Head of Strategic Communications and Public Diplomacy

Job title:

Head of Strategic Communications and Public Diplomacy

Company

HM Government

Job description

1Main purpose of job:Oversee all communications and public diplomacy of the British government in Brazil.This role is central to shaping UK-Brazil relations. You will build new partnerships on priority areas such as trade, security, climate and science. In this rewarding and fast-paced role, no day will be the same: you will work across all policy areas, with diverse stakeholders in Brazil and the UK, and oversee a range of communications tools. You will also build long-term comms campaigns, running over many months, designed to shift the ‘art of the policy possible’; or to gain, use or spread British soft power in Brazil.The next few years are particularly exciting for UK-Brazil communications. Brazil holds the Presidencies of the G20 and COP30 in 2024 and 2025. 2025 also sees the 200th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and we will run a UK-Brazil Season of Culture over 2026.The ideal candidate will be an energetic and creative leader with proven experience in managing high calibre communications campaigns, overseeing diverse teams, responding rapidly to shifting demands, and with a good understanding of the UK political scenario and Brazilian audiences. This position oversees the eight-person team (in Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro) responsible for explaining and promoting the UK in Brazil through media relations, digital outreach, events and strategic communications and marketing campaigns. S/he will also act as the main contact in the British diplomatic Network for other British soft power actors working on communications (e.g. British Council, VisitBritain, Chevening), and the press offices of Ministers (including Royal Households and the Prime Minister) when they visit Brazil.The ideal candidate will be able to translate UK government objectives into team priorities and engagement with Brazilian audiences. We seek an ability to work flexibly and responsively; deliver through a team spread across the country; juggle both short-term and long-term communications priorities; demonstrate strong communications sensitivity and judgement; and respond both proactively and reactively to political developments and UK interests in Brazil.Roles and responsibilities:Lead external communications strategies to promote the UK in Brazil:

• Deliver results-driven communications to promote UK interests in Brazil through media relations, marketing campaigns, event management, digital diplomacy, and focused engagement with target audiences (government, business, academia, youth, and investors);
• Promote the priorities and objectives of the UK in Brazil in diverse areas, such as climate change and energy, trade and investment, education, health, infrastructure, security, defence and foreign policy;
• Hold load-bearing relationships with editors and senior journalists across Brazilian media and British correspondents in Brazil, principally in Brasilia, but also in Rio de Janeiro and elsewhere across Brazil;
• Lead media and public engagement advice for visiting VIPs (from Royal Households to the Prime Minister and other Government Ministers);
• Respond to unexpected events or political developments in the UK by identifying opportunities for messaging to Brazil audiences;
• Advise the Ambassador, Deputy Head of Mission, Consuls and senior government officials on engagement with the Brazilian media, including through TV appearances, blogs, op-eds, and speeches.
• Lead implementation of the Brazil Soft Power Strategy

Lead internal communications in the UK in Brazil network:

• Deliver targeted and informative internal communication campaigns to promote cohesiveness and best practice in the UK in Brazil network, including what’s on in the network, corporate issues and learning and development.
• Ensure information picked up from external sources is fed into other Embassy teams (particularly Political Team) to contribute towards upstream policy development and analysis

Lead the communications team in Brazil and contribute to communications work in the Americas Network:

• Deliver the above through a talented and diverse communications team of 8 based across 3 posts in Brazil (Brasilia, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro) by providing strategic direction and support;
• Ensure the team has right skills, training, and resources (including travel and entertainment budget) to deliver to consistently high standards;
• Mainstream comms expertise into the 300-strong British diplomatic Network based in 5 cities across Brazil (BSB, SP, RJ, plus also Belo Horizonte and Recife)
• Work with the Head of Communications for LATAC & OTs, based in London, and the Head of Campaigns for LATAC & OTs, based in Mexico, to promote best practice in communications in the Americas and support other posts in the region

Resources managed:8 people, including interns, spread across 3 different posts.
Local budget of c.£30k per year, plus extra funds secured from London ranging from £20-100k per yearEssential qualifications, skills and experience 1

• At least six years of experience in Communications, with a governmental, international organisation or with media outlets.
• A university degree in journalism, media and related fields.
• Proven experience in managing a team and delivering through others.
• Ability to prioritise, work flexible and operate under pressure.
• Track record in delivering and overseeing effective communications strategies with tangible results.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, management skills, good attention to detail and be a strong team-player.
• Experience with digital campaigns
• Language: Fluent in Portuguese and English.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 1

• Large network of media contacts across Brazil.
• Understanding of UK politics, economy and government priorities.
• Understanding of British media outlets and news agencies.

Required behaviours 1Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Leadership, Seeing the Big PictureApplication deadline 19 May 2024Grade 1Senior Executive Officer (SEO)Type of Position 1Full-time, PermanentWorking hours per week 136Region 1Latin America and Spanish speaking CaribbeanCountry/Territory 1BrazilLocation (City) 1Brasilia, Rio De JaneiroType of Post 1British EmbassyNumber of vacancies 11Salary Currency 1BRLSalary 1R$ 18,063.72Start Date 124 June 2024Other benefits and conditions of employment 1This role presents huge opportunities for personal growth, through exposure to the culture and ethos of the British Government, leadership of communications strategies across all aspects of the bilateral relationship, relationship building with Ministers, the Ambassador and senior officials, and membership of our Brazil Board.As one of the most senior staff in the Brazil Network, you will travel regularly around Brazil, and on occasion in the region and to the UK. There are also opportunities to contribute to the corporate life of the Network, for instance, by chairing a Committee or leading an element of our internal change programme.The Brazil Network has an active Learning and Development (L&D) Committee that promotes formal and learning opportunities. You will be entitled to at least 5 days of formal learning per year.Additional information 1This is a full-time job. The Network allows some element of flexible working (for instance, periodic home working, flexible hours, etc.). But the demands of this high-pressure communications role will require occasional working out of hours (e.g. during Ministerial visits) and the need to ensure high team morale limits full flexibility on remote working. Given the nature of the Network’s demands and external contacts, there is a preference for the successful candidate to be based in Brasilia; but Rio de Janeiro is also possible.Please note that internal candidates applying for positions in other Posts should resign its contract in the respective Post to be admitted in the Post where the position has been advertised.The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and an enriching learning and development opportunities. Eligibility to work and live in Brazil is required.The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

Expected salary

Location

United Kingdom – Brazil

Job date

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 05:56:40 GMT

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