Director of Communications

 

 

JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION

 

Job Title: Director, Communications Division Division Communications

Grade: C

Reports To:

Secretary-General

General Information The Commonwealth Secretariat, as an intergovernmental organisation of 56 independent and equal sovereign states, works to support its member states and is responsible for presenting official pan-Commonwealth views and perspectives with impact as well as tact and political sensitivity. The Communications Division is at the forefront of this activity and has a diverse range of target audiences including Commonwealth member governments, the media, specialist groups, young people, as well as the general public. The Division undertakes its work mainly through media and public relations, its social media and other digital channels, as well as other information dissemination activities. The Division has a team of around 20 staff. The successful candidate will create and refine the organisation’s media strategy and provide strategic media advice to the Secretariat. The Director will be expected to demonstrate strong public diplomacy skills and experience as well as media expertise. They will provide management and leadership for the Communications Division and will be proactive in actively advancing media and public affairs results. The role the Director of Communications will also act as the official spokesperson for the Secretariat, Secretary- General and be the Conference Spokesperson during Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings. Job Summary The Director:

• Leads, evaluates and regularly checks the progress and implementation of external communication strategies,

• Will rapidly provide strategic media advice to the Secretariat in all areas of its media response.

 

• Leads the Communications Division to promote and project publicly the Commonwealth’s values and to deliver the Secretariat’s communications work as defined in the Strategic Plan – to ensure that the organisation reaches its internal and external audiences.

• Drives excellence in digital engagement, delivering media and communications impact and achieves outcomes, making optimum use of human and budgetary resources.

 

 

 

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• Presents Commonwealth perspectives publicly, through communications and dissemination of information, including as official spokesperson for the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Secretary-General.

 

• Develops and maintains good relations with editors, correspondents and other contacts in broadcast, print and other media across the Commonwealth.

• Leads and builds the capacity of the professional staff in the Communications Divisions to maximise impact.

Task Description

1. Acts as the official Spokesperson for the Secretary-General and the

Secretariat.

 

2. Supports the Secretary-General and other senior management colleagues on

media (including social media) and public relations issues, including advice

on outreach activities and on media material including statements,

speeches and other public documents.

3. Defines a media strategy and provides strategic advice to the Secretariat

and press team on effective media responses.

4. Provides leadership for the Division’s staff and is responsible for the

strategic activities, as well as day-to-day direction-setting of the Division. 5. Oversees drafting and placement of Op Ed’s and press releases.

6. Responsibility for media releases by the Secretariat, and dissemination to

the media of Secretariat and Commonwealth messages.

7. Identifies and oversees the correct briefing lines on sensitive and political issues, briefs the relevant political and international media.

 

8. Manages the human and financial resources of the Communications Division

to achieve relevant outcomes in the Strategic Plan in a manner that is

timely, within budget and of the required quality, including management of

staff performance.

 

9. Acts as a point of official contact for the media, including at meetings of

Commonwealth Heads of Government and other official meetings.

 

10. Establishes and maintains contact at senior levels with stakeholders,

including member governments, international organisations, civil society

and the media.

 

11. Oversees the quality, quantity and relevance of material made available

through the Secretariat’s social media channels and its website.

 

 

 

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12. Performs a representational role, including travel to Commonwealth and

other countries as needed, during which interaction with the media and

other public diplomacy events are expected to be undertaken. 13. Adheres to the Gender Equality values of the Commonwealth as

enshrined in the Charter and Secretariat’s Gender Equality Policy. 14. Performs any other duties as may be required from time to time.

Person Specification Education

• An academic qualification at post-graduate level and/or professional experience relevant to communications, public relations and the media, or international relations.

Experience

• At least fifteen years’ experience in a senior managerial role, ten of which must be in international media roles

• Experience as a Press/Special Adviser to a Senior Government Minister or similar

 

• Experience as a journalist to a national media outlet

• Demonstrable high-level crisis management experience at a senior level

• The applicant must provide at least one example of a high-level crisis they

have managed successfully.

• Experience of working with the political lobby within the UK, or similar political media handling experience, and of maintaining healthy and robust relations with senior news outlets

 

• Competent writer, able to rapidly draft and place Op Ed’s

• Strong public speaker, skilled briefer confident in briefing for all types of media channels

 

• International (including UK) media experience

• Experience in managing digital engagement (web and social media)

 

• Experience of managing or running a large Press Office

 

 

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Competencies:

Respect for Diversity

Works effectively with people from all backgrounds. Treats all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally. Shows respect & understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates understanding in daily work and decision making. Examine own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses and does not discriminate against any individual or group. Creates an environment where respect for diversity is embedded in behaviours, systems & processes.

Communication

Establishes a culture of constant, consistent, clear and open communication Ensures information is communicated to and from the top level and filtered through the appropriate channels Communicates effectively with and gains understanding of top level stakeholders e.g. Heads of member states, Permanent Secretaries and staff

Planning & Analysis

Organises work programme with full cognizance of Board of Governor requirements Effectively assesses and advises on major programmes/activities at a divisional level Balances focus in order to deliver both Commonwealth Secretariat and member states’ goals Ability to interpret incomplete and/or ambiguous information Effectively analyses and assesses new or uncertain critical situations

Decision Making

Makes informed decisions that are instrumental to the direction and profile of the Commonwealth Secretariat in general Is confident of making strategic/critical decisions with limited information in time pressured situations Applies advanced judgement in the approval of corrective action for the resolution of organisation wide issues Creates a culture that values ownership of decisions and leads by example

 

 

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Adhering to Principles & Values

Defines Commonwealth Secretariat values Sets example and embodies Commonwealth Secretariat principles and values Demonstrably protects the reputation of the Commonwealth Secretariat Interprets and implements Commonwealth Secretariat principles and values

Leadership & Development (strategic)

Provide vision and overall strategy for the Commonwealth Secretariat Creates a vision where the reputation of the Commonwealth Secretariat is upheld and consistently evolving Communicates the Commonwealth Secretariat’s vision, achievements and impact in a manner that inspires enthusiasm amongst employees, member states, and external parties Establishes a culture where the creation and capitalisation of opportunities for staff development and fulfilment is promoted and valued Provide top level professional advice in strategic issues at management committee, board of governor & EXCO level. Lead on strategic issues. Ability to manage complexity and change