Recruitment at British High Commission

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. We are recruiting to fill the vacant position below:   Job Title: Press and Public Affairs Officer Ref No:  15/17 LOS Location: Lagos Grade: B3 (L) Type of Position: Fixed Term Duration of Post: 24 months Job Category: Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Policy & Political roles) Job Subcategory: Communications, Press and Media Main Purpose of Job

• This is an exciting role in a part of Africa that has received renewed UK and Ministerial attention since the election in 2015 of President Buhari.
• The role is based in Lagos, contributing to the larger communications team based in Abuja.
• Reporting to the Head of Communications in Abuja, the successful candidate will work within the Communications Team as the Lagos based Press and Public Affairs Officer.
• The main objectives are  to deliver and implement a range of communications tasks to support and project the objectives of HMG in Nigeria. Duties will include, but will not be limited to, designing text and audio-visual material for use on the BHC media channels, and working with a broad range of media stakeholders to deliver HMG messages.
• The successful candidate will also provide tailored communications planning support to HMG departments working on the BHC platform.

• Work with Lagos based HMG departments, including British Council, DFID, DIT UKVI to establish and implement appropriate campaign plans ensuring cross HMG communication is coordinated both within Lagos and across the network
• Monitor digital, print and broadcast media for issues of interest to the UK mission in Nigeria
• Effectively manage media relationships acting as the first point of contact for interviews and media requests including drafting news releases and press lines
• Provide media support to the Deputy British High Commissioner and British High Commissioner on visits to Lagos and the South West.
• Create graphics to communicate messages that inspire, inform and engage audiences on the BHC digital channels.
• Photograph and record  BDHC and other HMG departments’ activities as required

• Thorough knowledge of social media, including the ability design strategy and analyse usage in order to shape BHC engagement and to focus campaigns
• Appropriate work experience in a media, marketing, advertising or public relations role
• Excellent analytical, writing, communication and presentation skills
• 3 to 5 years experience work experience in a media, advertising, marketing or public relations role
• Familiarity with messaging for digital diplomacy
• Strong collaborative skills including professional and confident communication with external stakeholders and team members
• Ability to maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders

• Evidence of maintaining effective professional networks of contacts
• Evidence of designing and delivering communications plans
• The ability to work as part of a busy, creative team, as well as willingness to provide support to team members when needs be
• Familiarity with messaging for digital diplomacy
• Resilience, flexibility and ability to deliver quality under pressure and strict timelines
• Project or event management/experience

• Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service

• Modern slavery / Human Trafficking is a global phenomenon. The Walk Free Foundation’s Global Slavery Index 2016 estimates there are 45.8 million people in modern slavery globally. In Nigeria, the Global Slavery Index reports that there are 875,500 people living in slavery and trafficked for domestic servitude, forced marriage, sexual exploitation and other purposes. The National Crime Agency’s National Referral Mechanism identified 243 potential Nigerian victims in 2016, making it the fourth most common country of origin of potential victims of trafficking in the UK.
• Tackling modern slavery and trafficking of people is a foreign policy priority for the UK, with the Prime Minister describing it as the “great human rights issue of our time”. The Modern Slavery Fund, managed by the Home Office’s Modern Slavery Unit, seeks to reduce the flow of persons trafficked to the UK.  Since Nigeria is one of the key source countries, in September 2016 the Prime Minister announced that the UK will spend at least £5m in Nigeria to tackle this problem.
• This purpose of this job will manage the Home Office’s modern slavery programme in Nigeria. This programme runs to 2020/21 and has five component parts.  The role of the successful applicant will be to lead on the design and implementation of the following:
• A victim support package to facilitate reintegration of victims of modern slavery / human trafficking and prevent re-trafficking;
• Law enforcement investigation and prosecutions capacity building;
• Law enforcement strategic communications capacity building;
• A package to strengthen the judicial system;
• Monitoring and evaluation provided by an independent organisation.
• The successful applicant will work closely with the delivery partners to ensure that the programme meets its objective of strengthening Nigeria’s response to modern slavery / human trafficking.
• The post holder will lead on programme management, oversight and coordinating this work with HMG and external partners.

• Lead programme management of the Home Office’s Nigeria modern slavery programme. Lead on reporting, oversight and coordination with other HMG work in Nigeria, including by DFID, the National Crime Agency and Immigration Enforcement International, to ensure a coherent programme.
• Work with the programme’s monitoring and evaluation provider to develop and maintain the programme’s results framework.
• Conduct monthly review meetings with delivery partners to review progress on the programme.
• Ensure due diligence measures are put in place which are appropriate, robust and proportionate. This includes an inspections regime for the victim support package.
• Provide Modern Slavery Unit and relevant British High Commission Abuja colleagues with quarterly progress reports, including:
  • Collating and quality assuring data submitted by delivery partners;
  • Ensuring project deliverables are meeting requirements and providing value for money;
  • Verification visits to assess progress on specific activities;
  • Gathering additional information from wider stakeholders to inform reports;
  • Highlighting risks and possible mitigating actions.
• Support the Modern Slavery Unit and independent monitoring and evaluation provider to conduct annual reviews of the programme to required standards.
• Coordinate and represent the programme at the Local Strategy Board.
• Support delivery partners to overcome obstacles to implementation, managing risks and escalating to the Local Strategy Board and Modern Slavery Unit where appropriate.
• Coordinate programme work with internal and external stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration and avoiding duplication.
• Work with other government departments to develop effective donor coordination on modern slavery / human trafficking issues.
• Be the main contact point between Modern Slavery Unit and delivery partners.
• Identify opportunities and promote programme work with internal and external partners, including across HMG and with local Nigerian partners and international donors.

• Programme management experience;
• AGILE or PRINCE2 programme or project management qualification

• Experience working with Nigerian state authorities and NGOs;
• Knowledge of the political and social context in Nigeria;
• Experience of government programming;
• Experience of working with a range of HMG partners and international donors.
• Experience in setting up a programme of work from scratch including monitoring and evaluation techniques

• Seeing the Big Picture, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering Value for Money, Delivering at Pace

• Employees recruited locally by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Nigeria.
• All applicants must be legally able to work in the country of application with the correct visa/status or work permit.
• Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
• Reference and security clearances checks will be conducted.
• Any questions you may have about this position will be answered during the interview, should you be invited.
• Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework
• Successful candidates not resident in Country will be personally liable for costs and arrangements to relocate, including accommodation and work permits.
• Complete the application form in full as the information provided will be used for screening purposes.
• Check your application and attachments before you submit your application, as you will not be able to make any changes once submitted.
• The British Deputy High Commissionill never ask you to pay a fee or money to apply for a position.