The British Embassy Oslo

As Part of the Embassy’s Political Section, the successful candidate will deliver effective communications to a wide audience across the broad range of the British Embassy’s objectives in Norway.

This role is at the heart of the work of the British Embassy Oslo and is an opportunity to work on high-profile political, economic and cultural issues. By designing and delivering innovative and engaging content, and providing advice and media handling for the Ambassador, Ministers and officials, the main aim is to enhance the UK’s reputation in Norway. The job will cover all communications tools, but with a particular emphasis on making best use of social media. Innovation and creativity are key.

Flexibility and ability to work under pressure are key to dealing with tasking (including on new and unfamiliar issues) that may arise unexpectedly, at short notice and against tight deadlines. The successful candidate will work closely with colleagues across the Embassy and the British government’s Nordic Baltic Network.

Main Roles and Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with Embassy colleagues and partners, to design and deliver engaging, high impact media content, events and activities, which promote the UK.
• To advise on media strategy and provide media handling and logistical support for senior staff in Norway, including the Ambassador, as well as for visiting Ministers, officials and members of the Royal Family.
• Manage the Embassy's social media network presence. Identifying and providing engaging content across all of the Embassy’s social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
• Maintain and build the Embassy’s existing network of media contacts and responding to media enquiries.
• Provide media analysis and when required translation of official communication products such as op-eds, statements, press releases.
• Provide support to the wider Political Team as required.
• The role will require some travel both domestically and internationally.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience 

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, in Norwegian and English.
• Effective social media and digital skills (including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter).
• Experience of project work and delivering events.
• Strong IT skills using Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, Excel and Outlook.
• Strong networking and influencing skills, ability to liaise with stakeholders at all levels.
• Attention to detail, strong organisational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritise.
• Resilient under pressure and decisive, with the ability to deliver quickly and to a high standard. Flexibility and willingness to work additional hours if necessary.
• Good research and analysis skills.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 

• Experience of working in an international context and/or relevant experience in a public relations or communications role.
• Experience of working with the media.
• Graphic design, photography, videography and/or editing skills; social media and digital media content production.
• Understanding of Norwegian and UK current affairs/political environment/foreign policy.

Required competencies Seeing the Big Picture, Collaborating and Partnering, Delivering at Pace, Engaging Internationally

Application deadline 14 April 2020

Grade A2 (L)

Type of Position Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week 35

Location (City) Oslo

British Embassy

Number of vacancies 1

Starting monthly Gross salary (NOK) 39,447

Start Date 1st June, 2020

Other benefits and conditions of employment 

This is a permanent full-time position, five working days (currently 35 hours net) per week.

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

Employees recruited locally by the British Embassy Oslo are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with Norwegian employment law.

All applicants must have the right to live and work in Norway. The Embassy does not sponsor work permits.

The Embassy offers a wide-range of learning and development opportunities, both in the Post, in London and more widely across Europe. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office also has extensive e-learning opportunities. All staff are encouraged to focus on their personal development, and 5 days a year are dedicated to learning and development for each staff member.

Visa/Passport requirements:Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Norway and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Additional requirements may become necessary after 31st December 2020.

Additional information 

Due to Covid 19:

• You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign and we are working hard to minimise any disruption
• Interviews will be done remotely if the existing situation determines this to be the right course of action
• Starting date may be delayed depending on circumstances at the time and it will be agreed with the selected candidate.

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 job.