Job Description

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience segment and the behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Main purpose of job:

To use the full range of public diplomacy tools to show the United Kingdom as an advanced modern economy, a vibrant democracy, and a close and committed partner of India in a revitalised and dynamic relationship that delivers benefits for both countries and is a global force for good. To support the Head of Press and Communications, Kolkata in designing and delivering high quality public diplomacy programmes in East and Northeast India. To lead our operational public diplomacy effort in Odisha and East India outside West Bengal, including online and offline communications and activities supporting trade, investment and prosperity, science and technology, health, climate, and people-to-people ties.

To support development and delivery of visit programmes for Members of the Royal Family, UK Government Ministers and senior officials where required.

To be part of a supportive and collaborative network in support of United Kingdom interests and the UK/India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2030 Roadmap) working closely with colleagues from across the United Kingdom Government.

Roles and responsibilities:

The key deliverables for this role are:

Public Diplomacy (60%):

• You will support colleagues from across the United Kingdom Government to develop and implement strategic communications in support of key campaigns in East and Northeast India. You will help develop key messages and social media strategy. You will work with the Communications Team in New Delhi to develop content and marketing material for priority campaigns.
• You will lead our operational public diplomacy effort in Odisha and East India outside West Bengal.
• You will deliver a wide range of comms activity, from event management to development of marketing materials and social media management. You will work closely with the British High Commission Communications Team in New Delhi.
• You will be adept at handling press and media, developing friendly relations with senior journalists and editors, particularly in Odisha and East India.
• You will work with the Head of Press and Communications to prepare Press Releases for dissemination to external audiences.
• You will develop/use your skills in photography when required.

Developing a strategic approach (10%):

• You will also analyse existing and potential communication channels (such as Twitter, LinkedIn) and provide advice on how and if they should be utilised in order to meet campaign objectives.
• You will identify opportunities to collaborate with partners (including Department for Business & Trade, British Council, Visit Britain, Welsh Government, Global Wales, UK Visas and Immigration, UK Research and Innovation) and external partners (including Government of India, State Governments, Chambers of Commerce, Sports Authorities, NGOs and Media) to deliver coordinated comms campaigns.
• You will support the Head of Press and Communications to evaluate impact in order to inform future comms plans.

GREAT Campaign (10%):

• You will support the team to identify opportunities for the UK\'s GREAT campaign, particularly in Odisha and the East India market. The GREAT campaign showcases the very best of what the UK has to offer in order to encourage people to visit, study in and do business with the UK.
• You will ensure comms activities are in line with GREAT marketing guidelines and promote the campaign through online and offline methods.

Supporting Visits by Senior UK representatives (10%):

• You will support the development of visit itineraries with clear objectives;
• You will coordinate visit programmes, hotel reservations and transport bookings. You will liaise with host government departments and other external organisations;
• You will ensure visits are delivered in accordance with any prevailing public health restrictions;
• You will liaise with the British High Commission political team with regard to VIP visits e.g. securing clearances for weapons and security staff and use of airport VIP facilities.

Internal Communications (10%):

• As the Internal Comms Champion, you will update the foreword look calendar on a weekly basis with input from each team. As the calendar is shared with partners and key departments in BHC, you will follow up on questions asked and respond promptly.
• In addition, you are required to submit short summaries of key external and internal events that have taken place each week to the Internal Comms team in Delhi for the weekly internal bulletin.

Language requirements:

Language: English is essential while Odia/Bengali/Hindi would be an advantage.

Level of language required: Proficient

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Essential on arrival:

• 3-5 years of relevant work experience.
• Demonstrable relevant professional experience with track record of successful delivery in communications disciplines including marketing, PR, events and digital.
• Three years of experience in handling media relations with the press and electronic media in East or Northeast India. A creative, can-do approach, combined with high standards for delivery and meeting deadlines.
• Strong team work and collaborative skills, including confidence in suggesting new ideas and challenging senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written communication skills in English, including demonstrable ability to write copy for traditional media and social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Ability to travel within East & Northeast India and occasionally further afield as required.

Desirable on arrival:

• University Degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, Public Relations
• Proficiency in photography and videography. Basic knowledge of video editing on Adobe Premiere Pro or FCP or Filmora 11 software would be an advantage.

Required behaviours

Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together

Application deadline Application deadline - day Application deadline - month Application deadline - year

3 May 2023

Grade

Executive Officer (EO)

Type of Position

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week

40

Region

South Asia & Afghanistan

Country/Territory

India

Location (City)

Kolkata

Type of Post

British Deputy High Commission

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

INR

Salary

INR 68,508 per month plus 12% Provident Fund and 6% Special Allowance/Superannuation Fund

Start Date Start Date - day Start Date - month Start Date - year

1 June 2023

Other benefits and conditions of employment

For British High Commission candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.

For other than BHC Candidates, salary will be all-inclusive of INR 68,508 per month together with a 12% Provident Fund and 6% Special Allowance/Superannuation Fund.

Additionally, the BHC offers a great benefits package that includes annual domiciliary medical cover, plus a Group Hospitalisation Scheme with INR 500,000 floater cover for your immediate family.

No relocation or any other related costs or assistance will be provided.

Please note - BHC does not deduct tax at source and employees are required to ensure that any requirements of local income-tax law are complied with in full. Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg. some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance.

Around half of our work forces are women. We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.

This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCDO has anywhere across the globe. We are aiming to make it the best.

Additional information

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience segment and the behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

To Apply:

Please note applications without (a) and (b) will not be considered. * Complete the Online Application Form

• Complete the Experience, Professional Skills and Behaviour based Segments in the Online Application Form

Internal candidates applying for this position need to upload their appraisal forms for the previous 2 years (if applicable) and also inform their current line managers, else the applications will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications by 03rd May 2023 (latest by 23:55 hours IST).

Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines for British High Commission.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.

Please note - Provident Fund Transfer in and out from EPFO is not possible as BHC PF is managed by a private PF trust governed by Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. The staff still has the option to transfer out and in from a privately held PF trust which are not governed by EPFO.

Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a \'reserve list\'. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references, medical, educational and professional.

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

HM Government