IL - Communications Officer (EO)

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) 1

The British Embassy in Israel is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and has an exciting opportunity for a Communications Officer.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, creative and highly motivated individual to play a key role in delivering the Embassy’s communications strategy and wider objectives. Reporting to the Senior Communications Officer, the successful candidate will be expected to secure wide-ranging press coverage for the Embassy, with a focus on trade, science and technology.

The jobholder will be responsible for implementing a series of prosperity focused campaigns and events. They will be a creative, independent worker with substantial experience of delivering wider strategic objectives in an innovative way.

As well as implementing the Embassy’s communication strategy and prosperity agenda, the successful candidate will be required to regularly liaise with the Israeli and international media on a wide range of issues relating to UK Government policy.

Duties and responsibilities:

Build and strengthen the Embassy’s prosperity brand and image to local audiences, showcasing the UK as a leader in science, trade, innovation and technology, while working with teams across the Embassy, at pace
Use their strategic insight and expertise to oversee and inform the implementation of the Embassy’s prosperity communications strategy
Secure high-profile coverage and public exposure of Embassy activities, official visits and events
Arrange interviews and identify speaking opportunities for Embassy and other British officials
Draft and issue press releases and statements on UK policies and Embassy activities
Draft op-eds, messages and speeches for the Ambassador
Play an active role in managing the Embassy’s digital presence, including the website and social media channels
Additional tasks as required, including monitoring the Israeli media and writing regular press roundups; swift and accurate translation from Hebrew to English and English to Hebrew.
Line manage a Communications Officer.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis affecting UK Citizens.

Key behaviours required:

Delivering at Pace - Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
Making Effective Decisions - Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
Seeing the Big Picture - Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
Working Together - Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience 1
At least four years of relevant communications experience, including wide-ranging experience of media relations
Demonstrable experience of securing media coverage within sectors such as trade, science and technology
Excellent ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Motivation and enthusiasm to work as part of a small, agile, ambitious team, as well as having the drive and self-sufficiency to work independently
Knowledge of and contacts in the Israeli press
Creativity, flexibility and excellent communications skills
Proven organisational and administrative skills
Excellent IT skills, including the ability to quickly learn new programmes
Fluency in English and Hebrew (excellent reading, writing and speaking).
Experience using social media professionally (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn).
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 1
Experience in writing speeches and Op-Eds
Proficiency in graphic design platforms and programmes
Experience with website management/design or marketing
Familiarity with the UK media based in Israel and Jewish media in the UK
An overview of UK-Israel relations and awareness of the role of the British Embassy in delivering UK objectives
Required behaviours 1
Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Working Together
Application deadline 1
13 March 2024
Grade 1
Executive Officer (EO)
Type of Position 1
Full-time, Permanent
Working hours per week 1
37.5
Region 1
Middle East & North Africa
Country/Territory 1
Israel
Location (City) 1
Tel Aviv
Type of Post 1
British Embassy
Number of vacancies 1
1
Salary Currency 1
ILS
Salary 1
14,000
Start Date 1
1 May 2024
Other benefits and conditions of employment 1

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as you:

Receive the appropriate level of security clearance; and
Are able to work legally in Israel.

Working hours and remuneration:

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, including a non-negotiable salary of ILS 14,000 per month plus transport allowance and social benefits: Pension employer contribution 7.5% and Keren Hishtalmut employer contribution 7.5%.

No accommodation nor relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. Parking facilities are not provided nor paid for by the Embassy.

This position is for a full-time employment, on a permanent contract, subject to a 4-month probationary period.

Working hours is 37.5 per week. Core working hours for the role are Monday to Thursday 8:00-16:00 and Friday 8:00-13:30. The British Embassy operates flexible working hours that enable some variation in daily start and finish times and these can be agreed with the line manager. For this role, flexibility will be required including evening events and some local travel. The role is suitable for a hybrid working pattern, with a minimum of two days per week being worked in the office.

Any flexible working patterns may be considered based on operational requirements and agreement with the line manager, and in line with FCDO and Embassy policies.

The Embassy is committed to providing a wide range of learning and development (L&D) opportunities. The Embassy invests in staff’s development with a variety of learning and development opportunities. These include regular personal and professional development opportunities available at the Embassy, including through informal events on various subjects relating to the Embassy’s work, mentoring and more formal training. This compliments the extensive professional and personal development opportunities offered by the FCDO’s International Academy and Civil Service Learning.

Additional information 1

How to apply:

Interested candidates must include 1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) 2) motivation essay, in the relevant sections of the online application form, stating how you meet the requirements of the role; and 3) examples, in the relevant sections of the online application form, of how you meet the key behaviours and skills required.

Applications that do not include this information will not be considered.

Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 13 March 2024.

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

Process:

The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around two-three months. The security clearance process includes checks available in country and with UK, dependant on the security level required for the role and the candidates profile and UK footprint. You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign, and we are working hard to minimise any disruption.

Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful at interview may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of six (6) months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local labour law.

The British Embassy Tel Aviv is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

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.