The British Embassy Manila is a large diplomatic mission delivering a dynamic and rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK’s objectives on prosperity, security and consular matters. The Embassy is a modern, diverse and inclusive employer where everyone contributes to the Embassy’s WORC Values of Wellbeing, Opportunity, Respect and Collaboration.

Main purpose of job:

This is an engaging and rewarding role helping to enhance the profile of the UK and communicate the British Embassy’s priorities through creative, high-impact digital communications and campaigning approaches.

The Digital Diplomacy Officer must have a strong digital background, design skills and relevant work experience. They will have an active understanding of digital media platforms and approaches, as well as Philippines and global current affairs. 

The Digital Diplomacy Officer is part of a dynamic and fast-paced Public Diplomacy Team, working regularly with the Ambassador, Deputy Ambassador and senior diplomats across the Embassy. The candidate will enjoy being in a high-profile environment with opportunity to work with senior politicians, influencers, journalists, activists, and figures across public life. There is some (paid) out of hours work required.

Working in an Embassy is unique in its exposure and opportunity, and being part of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office’s global network brings great learning and development opportunities and rare insights into diplomatic communications, geopolitical issues and the strong partnership between the Philippines and the United Kingdom.

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

This role would suit someone who is highly digitally aware, creative and interested in understanding the role of digital media in politics and public communications campaigns. The role holder will be a central to all parts Embassy’s work, with genuine scope to be involved in shaping and delivering our messages and amplifying UK policy objectives.

• Manage the British Embassy’s digital platforms; maintain a high editorial quality content and digital output, managing competing demands and priorities.
• Produce high quality, engaging digital content to be used across social media and other digital channels. This includes: video / imagery; event photography; social media content; (info)graphic design; digital asset management; writing and editing.
• Maintain social media content calendars; and provide social media reporting and analysis, and evaluation of digital campaigns.
• Work pro-actively across all embassy teams to help plan and implement innovative Embassy digital campaigns and communication plans; provide advice to support the development of digital messaging, including drafting and editing copy.
• Identify digital engagement opportunities for the Ambassador, diplomats and representatives of the British Embassy to enhance the UK’s reputation and outreach.
• Identify innovative approaches, exploring new techniques and networks to ensure that the British Embassy is maximising its outreach and impact.
• Monitor social media channels in order to: identify priority and emerging issues for the UK government; spot digital trends; and identify and explore new digital opportunities in the Philippines and in the region to reach existing and new audiences and to shape conversations.
• Be part of the Embassy crisis preparation team, undergoing learning and practice of how to conduct embassy communications, in particular digital communications, in a crisis situation (e.g. a political situation, or an event such as a natural disaster that impacts a lot of British nationals).
• Manage Embassy communications received to UK in Philippines on digital channels, eg Facebook, and emails, responding in a professional style in coordination with relevant teams.
• Be an active part of the Public Diplomacy team by contributing to their wider work, e.g. helping on events, campaigns and visits, deputising for other members of the team, and working on internal comms and corporate objectives.

This is an excellent opportunity for a creative individual with a background in digital communications. 

You might not necessarily have worked in an embassy or foreign policy environment to succeed in this role.

• Strong, proven digital media management skills. Experience in digital content creation, content management, graphic design, copy writing, social community management, social listening, and web editing.
• Adept in digital photography, videography, and video editing. Able to produce video concepts, storyboards, and executions for digital campaigns.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills in both English and Filipino.
• Understanding of how to create appropriate content and maintain a tone of voice when publishing on behalf of a high profile organisation, including awareness of language, sensitivities and wider considerations.
• Understanding of the latest digital trends and strong practical knowledge of using digital tools.
• Ability to write digital editorial content, plan and implement digital campaigns and forward calendars of digital content; prepare social media analytics and evaluation reports.
• Be proactive. Ability to take ownership of campaigns and deliver results without close supervision.
• Highly organised, with an eye for detail. Ability to work effectively and efficiently with colleagues to meet tight deadlines, prioritising workloads as required.
• Confidence to speak with senior members of the Embassy, FCDO and others; to put forward ideas and advice.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (or equivalent) and Social Media tools.
• Working knowledge of MS Office.