British High Commission: LE2 Communications Officer

The British High Commission (BHC) Accra has a vacancy for an LE2 Communications Officer. This is a key position, working with all parts of UK government in Accra to promote the UK Government’s engagement with Ghana and to help build internal BHC cohesion through a joined-up communications effort and by managing internal communications. The Communications Officer will work closely with all Heads of Section, reporting to the 2nd Secretary Political and Public Affairs and Deputy High Commissioner.

The main elements of the job include:

• Designing and delivering a communications strategy that helps to deliver HMG objectives in Ghana and the region, including public advocacy campaigns
• Writing, commissioning and editing content on HMG and British Council activity for use in a range of media
• Providing content for the gov.uk website
• Building relationships with and engaging media and Ghana government publicity machinery
• Acting as the BHC’s official spokesperson and first point of contact for media enquiries
• Overseeing all communications tools (eg media releases, web-sites, publications, twitter, facebook etc) and managing the BHC photographer role
• Daily monitoring of Ghanaian media outlets for content of interest to the UK
• Supporting the internal communication of FCO and wider UK Government corporate messages
• Managing relevant projects to develop Ghanaian media capacity

The successful applicant will need to:

• Observe the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s diversity and equality policies
• Show some flexibility over working hours

Information for applicants:

• This position is within the LEII range of responsibilities. The monthly gross salary range for LEII positions in the BHC is GHc 1885 (rising in increments of GHc 73 based on performances) to a maximum of GHc 2907. The starting salary will be in the range GHc1885-1958
• The appointment will be offered on a 1 year contract and subject to the satisfactory completion of a probationary period. Thereafter, the appointment will be renewed for periods of 12 months, subject to satisfactory performance, by mutual agreement.
• Specific training and mentoring for the role will be provided for the successful candidate.

Required Skills or Experience

The skills/attributes of the successful applicant will include:

• Prioritising in a fast-paced work environment, self-starting, and delivering to deadlines
• Creativity, imagination and innovation to keep the UK Government’s profile in Ghana fresh, interesting and relevant to the modern bilateral relationship sought by the UK
• Understanding of how to design and deliver a public advocacy campaign
• Communication and influencing skills, including excellent drafting and proof-reading
• Knowledge and understanding of the Ghana media and Ghana government publicity machinery
• An understanding of the use of imagery
• Ability to think strategically – to identify the potential for joining up different strands of activity across government and British Council
• Ability to integrate communications tools into other activities
• Ability to maintain high-level contacts with BHC staff and Ghanaian opinion leaders
• Awareness of risk and the importance of reputation

The successful applicant is likely to have one or more of:

• A university degree in journalism, media studies, the liberal arts, social sciences or a related field
• Received specialised training in press and publications and/or communications
• 3-5 years workplace experience of  progressively increasing responsibility as a journalist, editor or public relations specialist
• Membership of professional associations such as the Institute for Public Relations and/or Ghana Journalists’ Association
• Expert knowledge of Ghana’s media, political, economic, social and educational environments, including key institutions and persons in business and government
• Familiarity with UK Government institutions

How To Apply

Candidates should complete an application form which can be obtained from this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-high-commission-accra/about/recruitment and send their CVs and completed application form for the attention of

HR Manager
British High Commission
Osu Link, off Gamel Abdul Nasser Avenue
P O Box 296
Accra

with the envelope clearly marked LEII CO or to this email address: [email protected]

The closing date for applications is 21st May 2013. Regrettably only those candidates short-listed for interview will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted soon after, with a view to the successful applicant commencing work in June 2013. 

The successful applicant will need to demonstrate that they meet the necessary requirements under Ghanaian law to work in Ghana, and to pass (or have passed) a BHC internal security clearance process. 

The British High Commission Accra is an Equal Opportunities Employer
More information about the work of the British High Commission in Ghana can be found at http://ukinghana.fco.gov.uk/en/