Information Officer

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Information Officers will generally work under the supervision of a Senior Information Officer. While the precise duties and responsibilities of individual posts will vary, the main duties and key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting Ministers at site visits across Northern Ireland;
• Providing input for advice to Ministers and officials on communication and presentational issues;
• Building strong relationships with colleagues to fully understand communication needs;
• Contributing to the development and implementation of external media handling plans within a fast changing news environment;
• Maintaining and building good working relationships with internal and external key stakeholders, customers and partners;
• Assisting in the delivery of press conferences, and media coverage of important events, announcements and visits;
• Writing news releases, video scripts and other written communications;
• Responding to media queries and maintaining records of queries;
• Providing support on all aspects of communications during a crisis;
• Assisting with media monitoring and being alert to emerging issues;
• Evaluating the effectiveness of communications against objectives and business outcomes;

• Developing innovative high-quality visual content (such as graphics, infographics and digital animations) for a range of social media channels, ensuring appropriate content and tone to deliver departmental messaging;
• Identifying new social media trends / channels and supporting departments in staying ahead of new developments;

• Managing social media channels and measuring the effectiveness of digital content through regular analysis of digital analytics;
• Overseeing departmental website updates;
• Assisting with the provision of videography and photography services;

The above list is not exhaustive however it gives a good indication of the main duties of the post. The emphasis on particular duties will vary over time according to business needs.

Essential Criteria applicants must have:

• At least two years’ experience, gained within the last five years, as a practitioner in public relations, journalism, advertising or a marketing environment.
• At least one years’ experience, gained within the last five years, of working with Senior Officials and key stakeholders to develop and deliver engaging digital content to promote important announcements, initiatives, news or events.

• At least one year’s practical experience, gained within the last five years, in leading and managing staff in a team environment to meet organisational objectives.
  

• A third level or post graduate qualification in a relevant discipline linked to public relations, journalism, advertising or a marketing environment.

• five GCSE/GCE passes (at A, B or C) with Maths and English. ( Proof of certs required before application is considered)

The posts will be based at various locations across NICS departments. Candidates must therefore be willing to travel across Northern Ireland. They could be in any Press Office – most likely greater Belfast.

Please send your CV via the link or to

ThereccoNI