Press Officer

**Details**:
**Reference number**:

- 297956**Salary**:

- £34,850- A Civil Service Pension with an average employer contribution of 27%**Job grade**:

- Higher Executive Officer**Contract type**:

- Permanent**Business area**:

- MOD - Head Office & Corporate Services - Directorate of Defence Communications - News**Type of role**:

- Communications / Marketing**Working pattern**:

- Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time**Number of jobs available**:

- 1Contents

Location

About the job

**Benefits**:
Things you need to know

Location
- LondonAbout the job

**Job summary**:
The Ministry of Defence is seeking a talented and motivated Press Officer to join one of government’s busiest and highest-profile teams.

The post holder will be expected to engage with national and international media (print, broadcast and digital), working closely with ministers, military officials, policy teams and No10 Downing Street to deliver proactive and reactive communications.

The Ministry of Defence is looking for those who enjoy delivering communications at pace to continue to enhance the reputation of the department, UK Government and Armed Forces; and to support global security and stability.

This position is advertised at 36/37 hours per week Tacos Dependant (London post only).

**Job description**:
You will be responsible for delivering successful proactive and reactive communications which protect and enhance the reputation of the department and the Armed Forces.

You will:

- Respond to enquiries from national, international, regional, consumer and digital media outlets to enhance and protect the reputation of the department, ministers and senior military officers.
- Draft press releases, statements, and briefings for senior spokespeople, Ministers and military.
- Manage media arrangements at a range of high-profile events.
- Provide professional and comprehensive communications advice to ministers, military officers, senior officials, special advisors, and members of the Directorate of Defence Communications.

As part of the News team, you will report to a Senior Communications Officer.

You will be required to take part in the out-of-hours duty rota, dealing with media enquiries across the full breadth of the MOD’s responsibilities. This involves occasional overnight stays in MOD accommodation for which a generous allowance is paid and time of in lieu given.

In the last year, the team has worked on topics including:

- The military’s response to international crises, such as the conflict in Ukraine.
- The Queen’s Jubilee and funeral arrangements, and the King’s Coronation.
- The department’s support to relocate eligible Afghans who supported the UK Armed Forces in Afghanistan.
- International military alliances, including NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force.
- £6 billion worth of ship building contracts in one week.

There are opportunities for travel in the role, both within the UK and abroad. Press Officers have deployed to locations including the US, Mali and Estonia.

You will be expected to work from the Ministry of Defence’s Whitehall Office for the majority of the time.

**Person specification**:
Essential criteria include:

- Excellent understanding of the media and social media landscape.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The discretion to handle classified and sensitive information pertaining to global military operations.

Desirable criteria include:

- A proven record of working either in a media/press office environment, or in defence/international affairs.
- Experience of news management in PR or journalism.
- Experience of using social media and evaluating communications.

**Behaviours**:
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
- Seeing the Big Picture

**Technical skills**:
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

- GCS Implementation (Core) file:///C:/Users/Huntb966/Desktop/Government-Communications-Professional-Competency-Framework.pdf

**Benefits**:

- Alongside your salary of £34,850, Ministry of Defence contributes £9,409 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- London DGMC GCN RRA Allowance of £3000 per annum.
- Free use of gym at Main Building
- Season ticket advance to assist with travel costs to/from home and your permanent work location

The post does not offer relocation expenses.

Please note: Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed.

Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could imp