Role overview
The OCO is seeking a Senior Communications Officer on a six-month (26 weeks) fixed-term contract at Higher Executive Officer level to join the Communications team. The successful candidate will play a key role in increasing awareness of the Ombudsman for Children’s Office, as well as awareness of children’s rights. They will be expected to effectively network, build relationships and engage with and influence stakeholders at all levels of seniority and to apply judgement and flexibility.
Grade
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be expected to undertake the following principal duties as part of the Communications team:
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Working with the Communications Manager, the Senior Communications Officer will plan media activity including PR campaigns at national and local level, OCO publications and events. They will work with the Communications team to develop and implement media relations strategies in line with the OCO’s Communications Strategy and the current Business Plan.
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Media Relations, including preparation of Press Releases, handling of enquiries from journalists and other media contacts via telephone calls and email; management of comprehensive media list and proactive media relationship building as required by the organisation's business priorities.
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Arranging and organising events, interviews and press conferences.
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Monitoring current affairs and media coverage of the organisation. Dissemination of this information in a manner that provides utility to relevant internal stakeholders.
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Development and implementation of the organisation's digital and social media strategy, including related content calendars based on the organisation's communications priorities. Creating content that can be leveraged across all of the organisation's platforms.
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Providing support and briefing to spokespeople in preparation for media engagements and coordination of training if required.
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The Senior Communications Officer will lead on specific OCO projects expanding the reach of the Office and growing awareness in all parts of the country. These projects will be allocated specific budgets and will be designed in line with the OCO Strategic Plan.
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The successful candidate will manage and provide guidance to the Communications and Social Media Executive, as well as to the Communications Project Officer.
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The Senior Communications Officer will provide support to the Communications Manager with any other tasks assigned.
Experience And Personal Qualities Required
We are looking for someone who is dynamic, enthusiastic, solution-oriented and passionate about communications.
You will be:
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Interested in working in a diverse environment potentially working with cross-functional and cross-organisational teams;
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Someone who takes a thorough and structured approach to organising tasks and solving problems and who can deliver on time against project deadlines;
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Someone who can establish and maintain good working relationships with others, identify their needs and be receptive and responsive to their queries;
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Someone who keeps up to date with emerging technologies and is always eager to learn new skills;
Driven by an ambition to be part of providing the best possible
Essential Requirements
Candidates must, on the closing date for this competition, satisfy the following requirements:
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At least a Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications in Journalism, Multi Media, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations or related discipline
And
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Demonstrable experience in two or more of the following:
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Working on communications campaigns
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Working in or for the media
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Using and updating digital/social media in a professional capacity, including Mobile Journalism (MoJo)
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Working in Event Management
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Developing content across a range of platforms
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Website management
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Stakeholder management
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Proven experience in delivery of public relations/public awareness campaigns for an organisation
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Experience of leading a team and/or taking the lead on key projects
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The ability to work closely with senior management and their teams to devise, design and implement communications strategies / programmes for their organisation and to lead and drive public relations, including media-relations and stakeholder engagement and provide expertise and advisory services for major events
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Experience of using and updating social media in a professional capacity;
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Excellent writing skills and/or creative skills with the ability to present material in a clear,
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concise and comprehensive manner;
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A commitment to achieving quality results and ensuring all tasks are completed to a very high standard;
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The ability to work calmly under pressure and deal with multiple demands and competing priorities to tight deadlines;
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Strong judgement, problem solving and decision making skills;
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Excellent interpersonal skills demonstrating an understanding and sensitivity in dealing with others and ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner,
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A proven ability to develop and maintain networks effectively,
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Be motivated, flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change and be capable of using own initiative as and when appropriate
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A strong interest in public affairs and be committed to the concept of public service
Desirable Requirements:
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Experience in acting as media spokesperson for an organisation
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Experience in Non-Linear Editing Systems i.e. Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro
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Experience in the use of Photo Shop and Creative Cloud
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A good understanding of children’s rights and the workings of the Oireachtas
It is an absolute requirement that candidates declare any potential conflict of interest at the application stage of the recruitment process. Failure to declare such conflicts of interest which later come to light may result in the candidate being disqualified from the competition or if the candidate is offered and takes up a role with the OCO on the basis of misleading information may result in immediate dismissal from the OCO.
Closing Date
12.00 noon, Monday, 7th December 2020
How to Apply
All candidates should visit www.ocojobs.com where there is a full list of available positions in the OCO with the corresponding downloadable information booklet for each position. There will also be a link to the online application portal to where all applications must be submitted.
To apply, candidates must provide an up to date Application Form and submit their application form via the online application portal below.
JOB INFORMATION BOOKLET (Download)
