This is a new position offering the right candidate an exciting opportunity to play a leading role shaping and delivering a communications strategy for the Department for International Trade (DIT) in Germany, based at the British Embassy in Berlin.

DIT is the British government’s international economic department. As Head of Business Communications for DIT Germany, you will be one of the most senior members of the DIT Germany team (made up of approximately 40 colleagues based in the Embassy in Berlin and Consulates-General in Düsseldorf and Munich).

The successful candidate will work closely with DIT Senior Management and colleagues across the Germany Network in order to develop and implement a new and effective communications strategy in support of DIT business plan objectives. These include supporting UK exports to Germany, attracting high quality FDI into the UK and engaging on market access and trade policy issues.

Germany is the UK’s second largest trading partner. Your task will be to ensure DIT’s commercial priorities are reflected across the broader Germany Network strategic communications approach. You will have responsibility for identifying opportunities and creative methods to adapt and communicate key messaging to German business audiences via sector-specific trade/business media, with a particular focus on key bilateral issues and priority areas such as Clean Growth, Technology/Digital and Health and Life Sciences.

As we look towards a new and reinvigorated bilateral and economic relationship between the UK and Germany, the jobholder will play an important role delivering on the Embassy’s wider objectives following the UK’s exit from the European Union. This includes highlighting the role of business in the Germany Network’s focus on UK global priorities e.g. as hosts of the upcoming COP26 Climate Summit in Glasgow or the UK’s G7 Presidency, both in 2021.

This is a new position and as such offers excellent opportunities for personal and professional development as part of a diverse and high-performing team, with much scope to shape, lead and deliver strategy in one of DIT’s biggest and most important market.

Starting yearly salary (EUR)

€79,284 gross per annum rising to approx €89,060 gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay. (Salary is not negotiable)

Start Date

1 June 2021

Application deadline

02. Mai 2021

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategy, Planning and Delivery 40%

• Develop and deliver a strategic communications strategy for DIT Germany, one of DIT Europe’s biggest and most important markets;
• Work in close collaboration with the Germany Network Communications and Bilateral Section and Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Berlin to shape and deliver agreed priorities. Ensure DIT’s policy and trade objectives are included in a strategic communications plan for the whole Germany Network and that DIT’s commercial priorities are reflected across the broader Germany Network approach. Identify business success stories which can be promoted more widely by the Germany Network;
• Work proactively to identify issues and opportunities for messaging to German business audiences via specialist trade/business media. Provide advice and guidance to the Embassy Senior Management team as they relate to business and DIT trade and investment communications priorities. This will include contributing to briefings, speeches, op-eds etc. for Ministers, government officials and VIP visits;
• Work closely with DIT Germany COO to ensure plans identify business needs and issues, set objectives, define key milestones, achieve deliverables, ROI and evaluation needs.

Leadership & Engagement 40%

• As a senior member of DIT Germany, inspire and equip the team to think creatively to achieve DIT Germany’s cross-Government Business planning work. Provide support and guidance from a communications perspective on business planning, shaping core messaging, sharing best practice and upskilling;
• Develop and strengthen relationships with key external stakeholders who can amplify and deliver our communications messaging and objectives. This might include trade press and business publications, IHKs, trade associations, British Chambers of Commerce Germany or communications teams in German businesses and industry bodies. Provide guidance on engagement in order for the team to build and maintain strategic external relationships with multipliers and other partners in support of their business plans;
• Oversee internal communications for DIT Germany within the Germany Network and DIT Europe Region to ensure visibility, engagement and collaboration, coordinating closely with wider Germany Network internal communications led by the Communication and Bilateral Section;
• Develop and maintain a strong set of core material for both external and internal stakeholders, delivering targeted and informative communications to promote cohesiveness, key trade and investment messaging, facts, figures, success stories, etc..

Line Management of the DIT Strategic Communications and Marketing Team 20%

• Provide guidance and support to the DIT Germany Strategic Communications and Marketing team, a team of 3 colleagues based in the British Embassy and Consulates-General. This includes direct line management responsibilities;
• Oversee the team’s activities supporting regional / global campaigns (e.g. GREAT, DIT Europe Tech and Clean Growth Campaigns) as part of the DIT Europe Communications Team, to ensure these are reflected in the overarching Germany Network Communications and Bilateral strategy and adequately adapted to suit the German market;
• Ensure the team has sufficient support, guidance and L&D opportunities to effectively deliver a bespoke and strong programme of communication activity for the large and diverse DIT Germany Team.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework*);
• Degree and/or professional background in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science or International Relations;
• An interest in trade and investment; the ideal candidate would bring with them a strong industry background and trade/business press network.
• Ability to effectively and credibly engage with stakeholders at a senior level; strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively at the most senior level of government, business, media;
• Leadership/management experience;
• Ability to work across multiple teams and with partners based in different locations;
• Evidence of strong relationship and account management skills and a demonstrated ability to think strategically;
• Excellent research and writing skills, to provide clear, concise summaries, briefing and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice;
• Strong organisational and time management skills;
• Self-Starter – proactive with the ability to work well on own initiative;
• Commitment to being part of a diverse and engaged team: All staff are expected to contribute to the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network and to support the Embassy’s positive working environment.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Understanding of the UK’s new trading relationship with the EU under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement
• Familiarity with the UK business environment and/or the UK’s investment and export proposition, including policy, market trends and developments;

Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a full-time position of five working days 37.5 hours per week, for a contract period of two years.

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.

We actively encourage learning and development and will develop a specific plan in collaboration with the successful candidate.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Germany and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.