Job Advertisement - Press and Public Diplomacy Officer

Our mission is to promote and protect abroad the values, interests and economic well-being of Ireland and its people. We do this under the political direction of our Ministers, through our staff at home and through our Embassy network abroad.

 

The Embassy of Ireland wishes to recruit a Press and Public Diplomacy Officer on a fixed-term contractual basis. 

Role:

The Embassy of Ireland in Beijing is seeking to recruit a qualified and highly motivated candidate for the position of Press and Public Diplomacy Officer. The Officer will report to the Ambassador through the Head of Public Diplomacy. He/she will play a key role in the promotion across China of the Ireland Brand and of the main messages of the Irish Government and Team Ireland in China, to advance Ireland’s trade, investment, education, cultural, tourism, people-to-people links and other interests. A successful candidate would have excellent English and a fluent command of the Mandarin Chinese language, both spoken and written, and would be familiar with Ireland’s projection in China. He/she would have proven strong experience in or with television, electronic, social and print media, ideally including that sector in China.

The role will include, but is not limited to, the following duties:

• Proactively identify channels and suitable opportunities to present key messages to targeted audiences, and seek out platforms and individuals in the Chinese media that will serve as key multipliers for these messages;
• Work with the Embassy team to collect suitable messaging and generate fresh, visual, up to date and engaging content for all media platforms.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the Embassy’s Communications Strategy with the Irish Consulates in China and the Irish State Agencies.
• Advance the Embassy’s objectives in the press, information and public diplomacy areas using the whole range of available traditional and digital platforms.
• Prepare project proposals and bids for funding from official funding sources and once secured take charge of implementation and reporting.
• Be familiar with and sensitive to messages that are appropriate for the particular target market. 
• Monitor website and social media analytics and generate related reports.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the position, as directed by senior management.

  Essential requirements candidates must be able to demonstrate:

• At least 3-5 years relevant professional experience in a busy communications environment, preferably working with an International Organisation or Embassy or in the area of public affairs;
• Fluency in Mandarin and excellent command of English, both written and spoken;
• Proficiency of social media tools used in China (including Wechat and Weibo) or social media tools used internationally (such as Twitter), including back-end and technical expertise.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, strong organisational skills and proven abilities to work effectively as part of a team;
• Computer literacy and information management skills;
• The successful candidate must have a legal entitlement to live and work in China prior to recruitment.

  Desirable Requirements:

• Experience in and a proven track record on creative projects
• Knowledge of videography and photography
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, publishing tools and graphics software
• Familiarity with data analytics
• A third level qualification in a relevant discipline, eg. marketing, communications
• Copywriting and editorial experience
• Strong knowledge of Ireland and its role in China

Terms and conditions of employment:

• The successful candidate will be hired on a fixed-term contractual basis and will be based at the Embassy of Ireland in Beijing. The contract will include a 3-month probation period.
• The salary scale for the position is 185,183 RMB per annum, with an incremental salary scale rising (over time and subject to performance) to a maximum of 245,310 RMB per annum.  The salary for the position will be paid through the Diplomatic Service Bureau on a monthly basis.  Salaries are paid direct to a bank account, therefore the successful candidate must have a bank account.
• The position will have an annual leave allowance of 20 days per annum, exclusive of public holidays, adjusted pro rata.

How to apply:

 

Selection Process:

• Only applications received in the manner set out above on or before the deadline will be considered;
• The Embassy will acknowledge all applications immediately;
• Depending on the number of applications received, a short-listing of candidates may be undertaken based on the Essential/Key Requirements above;
• Shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a written exercise involving research, data analysis or report writing.  A written exercise of this kind will be conducted by email, primarily in English. Shortlisted applicants will be provided with more information on this exercise, including its likely timing.
• Only those candidates who have been shortlisted and successfully complete the written exercise will be called to interview.  Interviews will be competency-based. They will be conducted in English, by video conference.  Candidates called to interview will be provided with more information prior to interview.
• The Embassy will only contact referees if a candidate has been shortlisted for interview. At this point, the candidate will be deemed to have given their consent to contact the nominated referees.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):

All personal information received will be kept in line with GDPR guidelines.

Security Clearance for Local Staff:

Police security clearance will be sought in respect of individuals who come under consideration for appointment. Enquiries may also be made with the police force of any country in which the applicant under consideration for appointment resided. If unsuccessful, this information will be destroyed. If the applicant subsequently comes under consideration for another position, they will be required to supply this information again.

 

Please note that canvassing will disqualify applicants.

The Embassy of Ireland, Beijing is committed to a policy of
equal opportunity.

 

 

 

Data Protection
Please read our Privacy Policy

Job Application Form - Press and Public Diplomacy Officer