Job Description

Main Purpose of Job:

The British Consulate-General in Toronto represents the United Kingdom Government in Ontario; we are part of a network of five UK Government offices in Canada.

To work closely with the Consul General and a dynamic team to deliver policy and communications that can effect change and influence some of the biggest global issues of today - you will help to boost economies, create jobs, and shape the futures of all our people.

The MPA officer in Ontario will help lead the Canada Network\'s engagement with Ontario based media - including building trust and strong relationships with the diverse and vibrant range media channels (national and regional) in Toronto, devising and implementing communication campaigns on UK priorities in Ontario, and foster stronger collaboration with provincial partners on our mutual policy priorities.

The successful applicant will have a deep understanding of the political and media landscape in Canada, be digitally savvy, work well under pressure, be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Roles and Responsibilities:

You will have an interest in foreign affairs and know about some of the top global issues on the agenda at the moment. The ideal candidate will have a political advisory and/or communication/PR background with as proven track record of working in or with government/ media. You should have an expert level understanding of the media environment we live and work in (in UK and Canada).

You will need to be a strong networker and be able to build strong collaborative relationships with Ontario decision makers and influencers. This means being a good listener and deal with challenge in a positive way, being supportive and helpful, working out where there are areas of common interest, and being able to put across strong arguments and narratives.

You will need to be creative and curious, confident enough to share your ideas, and perceptive enough to encourage others to share theirs too. We encourage a fun and creative atmosphere where we can turn thoughts into ideas and ideas into action. This is key to give us the leading edge when we are looking at how we can make the most difference.

The ideal candidate should be a good team player and loves being part of a nice but busy team. This means you\'re committed, can be counted on to get the job done and are inclusive and respectful of other people\'s opinions. You will be able to prioritise work and be flexible when needed for example helping out during crises. A big part of the role includes reaching out and developing good working relationships with a variety of partners - both in the private and public sector.

You will enjoy delivering through virtual teams and empowering others, enabling staff to deliver their very best. There is the potential to take on further line management responsibilities in the future. You will be an active listener, understand motivations of different colleagues, able to have honest and open conversations, and help nurture talent.

Day to day duties include:

Policy:

• Analysis and Relationships: Monitor, analyse and report on Ontario political and policy developments including on provincial politics, the economy, climate change and other issues of interest to the UK. Maintain excellent relations with Ontario government stakeholders with a view to strengthening the bilateral relationship and facilitating collaboration and policy exchange
• Visits: Plan and organise programmes for official UK visitors including ministers and senior officials; produce briefing and accompany to/report meetings where required. Oversee visits by the Consul General; produce briefing and accompany to/report meetings where required.
• Network: Develop contacts for the Consul General and wider team in Ontario govt, business, civil society and academia. Spot and harness opportunities for collaboration with UK partners.

Comms and Public Diplomacy:

• Engage and create: Lead on engagement with Toronto based media and create high quality multi platform content. Implement and deliver public diplomacy campaigns (especially targeting new and diverse audiences) aligned with UK priorities.
• Advise: Working with policy and trade colleagues to jointly diagnose issues and provide communication advice.
• Insights: Research and monitor audience data and perceptions to help inform communication activity. Evaluate post comms activity.

Resources Managed:

The jobholder may play a role in managing budgets and ad hoc projects.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Knowledge/experience of Canada\'s political and media landscape.
• Excellent PR and/or communication skills
• Ability to develop or customise stories for national and International audiences
• Ability to represent the organisation in high-profile and high-pressured external environments
• Exercise a high degree of independent judgement in dealings with internal and external clients and organisations
• Strong understanding of how the news media can be used to influence change
• Knowledge of international affairs
• Working with political parties and/or government including in an advisory capacity

Required behaviours

Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together

Application deadline Application deadline - day Application deadline - month Application deadline - year

13 August 2023

Grade

Executive Officer (EO)

Type of Position

Full-time, Permanent

Working hours per week

37.5

Region

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory

Canada

Location (City)

Toronto

Type of Post

British Consulate

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

CAD

Salary

$5,591.59 monthly

Start Date Start Date - day Start Date - month Start Date - year

2 October 2023

Other benefits and conditions of employment

What we offer:

We want to attract the best diverse talent to join the Toronto team, and in return are committed to ensuring that all of our staff are able to be their very best and flourish. We\'re committed to supporting staff aspirations and goals.

Our strong L&D offer includes access to training provided in house; shadowing and mentoring opportunities; access to funds for professional qualifications; regular masterclasses from experts (including from private and public sector); and opportunities to get involved in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office corporate agenda across our global network.

There are regular opportunities to travel across Canada and overseas to share best practise, learn from others and to support capability building of the global network.

We are a diverse, supportive and fun team to work in which takes pride in high quality delivery. We hold regular team lunches and away days, back each other up during busy teams, and celebrate our achievements and lessons learned together. We are brilliant because we are all different.

You will get to work on real world issues which means that no day can be the same; and you will get to see the difference that effective communications can make first hand

Working patterns:

We are proud of our commitment to work life balance and promote flexible working opportunities where operational and security needs allow.

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and enriching learning and development opportunities.

Additional information

The successful applicant might be asked to work weekends/evenings occasionally to help support networking and media engagements. Time of in Lieu (TOIL) will be given.

You will also be asked to take on a corporate responsibility for example working as part of our learning and development committee; diversity champion; sharing digital expertise; internal communications support.

Must have the legal status to live and work in Canada. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a \'reserve list\'. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

HM Government