View Vacancy – Defence & Security Communication Campaign Manager, C4, New Delhi

’Note : All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, motivational segment and the competency based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.’’

Please note that due to Covid-19 outbreak, the start date of employment mentioned in the advert is tentative, subject to normal business of British High Commission. All recruitment campaigns will remain open for applications, we will progress the recruitment process as swiftly as possible and continue to review all applications, monitor progress and developments. We will be in touch with you for the interviews/ should there be further updates on the application, however given the circumstances, kindly expect some delay in response and please reach out to if you have any further questions.

Main purpose of job: 

This is a role in the Campaigns team of the Press and Communications Group, which will manage the  Defence & Security communications campaign.  

The jobholder will be responsible for working with colleagues across the UK network to improve perceptions and raise awareness about UK-India collaboration. They will will set direction for the campaign by gathering insight, coordinating and implementing activity, and then monitoring and evaluating the impact of our communications.  

The role will involve access to and handling of classified or sensitive commercial information, therefore applicants must already hold a minimum of the UK’s SC level of clearance or be able to achieve it. Because of this, only nationals of the UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, EU and EEA are eligible to apply.

Roles and Responsibilities:

The Role

As part of a vibrant and fun Campaigns Team of 8, you will lead on planning, implementing and evaluating the communications effort to promote our Defence and Security relationship. You will need to be a self-starter and proactively reach out across the wide range of government departments represented in the UKinIndia network, in particular the Defence Section, UK Defence and Security Exports team, and the Home Office. You will use this engagement to plan and deliver an effective multi-media campaign that makes the most of the rich and varied work taking place in India. 

The theme of Defence & Security will mean working closely with the UK and Indian Ministry of Defence – including the UK MoD press office, Department for International Trade, and Security policy colleagues, as well as journalists specialising in the defence and security sector to highlight how the UK and India collaborate closely in this field, e.g. on joint capability development, and bilateral military cooperation. Defence and Security is a top priority for the UK Government and there are a number of high profile activities planned over the coming years – your job will be to be pro-active and strategically bring these together into one coherent campaign, considering how you can use different media platforms to deliver an impactful message. 

The role will also be involved in communication issues on parts of the Home Affairs agenda – in particular security and justice developments and emerging stories.  

You will have overall responsibility for the campaign- bringing it to life, and working on everything from audience and insight development, key messages, to implementation and evaluation. You will be required to work in close collaboration with a wide team of policy leads across multiple platforms (there are seven Deputy High Commissions across India, as well as the High Commission in Delhi). You will also work with a range of communications specialists and journalists to deliver your campaign content. 

Specifically, the job holder will:

• Develop and maintain a virtual network of policy and comms officials, to ensure a clear understanding of the activity at the heart of your campaign, find stories, and create up-to-date and compelling content.
• Establish a network of media contacts in India to enable delivery of campaign messages, shape the narrative around UK-India defence and security work and strengthen perceptions.  
• Working with key stakeholders, develop and maintain a set of key messages and focal points for activity. Maintain a forward plan for the campaign, a campaign strategy and narrative.
• Establish processes to gather audience insight and key perceptions to create a baseline against which to measure the campaign’s efficacy. Conduct ongoing monitoring to assess audience shifts.
• Lead on production of content and stories linked to Defence & Security, on the links between India and Britain, to place both on UKinIndia digital channels, and in mainstream media.
• Manage the production of suitable photo, video, stories and other material as input to UKinIndia and other digital channels produced by professional media service providers.
• Engage closely with and contribute to the work of the communications teams across the seven Deputy High Commissions across India, and the British Council network. Taking into account regional aspects, language issues etc. in the delivery of your campaign activity.
• Maintain flexibility, supporting colleagues working on other campaign themes, and take on project responsibilities outside of your core theme as required (for example during ministerial visits).
• Contribute to internal communications for the High Commission network in India, and the rest of UK government.

The job holder

You will need to be proactive, organised and energetic. You will be working across different departments, and will need to quickly get to grips with complex topics, have strong communication instincts, and balance priorities. This role is about embedding a planned and evidence-based approach to communications (as much as responding to events), so you will need to able to take a long-term view and not be unduly influenced by what is immediately in front of you. Your campaign will have a wide range of stakeholders, so your ability to build relationships quickly and bring people on board both internally and externally will be key. You will need to have a sound understanding of campaign planning, and able to think creatively about how to tackle issues, change perceptions and get your audience’s attention. 

The British High Commission

The UK is one of the largest and more active foreign missions in India, and it represents the UK’s largest overseas network, with over 1000 staff and eight posts. The Press & Communications Group sits at the heart of this network, with frequent access to the High Commissioner and engagement with the 16+ government departments represented in India. Despite its size, it is a warm and welcoming team. The High Commission is committed to ensuring officers enjoy a good work life balance. It is a stimulating place to work where we value diversity and inclusion and care about the development of our people.

Resources managed:  

No direct line management responsibilities, although this may evolve over time. The successful candidate will have many opportunities to refine management skills through management of the virtual campaign network.

Language requirements: 

Language: English 

Level of language required: The jobholder should be fluent in written and spoken English. A written test will be included as part of the recruitment process.

Essential on arrival:  

Excellent written communication skills, to be able to draft press releases, communications materials, and proof-read.

Security Clearance Level required:

Applicant must already hold a minimum of the UK’s SC level of clearance or be able to achieve it.  

Nationals of the following countries are eligible to apply: UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, EU and EEA