UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED POSITION DESCRIPTION. Position Title Communications Adviser. Division Communications Division. Group Deputy Chief Executive

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1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title Communications Adviser Division Communications Division Group Deputy Chief Executive Location Wellington Reports To Unit Manager, Corporate Communications Date Created/Updated June 2018 About the Ministry The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (the Ministry) acts in the world to make New Zealand safer and more prosperous. It does this by working to understand geopolitical changes across the world, advancing the Government s international priorities, and providing advice to the Government on its implications. By building connections and influence in other countries we act to promote and protect New Zealand s interests. We seek to deliver value to New Zealand and New Zealanders, through: improved prosperity for New Zealand and our region the stability, security and resilience of our country, our people and our region leadership by amplifying New Zealand s influence and standing in the world kaitiakitanga or stewardship, by delivering solutions to global challenges for the benefit of present and future generations. Our values are: Impact We achieve for New Zealand, everyday, everywhere Kotahitanga We draw strength from our diversity Courage We do the right thing Manaakitanga We honour and respect others

2 Page 2 of 6 Diversity and Inclusion We aspire to be a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people and behaviours. This means that our staff reflect the diversity of New Zealand and the countries we work in, and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills and perspectives are valued and respected. About the Division The Communications Division supports the achievement of the Ministry s purpose and strategic priorities through focused communications planning, digital development and targeted delivery through communications channels. This will include working closely with Groups, as well as the other Divisions and Units within the Deputy Chief Executive s Group. About the Position The Communication Adviser is responsible for providing leadership, advice and support on engagement and communication to the Europe, Middle East and Africa Group, as well as support and advice on specific projects and one-off activities. The Communication Adviser will ensure a strategic approach to the planning and delivery of engagement and communication using effective channels and tools (including media) to achieve impact and influence with key audiences and stakeholders. The Adviser will lead a programme of work to identify or create high quality editorial content for the Ministry s website, social media channels and long-form tools such as Shorthand. The person supports the achievement of the Division s strategic priorities and high level outcomes as outlined under the key accountabilities. The individual will work collaboratively with staff of CMD to ensure an integrated approach to engagement and communications. Key Accountabilities The following key accountabilities of this role assist in delivering the Ministry s purpose. Role specific Responsible for delivering a programme of work for the Europe Middle-East and Africa group. The programme will be SMART, evidence based, audience focused, prioritised and focused on supporting the Ministry s strategic objectives. Work in partnership with the Senior Communication Adviser TEG to support a programme of communication in support of the EU/NZ FTA. Lead a programme of work to uncork a pipeline of content about the Ministry s work and identify and develop editorial and feature content for the Ministry s digital channels in support of the Ministry s Strategic Goal 4.4 (Public has easy access to accurate and relevant information about NZ s international relations, development and trade policies and activities ). Coordinate CMD s development of a framework for the Ministry s use of communication channels in our international networks, supporting the International Relationships Strategic Goal. Support development and roll-out of the Ministry s Stakeholder Engagement programme. Provide editorial and content support to the wider CMD team. Media

