Senior Communications Officer

 

 

 

JOB AND TASK SPECIFICATION

 

Job Title:

 

Senior Communications Officer

 

 

 

Division:

 

Job Grade:

 

Communications Division

 

H

 

 

 

Reports to:

 

Head of Media Relations, Communications Division

 

 

General information

The Commonwealth Secretariat supports its 56 member countries to build democratic and inclusive institutions, strengthen governance and promote justice and human rights. Our work helps to grow economies and boost trade, deliver national resilience, empower young people, and address threats such as climate change, debt and inequality.

The Secretariat’s Communications Division is primarily responsible for raising the public profile of the Commonwealth in line with the organisation’s Strategic Plan. Our principal audiences are member governments, accredited Commonwealth organisations, partner organisations, civil society groups, young people, and the general public. The Communications Division does this through strategic communications approaches, including proactive media outreach, and a range of public relations activities.

Job summary

The Senior Communications Officer supports the implementation of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s communications strategy. S/he is expected to develop and execute communications proposals in support of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Strategic Plan. This role includes supporting and overseeing stakeholders and colleagues in achieving their communications objectives, in line with the Secretariats objectives, as well as playing a role in the development of high-quality and compelling audio-visual content. Demonstrable experience in the production and on-air reporting would be an advantage.

Task description

• Managing communications for a portfolio of the Secretariat’s thematic work areas. In this role, the officer advises programme divisions on media strategy and takes the lead in framing the communications and positioning of the assigned areas.

• Development of a media strategy and implementing engagement techniques ahead of, and during, official visits by the Commonwealth Secretary-General to member countries. The Senior Communications Officer will frequently be required to accompany the Secretary-General and/or senior officials on official missions to provide on-the-ground communications support.

 

 

 

• Editing technical and official documents in a compelling and engaging manner. • Identifying and creating multimedia opportunities to highlight the work of the

Commonwealth Secretariat. • Contributing to the content of the Commonwealth Secretariat website and social

media platforms by providing text, photographs and multimedia content. • Developing contacts and maintaining relationships with key journalists across the

Commonwealth. • Coordinating and supervising press conferences, media briefings and interviews for

high-level events like the Commonwealth Heads of Government meetings. • Drafting and editing press releases, briefing papers, speeches, statements and other

materials to ensure that Commonwealth values are conveyed consistently, cohesively and coherently.

• Identifying and facilitating media interviews so that Commonwealth spokespersons can articulate Commonwealth messages as well as build brand visibility and credibility.

• Working as part of a team to identify publicity and news angles for the Commonwealth Secretariat’s programmes and projects.

• Participate in press office cover as part of a rota system, including working outside of traditional working hours.

• Mentoring and coaching other members of the Communications Division. • Any other duties that may be assigned by the Communications Adviser, the Head of

Media Relations or Director of Communications.

Person specification

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, preferably in communications, journalism, media studies, international affairs or any other appropriate field.

Desirable:

Master’s degree or similar post-graduate qualification in journalism or any other relevant field.

Experience: At least seven years of experience as a reporter or correspondent in a media organisation, and/or in an external communications role. Desirable: Experience in covering political, parliamentary, social or economic issues; appreciation and knowledge of international and or diplomatic issues; experience as a press officer or involvement in news management; event management. Experience of working in the Caribbean, Pacific and South Asian context would be an advantage.

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 and 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

Identifies biases in systems & processes

Working with Others

Regularly shares information of value with colleagues

Shows commitment to delivering on key agreements made to colleagues

Makes an effort to view a situation from the other party’s perspective as well

Demonstrates awareness and sensitivity to colleagues’ pressures

Utilises networks to ensure similar goals are achieved collaboratively

Develops long term relationships across cultures and/or geographical boundaries

Uses relationships to identify the best people to help in the completion of tasks

Tactfully deals with difficult people to gain buy-in and manage their expectations

Developing & Applying Expertise

Takes advantage of opportunities to develop an area of expertise

Takes learning from previous experience and applies them appropriately

Demonstrates willingness to learn new skills and/or approaches

Adapting & Innovating

Recognises opportunities for improvement and proposes change with impact and effect

Helps others evaluate and strengthen ideas

Quickly grasps new concepts and how to apply them

Demonstrates flexibility e.g. by working beyond own remit in order to achieve an objective inter alia

Will effectively reorganise activities when faced with changing contexts and demands

Welcomes and adapts to new ideas and/or approaches

Adapts personal style to meet the needs of others

Accountability

Takes ownership of assigned tasks, honours deadlines

 

 

 

Ensures timely delivery of outputs within defined cost and quality standard parameters

Takes ownership of assigned tasks, honours deadlines (L1)

Ensures timely delivery of outputs (L1)