Communications Officer (Information Officer) – Belfast City Centre Hybrid Working.

We are currently recruiting for a Communications Officer to be based in Belfast City Centre

Start date: ASAP 

Rate of pay: £19.59ph

Hours of work:     Monday – Friday, general pattern of 9-5.

NICS flexi arrangements apply.

Location: Belfast Chambers

Key Responsibilities:

Communications Officer (Information Officer)

The PPS is the principal prosecuting authority in Northern Ireland, and an NICS department.  Its work in the criminal justice system generates a high-level of public and commentary and interest. This is an opportunity for a skilled and motivated individual to work in the busy PPS Communications Unit and contribute to the continued provision of a high quality communication services and support.

This position is to assist the PPS Communications Unit in all aspects of its duties and responsibilities in internal and external communications – with a particular focus on media and stakeholder engagement work.
Main duties include:
•    To contribute to the successful delivery of the PPS Communications and Engagement Strategy, helping the Head of Communications and the team providestrategic direction on all communications activity;
•    To assist the Communications Media and Engagement Manager in the delivery of effective media and stakeholder engagement;
•    To deal with a large volume of media queries, including responding directly to journalists, in an often fast-paced news environment;
•    To ensure content, messaging, tone and consistency are in line with the PPS Communications Strategy and appropriate to the context of any live legal proceedings;
•    To handle sensitive and complex legal content in order to draft articles for proactive placement or reactive media responses as appropriate;
•    To help identify opportunities for content which helps serves public and victim interest in the PPS;
•    To contribute to a programme of stakeholder engagement work, including supporting the PPS Stakeholder Engagement Forum, and public affairs strategy;
•    To contribute to the provision of a timely media monitoring service;
•    To contribute to the out of hours media service, where necessary;
•    Any other duties as required by the office.

Essential Criteria applicants must have:

Access NI

Proof of Degree

Two years’ practical experience, gained within the last five years, in a communications role, such as public relations or journalism.
Plus two years’ experience, gained within the last five years, of working directly in or with the media in a news-driven environment, including the production of media materials, such as press releases and statements.
It is necessary for the postholder to have:
•    A strong knowledge of the workings of the media and a confident approach to dealing with journalists;
•    Experience of handling challenging media on high profile issues;
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
•    An ability to read and understand complex and / or sensitive issues and explain these accurately in media friendly terms;
•    An ability to work within a team and on their own initiative;
An ability to work to deadlines.

Desired:

A third-level formal qualification in journalism, communications or public relations is desirable.
Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System would be beneficial