3 Page 3 of 6 Provide support to the Media team, including being on the roster for the after-hours media phone, and engage media in pursuit of Ministry communications and engagement objectives. Relationship management Work collaboratively across CMD with Advisors, the Media and Digital teams to ensure integration and alignment in planning, stakeholder management, digital content development, messaging and delivery. Work in partnership with internal customers to deliver high quality, resultsorientated support and advice on engagement and communications. Ensure customers have a sound understanding of audiences and key stakeholders, and their communications issues and needs. Up-skill and support managers and staff of the Ministry in the development of communications and stakeholder planning, delivery of communications and measurement of effectiveness. Actively prioritise the programme of work and communicate within CMD and to internal customers what can and can t be done. Develop and maintain key relationships both internally and externally in order to advance the division s objectives General Contribute to the division s delivery of its planned and agreed activity stream to realise its strategic priorities and high level outcomes. Ministerial Servicing Ensure any input to the Ministerial and Executive Services Division is given the necessary priority and meets the high standard required. Organisational Responsibilities Understand the Ministry s strategic priorities and high-level outcomes framework and how this role contributes to the framework. Demonstrate the organisation s values, goals, policies and procedures in all aspects of work. Understand and apply the strategic context in which the Ministry operates, including priorities and perspectives of the Ministers, partner agencies and external stakeholders. Contribute to the preparation and reporting requirements of the Ministry s accountability documents. Contribute to Ministry-wide projects and emergency response situations. Using the Ministry s Capability and Leadership Frameworks, identify and participate in opportunities for learning and development, including through regular coaching and mentoring. Understand tikanga and Treaty of Waitangi principles and have sufficient appreciation of Te Reo Māori to be able to apply the Ministry Māori dimension, underpinned by Ministry values, in a way that is relevant to the context of our business. All other duties as requested by the employer. Understanding of Government and the Public Service. Understand the Machinery of Government, including the Ministry s relationship with Ministers and other government agencies. Knowledge Management Contribute to the continuous development of the Ministry s knowledge base by using the Ministry s internal systems, sharing information and data with relevant internal stakeholders.

4 Page 4 of 6 Health and Safety The Ministry is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff, including contractors and other workers, both on and offshore. You are responsible for: o taking reasonable care of your own and other s health and safety and being mindful of the effect of your actions (or lack of action) on the health and safety of others o complying with reasonable Ministry instructions to ensure the Ministry is able to comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 o cooperating with health and safety policies and procedures o identifying and reporting hazards, injuries, illness and incidents (including near misses) that arise from your work or in the workplace o identifying and eliminating or mitigating health and safety risks so far as reasonably practicable and consulting with others in doing so o raising health and safety matters with your manager or health and safety representative (or contact as appropriate) o ensuring that all health and safety incidents, injuries, near misses are immediately reported through the HR Kiosk o ensuring that significant hazards and risks or critical incidents are drawn to the immediate attention of your Manager. o Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge and Experience The following are required: A Communications based or other relevant tertiary qualification, and/or experience in a communication or media role. Strong knowledge and technical expertise including; o Ability to identify communications implications from business plans and initiatives and provide sound plans and advice that will achieve strategic objectives. o Ability to plan appropriate communications solutions using a range of channels, with a strong focus on achieving results. o Demonstrated expertise in Communications service delivery with an excellent knowledge of communications practice and relevant legislation. o Ability to work with internal clients at all levels and develop trust and credibility, identify critical communications issues and deliver or broker relevant services. o Politically aware and able to take a strategic focus on communication opportunities. o Communications experience providing advice and guidance on issues, projects or campaigns requiring depth of Communications knowledge and influencing skills. o Communications experience in the public sector, and/or within an international context would be an advantage. Drive and commitment o Demonstrates the drive and ability to improve own capability. Includes selfawareness and self-improvement focus Shows the drive and resilience to contribute proactively and deliver sustainable high performance Ability to think strategically and see linkage between different streams of work Strong written and verbal skills Ability to build, maintain and leverage relationships with key internal and external contacts Good planning and organising skills

5 Page 5 of 6 Good understanding of tikanga and Treaty of Waitangi principles Competent in Microsoft Office suite of products A good understanding of the Machinery of Government and the Government decision making process Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills Ability to work effectively with colleagues within the Division Good judgment and decision making skills

6 Page 6 of 6 Relationships The position is required to build and maintain the following relationships: Internal (within MFAT) Senior Managers Divisional Manager Division staff Communication Division Other MFAT staff, both onshore and offshore Special Adviser, World War One Commemorations External (outside MFAT) Ministers offices Counterparts across other Government agencies Diplomatic missions Business, academia, regional and international institutions, Māori and the New Zealand community Counterparts across other government agencies, including the WW100 Office Communications Manager and the MCH ANZAC week 2015 Communications Manager Additional Comments You must be able to obtain and maintain an appropriate New Zealand Government Security clearance. You must hold New Zealand citizenship.