Public Affairs Adviser to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Secretary-General's Office
Reference: 110800347
Location: London, UK
Closing Date: 7 Oct 2011
General Information
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, as the Chief Executive of the Commonwealth Secretariat, is primarily responsible for its executive direction and management. Furthermore, as an eminent public figure, he needs to interact regularly and widely with a large number of constituencies. These include primarily governments, other inter-governmental organisations, civil society groups and the media, apart from specific groups such as youth, women, business etc. In addition to the support received from line divisions, the Secretary-General must therefore, rely on the availability of expert advice and assistance in his own executive office to help him carry out such duties.
Job summary
The role of the Public Affairs Adviser is to formulate and implement media strategies and to form strategic partnerships externally with a view to providing appropriate media exposure to the work of the Secretary-General and the Secretariat. In addition, the Public Affairs Adviser writes speeches and public statements for the Secretary-General, drafts written contributions to publications and print media, and advises the Secretary-General on media matters and public relations strategies in close consultation with the Communications and Public Affairs Division (CPAD).
The Public Affairs Adviser also handles the areas covered by the Social Transformation (STPD) and Youth (YAD) divisions, civil society and the Commonwealth Foundation.
Task description
The post-holder will be responsible for the following:
1. Draft and produce all manner of written material for the Secretary-
General in order to ensure that a consistent, coherent professional image is portrayed of the Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Secretariat through:
· Drafting the Secretary-General’s speeches and/or obtaining and editing draft speeches prepared by line divisions in a manner which reflects the content and style desired by the Secretary-General.
· Drafting the Secretary-General’s periodic newsletters to staff
· Drafting replies/responding to correspondence addressed to the Secretary-General of a general public relations nature
· In collaboration with CPAD, drafting messages, articles, and press releases for the Secretary-General
· Helping to place speeches and articles in the print media.
2. Monitor and respond to all external media coverage of the Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Secretariat in general, in order to ensure that the image of the Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Secretariat is depicted positively around the world by:
· Monitoring daily coverage in print and electronic media, both in UK and elsewhere in the Commonwealth, for the Secretary-General’s attention.
· Advising and assisting the Secretary-General on media opportunities and strategy.
· Advising on what speaking engagements and interviews the Secretary-General should accept
· Advising on the content of the messages which should be developed and put forward.
· Advising on the appropriate line to be taken by the Secretary-General in the media in response to international developments and announcements.
· Analysing the implications of media interventions on sensitive political issues, taking into consideration the media, diplomatic and political impact.
· Co-ordinating the arrangements, including the agenda, for the weekly media issues meeting.
3. Devise, in consultation with the Communications & Public Affairs Division, media and public relations strategies and policies in respect of the work related especially to the Secretary-General and the Commonwealth Secretariat in general by:
· Arranging or responding to requests for media interviews with the Secretary-General in London and overseas.
· Preparing briefings and talking points for the Secretary-General in preparation for interviews.
· Generating greater media and public interest for the work of the organisation by developing new and original messages, media lines and “sound bites”.
· Helping to create greater awareness of the organisation among policy makers, opinion formers and the public in general.
· Helping to enhance the profile of the Commonwealth, ensuring that the work and achievements of the association are reflected in a positive light in the media.
4. Operate as the point of contact in the OSG for activities in the fields of education, health, youth, sport and civil society.
5. Assist with the planning and organisation of public events hosted by the Secretary-General (e.g. Commonwealth Day Reception)
6. Attend meetings with the Secretary-General from time to time and prepare minutes as required.
7. Perform any other duties as may be required from time to time.
>> Apply online
Post a Comment