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Deputy Director - Communications and Public Affairs Division

Reference: 120700412
Location: London, UK
Closing Date: 7 Sep 2012

Job summary

The Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs Division (CPAD) assists the Director to formulate, develop and implement media, public relations and information strategies for the Commonwealth Secretariat. S/he also assists the Director in managing the division.

The post-holder:

  • Manages and co-ordinates the activities of the staff of the Communication and Public Affairs Division, and takes responsibility for budgetary control under the oversight of the Director.
  • Oversees the online activities and staff working on the Commonwealth Secretariat website and intranet.
  • Supports the CPAD Director in the latter’s role as official Spokesperson for the Secretariat by acting as a daily point of contact for the media, at official meetings and gatherings, and with regard to the launch of publications and other documents.
  • Supports the Office of the Secretary-General on all media related activities, including the production or checking of media advisories, press releases or public statements, as well as the drafting or checking of speeches on occasion.
  • Supervises the distribution of media advisories, press releases, statements and speeches of the Secretary-General, ensuring wide coverage across the Commonwealth.
  • Attends internal and external meetings to ensure familiarisation with work programmes and development and to provide advice on presentation and publication.
  • Seeks additional resources for CPAD from sponsors and donors.
  • Administers the Commonwealth Media Development Fund. This involves selecting and funding projects to strengthen the media throughout the Commonwealth.
  • Oversees all publishing activities of CPAD, and the commissioning of freelance writers and journalists.
  • Leads and facilitates planning, allocates divisional Secretariat funding and human resources to ensure that the Secretariat’s information, media and public relations plans are delivered.
  • Performs any other duties as may be required.

Qualifications and Work Experience

To succeed in this role, you will need:

  • An advanced degree in International Affairs, Politics, Media or related field
  • Extensive experience gained over many years, including:
  • A minimum of 10 years at a senior management level
  • Strong managerial skills
  • Knowledge or access to policy-making in the international context
  • Knowledge of the international press and media environment
  • A good grasp of branding and marketing

Desirable:

  • The successful candidate should be an internationally acknowledged media expert with experience as an international correspondent or senior management role in a government communications department.
  • Web 2.0/social media knowledge.

About the Communications and Public Affairs Division

As the principal intergovernmental organisation of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Secretariat implements the collective decisions of its 53 member governments. The Communications and Public Affairs Division (CPAD) is responsible for projecting the image of the Commonwealth (and the Commonwealth Secretariat), its values and activities to member governments, the media, specialist groups, young people, and to the general public. It does this mainly through various media, public relations and information dissemination activities.

Further Information

How to apply

Full Job Description for Deputy Director - Communications and Public Affairs Division