press and political contacts such as MPs, journalists, researchers, think-tanks. Maintaining a good knowledge of political events and developments (e.g. monitoring press and blogs; attending Diwaniyas, and meeting press and political contacts regularly). Advise Ambassador and team on key contacts. Attending key events within and on behalf of the Embassy.

To oversee all Embassy social media channels, including line management of A2 (L) Social Media Officer & Translator, and covering translation during their absences.

Key Competences Required for the Job:

• Leading and Communicating – Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It is about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.
• Seeing the big picture – Seeing the big picture is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs
• Collaborating and Partnering – People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done. At all levels, it requires working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.
• Changing & Improving – It’s about being open to change, suggesting ideas for improvements to the way things are done, and working in smarter and, more focused ways.

Essential:

• Fluent in written and spoken English and Arabic (this will be tested).
• Minimum 2 years of work experience in a relevant field (media, journalism, public relations, communications, preferably in a bilateral or multilateral agency).
• Candidates should be highly organised, have a track record as a team player and should be able to work in a diverse, high-performing environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to build productive working relations with the project implementers and wider stakeholders.
• Candidates need to confidently brief the senior management team within the Embassy and in London.
• Candidates should be numerate, with experience of working with financial information.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office packages.
• University-educated candidate.