NCSC Media and Communications Officer Ref. 1907

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Operational and Surveillance
London
£33,580 per annum

Cyber threats are rarely off the front pages and pose one of the biggest risks to the country. Cyber opportunities will help usher the UK into a prosperous new digital age.

GCHQ’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has an exciting vacancy for a Communications Officer (News) to help plan, organise and respond to major news events that communicate the UK government’s cyber security messages and initiatives to domestic and global audiences.

THE ROLE

As part of the NCSC Media & Communications team, your role will be as varied as it is exciting. We are looking for an ambitious, creative and motivated communication officer who has the agility to respond to urgent media enquiries about cyber attacks against the UK, while planning long term pro-active media facilities.

We need a confident, creative and experienced communicator who can quickly get to grips with diverse and challenging topics, deliver innovative campaigns across print, broadcast and digital media and handle breaking news stories effectively. You will be working in a team who are committed, politically savvy and come from a variety of backgrounds, making the office a vibrant energising place to work where individuals’ ideas are championed.

One day will never be the same as the next, so you'll need to forge strong relationships with colleagues across the NCSC, Whitehall, the Security Services and the private sector. You will also be required to engage with No10 grid planners to ensure that NCSC communication plans complement the government’s objectives.

Key responsibilities:

• Handle breaking news stories and planned announcements
• Creative, proactive PR features, stories and social media opportunities for NCSC’s policies.
• Provide media advice and support to the directors, senior officials and stakeholders.
• Work closely with Number 10 and other Government departments on cross-government campaigns to ensure all messages are consistent and stories are maximised.
• Contribute to policy development with professional advice on media and comms handling.
• Monitor and evaluate media activity to ensure objectives are being met and messages landing

You will be expected to deliver accurate, high quality messages and opportunities across a wide range of channels. Working closely with the wider communications team and policy officials you will devise and deliver targeted media plans across all media channels and provide an authoritative, effective and professional service to the media.

2 roles available – 1 permanent and 1 fixed term for 2 years.

REQUIREMENTS
The successful applicant will need to have:

• Excellent communication and writing skills;
• Political nous and good news judgement;
• Excellent organisational skills for use internally and externally;
• Proven track record of achievement in communications, campaign planning or marketing;
• Understanding / experience of the opportunities provided by digital and social channels;
• Excellent grasp of the evolving communications and political landscapes;
• Excellent influencing skills, stakeholder management skills and the ability to use evidence to make a convincing argument often in the face of competing agendas;
• Ability to foster relationships and provide expert advice, guidance and input proactively
• the ability to advise leaders on controversial and challenging reputational issues
• proven experience of working in a busy integrated communications environment

So if you’re a self-starter, with a flair for the creative, someone with experience working across the full range of communications disciplines, then this is the job for you.  

Competencies - Level

Working with and Leading Others - Intermediate
Contribution to Delivery - Higher
Managing the Customer Relationship - Higher
Corporate Vision and Efficiency - Intermediate
Change and Innovation - Higher
Analysis and Decision Making - Intermediate
Communications and Knowledge Sharing - Higher

Further information on the competencies can be found here.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT

At GCHQ we’re proud of our inclusive and supportive working environment that’s designed to encourage open minds and attitudes. As an organisation that values and nurtures talent, we’re committed to helping you fulfil your potential. With comprehensive training and development opportunities, tailored to your needs and the requirements of your work, we’ll enable you to flourish in your role and perform to the very best of your abilities.

ABOUT US

As one of Britain’s intelligence agencies, we unlock the complex world of communications to keep our nation safe. We work closely with MI5 and MI6, our partners in the intelligence community, to safeguard Britain’s people, interests and businesses from various threats. Think cyber-attacks, espionage, terrorism, and organised crime. It’s challenging, varied and meaningful work that you simply won’t find anywhere else.

SALARY

Salary of £33,580 per annum

LOCATION

Roles will be based in London.

SELECTION PROCESS

To apply for this position, you must meet our nationality, residency and security requirements.  You’ll find more details here.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we also guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for our roles.

Once we’ve established that you meet our eligibility criteria, the next steps of this selection process are:

- Application Form
- Personal interview
- Drug Test
    
A DV is required for the permanent role. A SC is required for the fixed term role.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 24th October 2019, however if we receive the amount of applications required we may close the vacancy early. Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly to avoid disappointment. We reserve the right to close the advert early.

This Program / Vacancy is closed to applications.