Communications Adviser
26 January 2018
The Communications Consumer Panel is looking to appoint the services of a Communications Adviser on a self-employed basis for a fixed period of two years (with potential for an extension) from April 2018. We’re looking for a talented person who can communicate authoritatively, generate accurate coverage for the Panel’s activities and support its external communications activity. The requirement is for provision of an average of approximately 50 - 60 hours a month.
The Communications Consumer Panel consists of eight independent experts who work to protect and promote people’s interests in the communications sector. We were established by the Communications Act 2003. The Panel carries out research, provides advice and encourages Ofcom, Government, the EU, industry and others to look at issues through the eyes of consumers, citizens and micro-businesses. The Panel pays particular attention to the needs of older people and people with disabilities, the needs of people in rural areas and people on low incomes, and the needs of micro-businesses, which face many of the same problems as individual consumers. The Panel operates in a dynamic, fast-moving and challenging environment that receives considerable media coverage and where there are both new opportunities to provide for consumers’ wants and needs and new risks to consumer protection.
The successful applicant will be responsible for publicising the Panel’s views and activity and taking forward communications engagement across a range of media. They will act as the first point of contact and manage relationships with the media and other enquirers about the Panel’s activity and brief Members/the Executive in preparation for speeches/events/interviews.
The role will be partially office based – with a requirement to attend meetings at Ofcom’s London offices once a week.
Essential Skills / Experience
- A good understanding of the issues affecting consumers and citizens in the telecommunications sector;
- An understanding of the consumer landscape and an appreciation of the competitive and consumer dynamics of these fast-changing sectors;
- Experience of marketing, media and PR work and the ability to develop relationships with relevant contacts;
- Sharp marketing sense and strong appetite for a broad range of media;
- Analytical approach – able to cut through complex issues to see the big picture;
- Thorough understanding of communications channels and approaches;
- Excellent writing skills: able to convert complex policy documents into plain English;
- Experience of operating effectively in a complex environment with multiple stakeholders;
- Experience of managing issues and developing communications and handling plans; and
- Experience of advising senior executives on communications issues.
Further Information
- The contractor and/or the worker shall at all times comply with all statutes and regulations relating to income tax and/or NICs (as may be amended from time to time) in respect of that consideration. Any appointment shall be subject to Ofcom’s standard terms and conditions of contract for services (which can be obtained from the Ofcom website).
- The contractor must be proactive in ensuring they protect the personal and commercial data they handle as part of the role
- The contractor will need to be flexible to be able to work outside of standard office hours and to attend occasional events which could be held in the UK
Please apply here by 8 February 2018 and include a copy of your CV, together with a covering letter setting out how you meet the selection criteria for this role, including your daily rate charge.
Interviews will be held on 16 February 2018.
We are an equal opportunities employer and committed to equality of opportunity for all. As a disability confident employer, all disabled candidates who meet all the essential criteria of a job description will be guaranteed an interview. If you have a disability or special need and wish to request a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please do so by contacting Recruitment@ofcom.org.uk or call on 020 7783 4050.