The British Embassy in Kuwait is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual for the position of Head of Communications, job grade Executive Officer (EO).

The Head of Communications at the British Embassy in Kuwait leads the UK’s engagement with the media and manages and implements our communication strategy in Kuwait. This is a high-profile role, and the successful candidate will be responsible for managing the British Embassy’s public profile and engagement with Kuwaiti and international media, as well as developing our wide-ranging public campaigns.  This includes providing strategic oversight of all external communications, which should be tailored to reach and influence the local audience. This year is a big year for UK/Kuwait relations as we celebrate 125 years of UK/Kuwait official diplomatic relations – and you will be responsible for running the communications aspect of it. You will need to understand and explain UK Government policy to a wide range of people in a vibrant and engaging manner.  You will also provide analysis of key stories and trends in both the regional and local media, giving assessments of their impact on UK Government priorities.  

Roles and responsibilities:

• Build and manage the Embassy’s relationships with local media outlets, the Ministry of Information, and communications teams within various public and private entities in Kuwait. Seek opportunities to collaborate and partner with them.
• Design and execute communications plans for visits of UK Ministers and Senior Officials as well as major Embassy events and programmes. Draft press releases, set up and write briefing for interviews, press conferences etc.
• Monitor and anlayse global and regional media stories, which impact UK Government priorities in Kuwait.
• Understand the UK’s policies and priorities, and run strategic communications campaigns promoting these, working with colleagues in different Embassy sections, London and the region, where appropriate. Ensure all communications are tailored appropriately to Kuwaiti culture and interests and engaging to specific target audiences we are looking to reach and influence.
• Identify and analyse key stories in the local press, including social media, that have an impact on Embassy or wider UK interests. Provide colleagues with daily written and regular oral summaries.
• Research, analyse and report on a thematic area to ensure Embassy and UK Government colleagues in London and the region understand key developments. This will also help to shape our policy priorities.
• Spot – and provide advice on countering – disinformation that could negatively affect the UK Government’s objectives.
• Monitor, engage and report on freedom of the press and broader freedom of expression in Kuwait.
• Provide written and verbal translation from Arabic to English and English to Arabic, as required.
• Oversee the creation of content for the Embassy’s social media channels.

Resources Managed 

• Line manage 1 x Social Media and Translation Officer, covering their duties in their absence.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and to take on other duties, projects, and ad hoc tasks as required. The jobholder will also be expected to play a full role in the Embassy’s contingency planning and any crisis response.

Key behaviours required for the job:

• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
• Seeing the Bigger Picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• 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.

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as you:

• Are legally resident in Kuwait (Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country); and
• Complete and successfully pass all local and UK security checks, including professional background checks.

• Relevant work experience in a similar field and an extensive knowledge of Kuwait’s media landscape, local culture, customs and traditions.
• Strong interpersonal skills and able to build productive working relations with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Arabic. Able to competently translate between the two.
• Strong team player who can act on own initiative and work independently.
• Able to organise and prioritise workload and meet deadlines and changing priorities whilst maintaining a strong attention to detail and without compromising the quality of the work.
• Good IT skills (e.g. knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes such as Word, Excel and Outlook).