Press and Communications Officer

The British Embassy in Cairo is looking to recruit a Press and Communications Officer, job grade Executive Officer (EO).

This is an excellent opportunity for an innovative, ambitious, and highly motivated individual to play a key role in the Embassy’s high-profile public diplomacy and media work. The successful candidate will report to the Head of Communications and will work closely with the Ambassador and Embassy teams. He/she will implement the Embassy’s communications strategy through a range of activities; act as a press advisor to the Ambassador and wider Embassy; run media campaigns; place content with press and TV, liaising closely with local journalists; and deliver press briefings for the Embassy and senior visitors from London. 

Roles and responsibilities:

• Secure the right press coverage for the UK in Egypt, including by issuing press releases, statements, and op-eds and responding to media requests, including TV and print interviews.
• Maintain good relationships with all main media outlets in Egypt and develop a regional and pan-Arab network in order to increase Embassy reach.
• Provide advice to different Embassy teams on varieties of coverage available, opportunities for media, and how incorporating press coverage into their work will help achieve objectives.
• Provide clear written and oral briefings to the Ambassador and senior colleagues on the Egyptian media landscape and developments in the Egyptian press.
• Monitor TV, online news, print media, and radio to proactively identify media developments throughout the day. Provide media analyses and evaluations on specific policy issues and political developments for senior audiences in London.
• Arrange interviews, roundtables, and conferences and proactively brief journalists to ensure maximum reach and impact for the Embassy.
• Create and deliver innovative media strategies to amplify key messages and campaigns, including for VIP visits and large public events.
• Advise on language, tone, and delivery of content, including for media interviews.
• Additional tasks as required, including swift and accurate translation; covering for either the Head of Communications or the Events and Public Diplomacy Officer (running Embassy social media channels, creating digital content, and supporting events) in their absence; provide communications support for the Embassy during crises, including acting as Field Press 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. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs.

Key behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• 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.

• Relevant experience from working in a related field, ideally for at least (2) years.
• Excellent knowledge of the Egyptian media landscape and how to maximise reach and influence.
• Existing network of press and TV contacts in Egypt.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including ability to work quickly, accurately, flexibly, and to tight deadlines.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills in English and Arabic, both spoken and written. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Holds at least a bachelor’s degree from a reputable university.
• Strong IT skills and proficient in using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).