The British Embassy Dubai has a vacancy for a Regional Communications Officer with the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in the Middle East and Pakistan (MEaP) region, job grade AO on a fixed-term contract for one (1) year. This role is reporting to the Deputy Head of Communication and Marketing.

The main purpose of this role will be to provide communications support to the regional Communication and Marketing team in the form of written output including but not limited to press releases, case studies, country factsheets, sector factsheets, website content, articles and social media content.

The role will require building relationships with DBT country teams across the region, with DBT Communication & Marketing teams in London, and with Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Communications Teams based in relevant Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions in the region.

The DBT MEaP region covers eleven markets:  the six GCC markets (the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain), plus Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Pakistan.  DBT MEaP’s remit is to promote UK exports in the region, encourage inward investment into the UK, and deliver trade policy to tackle barriers to trade.

The jobholder will support the UK’s trade and investment objectives in this region by deliver communication and marketing products that promote:

1. the UK’s offer in trade and investment to local buyers and investors across the region in our priority sectors including Energy, Infrastructure, Technology, Healthcare, Life Sciences, Education and more;
2. the UK’s policy priorities related to economic growth to a regional audience; and
3. the wide ranging opportunities open to UK companies in countries across the MEaP region.

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 promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Duties and responsibilities:

Professional delivery of excellent internal and external communications products (70%)

• Compile positive stories from markets to create case studies of success for use in campaigns, news stories and press releases.
• Draft press releases and quotes for senior stakeholders.
• Research and develop articles demonstrating UK capability in priority sectors for media placement.
• Create and produce relevant content aimed at buyers and investors in the MEaP region, as well as UK facing content for HQ channels when required.

Relationship management 20%

• Engage with DBT Country teams; the DBT Communication and Marketing team in London and the FCDO Communications teams in each market to understand their needs and priorities and offer products that support their objectives.

Corporate contribution 10%

• Play an active role in promoting the DBT values (Excellent, Connected, Confident and Collaborative) as well as contributing to the British Embassy Dubai community.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required.

Key behaviours required:

• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.
• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Delivering at Pace: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.

• Excellent spoken and written English with the ability to draft high quality copy.
• At least three years in a PR/press/communication role with the same or similar skills and responsibilities outlined above.
• Experience in writing press releases, articles, promotional material, website content, social media and case studies for a business audience.
• Strong copywriting skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to effectively work under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment.
• Resourcefulness in solving problems.
• Good interpersonal and communications skills, including stakeholder engagement skills to build relationships.
• Experience in working in large, complex environments.
• Strong organisational skills and keen attention to details.
• Sound knowledge of MS Office.
• Experience using social media platforms professionally.
• Strong work ethics.