Job Description:

Senior Communications Officer

Location: St James's, London (Hybrid Working)
Rate: £36.95 per hour
Contract: Interim Assignment until November 2026

We are recruiting for an experienced Senior Communications Officer to join a respected international organisation based in central London.

This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional with strong media relations expertise, excellent writing skills and a background in journalism, press office operations or corporate communications. Working within a busy Communications Division, you will play a key role in shaping public messaging, supporting senior leaders, delivering high-profile media activity and promoting programmes with global impact.

The successful candidate will be involved in strategic communications planning, media engagement, content creation and event support, as well as providing communications advice across a broad portfolio of programmes and initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead communications activity for a portfolio of thematic programme areas, advising stakeholders on communications and media strategy.
• Develop and deliver communications plans to support organisational priorities and key initiatives.
• Provide communications support for senior leadership visits, international engagements and official missions.
• Accompany senior officials on domestic and international travel when required, delivering on-the-ground media and communications support.
• Draft, edit and distribute press releases, speeches, briefing papers, statements and other communications materials.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors and media outlets across multiple regions and markets.
• Coordinate media interviews, press conferences, briefings and high-profile events.
• Create engaging multimedia content for websites, social media and other digital channels.
• Identify newsworthy stories and publicity opportunities to raise the profile of organisational programmes and achievements.
• Edit technical and policy-based material into compelling content for external audiences.
• Participate in press office cover on a rota basis, including occasional out-of-hours support.
• Mentor and support colleagues within the wider communications team.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

Essential

• A degree or equivalent experience in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, International Affairs or a related field.
• At least seven years' experience working as a reporter, correspondent, press officer or communications professional.
• Strong media relations experience with a proven ability to secure coverage and manage journalist relationships.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to produce compelling content for a variety of audiences.
• Experience delivering strategic communications and media campaigns.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and confidence working with senior leaders.
• Experience creating content across digital, social media and multimedia platforms.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel internationally when required.

Desirable

• A postgraduate qualification in Journalism, Communications or a related discipline.
• Experience covering political, parliamentary, social or economic affairs.
• Knowledge of international relations, diplomacy or public policy environments.
• Press office and news management experience.
• Event management experience.
• Experience working within international, governmental, intergovernmental or membership-based organisations.
• Knowledge or experience of communications activity within Caribbean, Pacific or South Asian regions.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to work on high-profile international issues and events.
• Exposure to senior stakeholders and global media networks.
• Collaborative, mission-driven working environment.

If you are a talented communications professional with strong media instincts, exceptional writing skills and experience delivering impactful communications campaigns, we'd love to hear from you.