Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment, educational details, behavioural and technical/ professional skills questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only with all the required details and the shortlisting is not basis CV/ cover letter. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Main purpose of job:

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

The British High Commission in Colombo is seeking a dynamic and creative individual to plan and deliver soft power activities and digital content aligned with UK priorities in Sri Lanka and lead the management of the Chevening Scholarships scheme. The successful candidate will coordinate with cross-mission and external teams to create engaging campaigns and digital content, manage the BHC social media channels, and cultivate a strong network of Chevening alumni to further the High Commission’s policy goals in Sri Lanka.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

This is a busy and dynamic role. You will need to be proactive, organised and energetic, and be able to work well with internal and external stakeholders. You will also need to be resilient, flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities. You will report to the Head of Press and Communications, as well as the High Commissioner and senior management team. You will work closely with the Communications & Digital Manager on content creation and soft power activities.  

Soft Power Activities and Campaigns:

• Plan and execute impactful activities and campaigns that promote UK Soft Power in Sri Lanka, including in education, culture, and sports.
• Collaborate with policy leads across the mission to create compelling digital and video content as well as curate strong online content to profile the High Commission and its work to strengthen UK-Sri Lanka ties.
• Assist in high-profile events, such as the annual King’s Birthday Party, to showcase UK culture and values.
• Identify and leverage opportunities for soft power communications, including significant events like Commonwealth Day and major sports occasions.
• Develop personalised communications for the High Commissioner, ensuring alignment with UK policy objectives.
• Provide input on speeches, briefings, and media interviews for high-level visits.
• Coordinate logistics and publicity for events, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with UK priorities.

Chevening Scholarships and Alumni Engagement:

• Lead the management of Chevening Scholarships scheme at post and coordinate with wider cross mission and external teams.
• Design and implement marketing strategies to attract a diverse and high-calibre pool of applicants for the Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships.
• Travel across Sri Lanka to engage with universities, businesses, and government ministries, delivering presentations to promote Chevening opportunities.
• Manage the selection process, including organising interview panels and maintaining close engagement with scholars throughout their journey.
• Cultivate a robust network of Chevening alumni, organising engagement activities that support the High Commission’s policy goals.
• Identify opportunities for the High Commission to engage with influential Sri Lankans, leveraging alumni networks to foster future leaders connected to the UK.

Content Creation and Social Media Management:

• Working closely with the Communications & Digital Manager, you will design sophisticated digital material such as eye-catching infographics, using photography and videography. 
• You will be jointly responsible for managing the High Commission’s digital platforms.
• You will monitor social media engagement (such as Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc) to measure the impact of your digital content and help shape future campaigns.

Aside from the core responsibilities of this role, you will be expected to make a strong corporate contribution to the wider High Commission.  This will include contributing to our crisis preparedness.

We are a small and busy team, and all team members are expected to be flexible and support across other policy areas when required to meet business needs.  Exact portfolios may also change over time to respond to evolving High Commission priorities.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

The job holder will have responsibility of managing a budget of approximately £1,000 for Chevening marketing and alumni events.

Working patterns:

Given the nature of the role – including the need to cover external meetings and events or accompany the High Commissioner to engagements or trips – the successful candidate will be expected to work flexible hours across the week. This will occasionally include work in the evenings and weekends.

Where it is not possible to manage weekly engagements within contractual hours, time off will be given in lieu.

Over the course of a normal working week, hours will need to be worked flexibly as outlined above. It is possible to work some hours from home if desired.

The British High Commission office hours are 0800 – 1630, with core hours of 0900-1230 and 1330-1600; in general, colleagues are expected to be available within these hours and are encouraged to restrict internal meetings to these hours.

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

The job holder will have to access a wide range of online and face-to-face training delivered in Colombo and regionally. Much of the learning is on the job, which will be diverse and varied. Opportunities include job-specific training (including International Communications Skills), as well as broader personal development (including job shadowing and mentoring).

There is also the opportunity to be involved with the wider work of the High Commission, taking part in change management and crisis management planning, as well as joining committees such as wellbeing, diversity and inclusion. 

Essential on arrival:

• A degree in marketing, communications, media or a minimum of three years’ experience in public relations and marketing, with strong hands-on experience in producing engaging digital content and managing social media assets.
• Strong networking and communication skills, with the ability to develop and manage a wide range of contacts.
• Proven ability to plan and deliver events and campaigns that align with strategic objectives.
• Skilled at photography and videography, including experience using modern DSLR and or mirrorless cameras.
• Confidence in graphic design and video editing for social media, including experience using Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, Canvas or equivalent.
• Resilience, adaptability, and creativity in delivering results in a dynamic environment.

Language requirements:

Proficiency in English and either Tamil and/or Sinhala is required for this role.

Level of language required: Excellent written and spoken English and either Tamil and/or Sinhala