The British Council builds connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and other countries through arts and culture, education and the English language. We work in two ways – directly with individuals to transform their lives, and with governments and partners to make a bigger difference for the longer term, creating benefit for millions of people all over the world. We help young people to gain the skills, confidence and connections they are looking for to realise their potential and to participate in strong and inclusive communities. We support them to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications. Our work in arts and culture stimulates creative expression and exchange and nurtures creative enterprise. We connect the best of the UK with the world and the best of the world with the UK. These connections lead to an understanding of each other’s strengths and of the challenges and values that we share. This builds trust between people in the UK and other nations which endures even when official relations may be strained. We work on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2019-20 we connected with 80 million people directly and with 791 million overall, including online and through our broadcasts and publications.
Regional Head of Communications SSA (Sub Saharan Africa)
Pay band: 8
Post Location: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Uganda
Department: Advisory, Policy and Expertise
Contract type: Locally Engaged
Duration: Indefinite
Role Purpose:
The Regional Head of Communications will oversee the development and execution of communications strategy (internal and external) for the British Council in support of and aligned with global communications strategies. The Head of Communications is responsible for our internal and change communications and external communications planning and delivery, including media, PR and stakeholder communication in region. They will also work closely with other regional and global Communications colleagues to ensure alignment.
Main opportunities/challenges for this role:
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Developing a regional communications strategy and plan which aligns with the British Council’s global communications strategy and plan, enables country strategies and goals, and supports country programmes to reach key stakeholder and public audiences across all areas of our work.
- Developing and managing key media partnerships and relationships, and managing crisis communications, and proactive media relations, working closely with the global Corporate Communications team, including managing and developing relationships with key journalists and media outlets in region.
- Leading at a strategic level the communication of the British Council’s profile to internal and external stakeholders across the region and provide support and guidance to colleagues leading key regional-relevant relations outside the region.
- Building a strong and coherent brand position for the British Council in the region.
- Acting as a spokesperson for the British Council in the region with key media.
- Overseeing all British Council regional high-profile visits and events.
Requirements
Essential:
- Relevant degree e.g. communications, journalism, marketing, or equivalent level of experience (minimum 5 years)
- Significant experience in managing communications within a large and complex organisation
- Demonstrable experience in providing expert advice and guidance on internal and external communications
- Demonstrable experience in managing and mitigating internal and external communications risks and issues
- Proven experience of working with key national/international media
- Experience of managing crisis communications
- Experience of working in a matrix organisation
- Experience of working with government stakeholders
Desirable:
- Experience in a global organisation
- Demonstrable experience and understanding of working with UK Government stakeholders in Whitehall/Westminster.
- Experience and understanding of working in Sub Saharan Africa region
Location: This role can be based in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya or Uganda.
Additional Information: Candidates are expected to have the current right to live and work in the countries in which the role can be based.
Closing Date: 16 November 2021 applications will close 23:59 South Africa time