Head of Communications & Public Affairs (CZE26-016617)

Job offer

We only accept applications submitted through our internal system. Please apply here: https://fco.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/brand-2/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/4/pl/1/opp/27440-Head-of-Communications-Public-Affairs-British-Embassy-Prague-CZE26-016617/en-GB

Who We Are

The British Embassy Prague is part of a world-wide network representing British interests overseas while maintaining the relationship between the United Kingdom and the Czech Republic and is now looking for a Head of Communications & Public Affairs.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Head of Communications & Public Affairs leads the Embassy's communications, media engagement and public diplomacy work, helping to advance UK interests and build understanding of UK priorities among Czech audiences.

The successful candidate will lead a high-performing communications team and serve as the Embassy's senior communications adviser. They will work closely with the Ambassador and senior leadership team to develop and deliver creative and impactful communications campaigns, manage media relations, oversee digital communications and strengthen the Embassy's reputation and influence across the Czech Republic.

This is a dynamic and high-profile role at the heart of UK-Czech relations, offering the opportunity to shape public engagement on foreign policy, security, economic growth, science, innovation, defence and other key UK priorities.

The British Embassy Prague is committed to being an inclusive place to work and actively champions diversity, inclusion and the FCDO values.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Lead the Embassy's Communications & Public Affairs team and provide strategic direction across all communications activity.
• Develop and deliver communications and public diplomacy strategies that support UK Government and Embassy priorities.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Czech journalists, editors, commentators and other influential stakeholders.
• Provide communications advice and support to the Ambassador and senior leadership team.
• Lead media engagement, including interviews, press conferences, media visits and reactive communications.
• Oversee the Embassy's digital communications channels, including social media and multimedia content.
• Design and deliver public diplomacy campaigns, partnerships and events that promote UK interests and values.
• Manage communications planning for senior visits, major campaigns and high-profile Embassy activities.
• Identify and manage reputational risks and lead communications responses to emerging issues and crises.
• Lead, develop and motivate the Communications & Public Affairs team, ensuring delivery of high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Significant professional experience in communications, media relations, journalism, public affairs or strategic communications.
• Demonstrated experience of developing and delivering communications strategies and campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Czech (minimum C1 level of CEFR*).
• Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills.
• Experience building relationships with media, government, business or civil society stakeholders.
• Experience of managing competing priorities and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience leading or managing teams and developing staff.
• Strong understanding of digital communications and social media.
• Sound judgement and the ability to manage sensitive issues and reputational risks.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Experience working in government, diplomacy, international organisations or public sector communications.
• Knowledge of UK foreign policy and international affairs.
• Experience of crisis communications and reputation management.
• Knowledge of the Czech political, media and stakeholder landscape.
• Experience managing public diplomacy or strategic influencing campaigns.
• Experience supporting senior leaders with communications and media engagement.

Other benefits and conditions of employment  

This is a 24 month full-time temporary position of 5 working days (37.5 hours net) per week. Working hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 17:00pm with a flexible working hours arrangement. Staff are entitled to time-off-in-lieu for extra hours worked. The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per year pro rata and the Embassy enjoys an average of 14 Czech/UK public holidays per year.

The monthly salary is 105,600 CZK (gross). In addition, staff receive a meal vouchers contribution.

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check, security clearance and probationary period.

The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation for the Czech Republic to apply.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Czech Republic are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Czech Republic employment law.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Czech Republic and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country. The British Embassy does not sponsor for work permits.

Additional information

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British 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 position.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

We only accept applications submitted through our internal system. Please apply here: https://fco.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/brand-2/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/4/pl/1/opp/27440-Head-of-Communications-Public-Affairs-British-Embassy-Prague-CZE26-016617/en-GB