Head of Press and Public Affairs - British Embassy Paris

British Embassy Paris

Paris, France

The British Embassy in Paris is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for one full time Head of Press and Public Affairs to lead the British government’s strategic communications work in France.

Based in Paris, the job holder will support delivery of policy and service delivery objectives for teams across France – we have consular and trade operations that also include officers in Bordeaux, Marseilles and Lyon.

The jobholder will be able to prioritise between different policy and delivery areas and mobilise staff across different sections on strategic communications projects, and influence and report to the Ambassador and France Network Management Board on these issues. This will require oversight of communications planning and use of sound management skills, engaging with Press Office and Strategic Communications leads in London HQ and internal clients to ensure expectations are managed and strong impact is delivered.

Possessing an active understanding of our policy/service priorities and a strong ability to influence externally, the Team Leader will also need to provide strategic media advice to the Ambassador and the France Network Board of Management and function as an effective Embassy spokesperson and provide a robust and reliable contact for senior/key journalists.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• To provide overall leadership and motivation to a team of three that aspires to deliver a best in-class service on media/press management and digital communications and on guiding the Embassy to make the most of strategic communications opportunities;
• To lead the Network’s work on strategic communications, and engage and influence Network colleagues to ensure delivery of key UK policy and service delivery objectives;
• To provide wider insight and advice on handling French and UK media given UK priorities and potential sensitivities;
• To lead on media planning, including on high-profile visits and events, and to work collaboratively with Network colleagues to make the most of sponsorship and other outward-facing activities;
• To participate actively in the France Network’s corporate leadership;
• To manage relationships with key stakeholders in FCO and across the French and UK media.

Required Experience & Skills

• Experience and/or understanding of the public sector communications context and the challenges inherent in delivering effective communications externally;
• A clear understanding of how best to deliver policy objective through the effective use of strategic communications;
• Credibility, poise under pressure, and an excellent command (both oral and written) of both English and French;
• Experience/understanding of the UK and French media context. An existing network would be an advantage.

Candidates will also need to demonstrate that they have the following competencies, as defined by the Civil Service Competency Framework (Band C):

Seeing the Big Picture; Changing and Improving; Leading and Communicating; Collaborating and Partnering.

Candidates may wish to refer to this framework at the following link: http://resources.civilservice.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Civil-Service-Competency-Framework-Feb2013.pdf. Please note the core competencies for this grade are at level C5.

Terms and Conditions

The salary range for this position is between €4,250 and €5,417 gross/monthly, C5 level. This is a CDI (permanent) contract for 5 working days (35 hours net) per week.

All appointments are subject to professional background check satisfactory security clearance. The successful applicant will be required to provide a copy of his/her passport or national identity card for all nationalities held, an up-to-date criminal record (casier judiciaire) for recent countries of residence (which can be obtained online atwww.justice.gouv.fr/cjn/), two written proofs of address (utility invoices and/or bank statements) and two references.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in France are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local French employment law and FCO guidance for Local Staff. The posts we offer are not an entry point into the UK’s Diplomatic Service.

Applications

Applications should be clearly marked with the job title and also comprise: a covering letter providing ONE example for each of the required competencies listed above, using no more than 200 words per competence, an up to-date CV (max 3 pages) and the names and contact details of two referees.

Applications should be sent to jobapplications.fra@fco.gov.uk and the email subject line must be formatted as follows: FRA77.

The closing date for applications is 23rd April 2015.

Your application will only be considered if you follow the guidance below:

• Do not attach a photograph of yourself to the application;
• Your application must be sent in English only;
• Do not send any supporting documentation other than those items specifically requested above;
• Send your application by e-mail or by hard copy, not both;
• If you send your application by e-mail, the covering letter, references and CV must be combined into one attached file in .pdf or .doc format;
• If you send your application by e-mail, the attached file must be no larger than 300kb;
• Your CV must clearly indicate all nationalities you hold.

(Applicants who are not citizens of an EU country will have to provide proof of their legal right to reside and work in France).

Please note that, because of the volume of applications we receive, we will only contact candidates selected for interview. If you do not hear from us you should assume that your application has not been successful.

Please be advised that the Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job. British Diplomatic Missions are equal opportunities employers, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.