Communications Officer EO - (03/24 CPT) at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Roles and responsibilities:

• Build relationships with local journalists, organisations, influencers
• Capture high quality photos and video footage at events for social media channels
• Support posting on social media channels when needed
• Collect case studies of our projects, conducting interviews with partners and capturing content to turn into powerful stories for media interest and digital channels
• Draft and issue press releases to media
• Liaise with media contacts to secure coverage
• Identify top relevant stories of the day and produce the daily media digest
• Monitor social media for breaking news and relevant stories, coverage, keeping colleagues around the British High Commission informed with relevant news
• Engage with colleagues across the High Commission to help them translate policy into powerful communication products
• Pull together evaluation reports of media coverage secured

Essential qualifications, skills and experience 1 

• Media Journalism / Communications experience
• Excellent writing skills in English; ability to draft accurate and engaging content for social media with impeccable attention to detail to ensure editorial accuracy
• Positive, can-do attitude with a proactive approach to work – taking the initiative to engage with teams around the High Commission and offer creative ideas and comms support
• Have a keen eye for news and understanding of the South African media landscape
• Ability to produce and deliver communication strategies from concept to execution, and evaluation
• Good understanding of current trends, audiences and channels
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills to respond effectively to tight deadlines and changing priorities
• The ability to learn quickly and work with a high degree of autonomy, while working effectively as a team player. A great team worker and proactive problem solver who can work well under pressure and to short deadlines

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 1 

• Photography/videography; social media production, graphic design skills
• Experience in social media monitoring and evaluation tools