The British Embassy in Tripoli invites applications for the position of Communications Officer, Grade B3 (L).

The UK has a small permanent diplomatic presence in Tripoli and a wider team, co-located with the British Embassy Tunis, known as Libya Office Tunis. The British Embassy Tripoli remains officially closed, though the UK continues to maintain full diplomatic relations with Libya. Her Majesty’s Ambassador (HMA) to Libya and the Embassy’s Senior Management Team (SMT) oversee staff, operations and activities; we work as one team to deliver UK objectives in Libya.

We are seeking a motivated, flexible, and professional individual who can apply their established Libya knowledge to support the successful delivery of the UK’s Libya policy. The position provides an excellent opportunity for professional development, working closely with UK and Libyan experts. Sitting in the Embassy’s Political Team, you will have regular contact with the Ambassador, as well as a broad range of colleagues in Tunis, Tripoli, and Benghazi.

Main purpose of the job:

This role is at the heart of the British Embassy Tripoli, working on a wide variety of issues, from building links with media influencers to supporting Embassy communications during crises. Our overarching goal is to enhance the UK’s reputation in Libya and encourage closer cooperation between our two countries.  The jobholder will need to work closely with wider Embassy colleagues to develop engaging content and provide advice on handling Libyan media.

Reporting to the Political and Press Secretary in the Political section, the jobholder will also be expected to provide assistance on political issues during particularly busy periods. The role is responsible for all external messaging and campaigns for the Embassy.

In return, we offer a competitive salary, a supportive work environment, a variety of learning & development opportunities and the opportunity to inform international policy decision making.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Communicate the UK’s objectives and messages in the Libyan media, advising the Ambassador and other Officers on interactions with the media including: organising interviews, background briefings, press conferences, and other media opportunities.
• Own and enhance the Embassy’s social media presence through regular updates and the creation of relevant, interesting, and targeted content, as well as evaluating the success of outputs.
• Develop a network of media contacts, in person and through senior Embassy staff and visiting VIPs, in support of delivery of communications campaigns
• Provide media handling and logistical support for media engagements and public-facing events as required.
• Monitor the media daily and produce the Embassy’s daily press and media review.
• Lead the running and promotion of the Chevening scholarship programme, the UK’s flagship scholarship.
• Contribute to wider Embassy corporate life and making British Embassy Tripoli a great place to work, such as participation in activities and committees to benefit the wider team.
• Provide support to the wider Political Team as required. 

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required.

Key competencies required:

• Delivering at Pace – Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. It’s about working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
• Collaborating and Partnering – People skilled in this area create and maintain positive, professional and trusting working relationships with a wide range of people within and outside the Civil Service to help get business done.
• Leading and Communicating – Showing our pride and passion for public service, leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction, integrity and enthusiasm. Engaging with people in a straightforward, truthful and candid way, and upholding the reputation of the organisation.
• Seeing the Big Picture – Having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs. For all staff, it is about focusing your contribution on the activities, which will meet Civil Service goals and deliver the greatest value.

• Fluency in English and Arabic. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication and confidence in interpretation and translation.
• Experience of strategic communications and using traditional, digital, and social media tools to develop effective public-facing campaigns.
• Content creation for social media, ideally including some photo/ video shooting and editing skills
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of Libya’s political and media landscape.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently.
• Proven ability to prioritise, handle multiple tasks and respond quickly to changing circumstances.
• Strong networking and influencing skills, ability to liaise with stakeholders at all levels
• IT literacy, including MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook).