Communications Adviser - Communications and Public Affairs Division

Reference: 130400467
Location: London, UK
Closing Date: 3 Jun 2013

Job summary

The Communications Adviser supports CPAD’s management in shaping and developing dynamic communications to help the division to raise the public profile of the Commonwealth. S/he will assist in implementing the Commonwealth Secretariat’s strategic communications strategy by advising on and executing communications activities in support of the Secretariat’s Strategic Plan. The Communications Adviser also monitors international developments in so far as they affect the Commonwealth, and recommends appropriate interventions.

This role additionally requires the post holder to support the division’s editorial outputs, notably the writing and contributing to key communications materials. Demonstrable experience in this area is essential.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Providing strategic communications advice on any of CPAD’s outputs to raise the profile of the Commonwealth.
Managing communications for one or more of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s thematic work areas. In this role, s/he advises programme divisions on media strategy and takes the lead in framing the communications and profile of the assigned area.
Providing advice on media strategy and engagement ahead of and during official visits by the Commonwealth Secretary-General to member countries. The officer may also be called upon to accompany the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General or Directors on official missions with the aim of providing on-the-ground communications support.
Collating and re-writing technical and official documents in a media-friendly and informative manner.
Developing and maintaining contact with key journalists on Commonwealth matters.
Coordinating and supervising press conferences, media briefings and interviews.
Drafting statements and other materials to ensure that Commonwealth values are conveyed consistently and coherently.
Writing and editing press releases, briefing papers and occasionally, speeches.
Contributing to the content of the Commonwealth Secretariat website by providing text, photographs, and audio-visual material.
Identifying and facilitating key media slots for senior management and directors to articulate Commonwealth messages.
Working as part of a team to identify publicity and news angles for the Commonwealth Secretariat programmes and projects.
Any other duties that may be assigned by the CPAD Director or Deputy Director.

Qualifications and Work Experience

Education

A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in communications, journalism media studies, international
affairs or any other appropriate field.

Desirable:

Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in journalism or other relevant areas or at least 10
years of relevant work experience.

Experience

At least 10 years of experience as a communications/ media adviser or campaigner with a major
global institution or alternatively as a reporter or correspondent in a media organisation.
Competency in audio-visual or print journalism.

Desirable:

Experience in covering political, parliamentary, social or economic issues; appreciation and
knowledge of international and or diplomatic issues; experience as a press officer or involvement
in news management; event management.

About the Communications and Public Affairs Division

The Communications and Public Affairs Division (CPAD) is primarily responsible for raising the public profile of the Commonwealth in line with the Secretariat’s Strategic Plan. Our principle audiences are member governments, accredited Commonwealth organisations, partner organisations, civil society groups, young people, and the general public. The Communications and Public Affairs Division does this mainly through strategic communications, including proactive media outreach and a range of public relations activities.