Communications Officer (DEU23.495) in Berlin bei Forei & Commonwealth Office

Communications Officer (DEU23.495) in Berlin bei Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities) 1

The British Embassy in Berlin is a large overseas mission in the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) network. Over 100 colleagues from all walks of life work together to promote the UK and build our connections with Germany.

This communications role is at the heart of the UK’s diplomatic network in Germany and is an opportunity to work on a huge variety of high-profile issues, from visits by members of the Royal Family to Embassy participation in the Christopher Street Day Parade.

Your primary task will be to strengthen German enthusiasm for and understanding of the UK by planning, designing and implementing engaging content for the British Embassy and Consulates in Germany.

Content can range from showcasing our joint work in Ukraine to teaching Germans how to make Eton Mess. You would contribute content for all the Embassy’s social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn), and help ensure it was well aligned to our engagement with classic media. You’ll have a chance to pitch ideas and see them through.

You will also provide support to the wider Public Diplomacy Section by occasionally supporting on media handling or at events, which might include film screenings, roundtable events or high-profile visits.

Why you should apply?

You’ll be joining the Communications Team, a close-knit and flexible team of seven. You will work closely with, and get plenty of support from, two Campaign Managers (one of them being your line manager) and the Head of Team. Our Team manages the overall British Government comms strategy in Germany, working with colleagues covering a wide range of subjects, from providing consular support to UK nationals to increasing UK trade with and investment from Germany.

We want German audiences to see the benefits of a close ‘Freundship’ with the UK, be it in defending our shared values globally, innovating to tackle climate change, or simply enjoying Britain’s distinctive national culture. We also need to use comms to share important information with British nationals and businesses, especially around major events like Euros 2024.

Roles and responsibilities:

Implementing the Embassy’s digital communications as part of the Embassy’s wider communications strategy, based on Embassy objectives in Germany and the British Government’s wider work around the world.
Coordinating our weekly social media activity, ensuring a steady drumbeat of content for all channels across each of our campaigns.
Write copy in German and English, working alongside with a second digital officer to create engaging digital output (graphics, photos, videos). Designing and running the digital aspects of Embassy’s campaigns.
Managing at least one of our social media channels, identifying effective ways to encourage engagement from the channel community and advising the wider team on content for that channel accordingly.
Building the Embassy’s digital audience and improving positive engagement and the Embassy’s digital influence.
Monitoring and evaluating the impact of our social media content, ensuring a positive feedback cycle. Identifying influential partners on social media with whom we might interact on particular campaigns.
Supporting the Embassy Comms Team’s wider work, including media handling and wider organisation of larger events. You may also need to contribute to the Embassy’s public comms during a crisis.
Participate actively in our corporate agenda, helping to build an inclusive and developmental culture within the team and wider Network.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience 1

Proficiency in English and German (written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework);
Previous experience working in a Press or Comms role;
Strong communication and organisational skills;
Experience in content creation for social media (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter);
Excellent time management and prioritisation skills;
Strong attention to detail;
The ability to work effectively and flexibly in a team;
MS Office Skills – ideally Mac OS skills.