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Deputy Director - Communications and Public Affairs Division

Reference: 120700412
Location: London, UK
Closing Date: 7 Sep 2012

Job summary

The Deputy Director assists the Director to formulate, develop and implement media, public relations and information strategies for the Commonwealth Secretariat. S/he also assists the Director in managing the division.

The post-holder:

Supports the Director in managing and co-ordinating the activities of the staff of the Communication and Public Affairs Division, and takes responsibility for budgetary control under the oversight of the Director.
Oversees the Secretariat’s online activities and staff, including content management of the website, intranet and ‘Commonwealth Connects’ portal.
Supports the CPAD Director in the role as official Spokesperson for the Secretariat by acting as a daily point of contact for the media, at official meetings and gatherings, and with regard to the launch of publications and other documents.
Supports the production – including drafting at times as well as editorial oversight – of media advisories, press releases or public statements, as well as the occasional drafting or checking of speeches.
Supervises the distribution of media advisories, press releases, statements and speeches of the Secretary-General, ensuring wide coverage across the Commonwealth.
Attends internal and external meetings to represent the Division and the Secretariat, and ensure familiarisation with work programmes and development, and to provide advice, where required at such meetings, on presentation and publication.
Seeks additional resources for CPAD from sponsors and donors, in accordance with strategic guidance from the Director.
Administers the Commonwealth Media Development Fund. This involves supporting the selection and funding of projects to strengthen the media throughout the Commonwealth.
Oversees all publishing activities of CPAD, and the commissioning of freelance writers and journalists.
Deputises for the Director in his/her absence.
Performs any other duties as may be required.

Person specification

Essential:

A tertiary qualification in international affairs, politics, media or related field
Extensive experience gained over many years, including:
- A minimum of 10 years at a senior management level
- Strong managerial skills
- Knowledge or access to policy-making in the international context
- Knowledge of the international press and media environment

Desirable:

The successful candidate should be an internationally acknowledged media expert
with experience as an international correspondent or senior manager role in a
government communications department
Branding and marketing experience would be an asset.
Web 2.0/social media knowledge would also be desirable.
The successful candidate should have experience of working in an intergovernmental organisation and have some familiarity with the Commonwealth, its values, principles and goals.

About the Communications and Public Affairs Division

As the principal intergovernmental organisation of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Secretariat implements the collective decisions of its 53 member governments. The Communications and Public Affairs Division (CPAD) is responsible for projecting the image of the Commonwealth (and the Commonwealth Secretariat), its values and activities to member governments, the media, specialist groups, young people, and to the general public. It does this mainly through various media, public relations and information dissemination activities.