Strategic Communications Officer

Who we are

The British Embassy in Vilnius is part of a world‑wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas.

Based in Vilnius and working as part of the British Embassy’s Moscow Communications team, the Strategic Communications Officer will play a key role in shaping and delivering the UK’s messaging in Russia. The team works across media engagement, social media and strategic communications campaigns to advance UK foreign policy objectives and counter disinformation.

The role sits within a small, collaborative communications team and forms part of the embassy’s wider effort to maintain open dialogue and promote UK values in a challenging information environment. The team works closely with policy colleagues, the Ambassador’s office and London‑based FCDO teams, as well as external stakeholders including journalists and partner organisations.

What you will be doing

As Strategic Communications Officer, you will contribute to the planning, delivery and evaluation of strategic communications activity, supporting high‑impact campaigns aligned with UK priorities.

Your role will include:

• Strategic communications planning
  

Supporting the development and implementation of the embassy’s strategic communications plan, ensuring alignment with UK foreign policy priorities. You will apply strategic communications frameworks to help design campaigns that are proactive, credible, and impactful in a crowded information environment, working closely with communications colleagues and policy officers to ensure messaging is consistent and effective.

• Content development and messaging
  

Creating compelling narratives and key messages tailored to local audiences, while maintaining UK Government standards and values. You will ensure all content reflects the highest ethical standards and promotes UK values, helping the embassy communicate clearly and persuasively.

• Media relations support
  

Assisting with media engagement activities, including responding to media enquiries, organising press events, and maintaining relationships with journalists. You will also monitor media coverage of key stories and live issues.

• Evaluation and reporting
  

Evaluating the impact of communications activity using data and insight, and preparing regular reports on communications performance for senior management. Your analysis will highlight successes and areas for improvement to ensure continuous learning and adaptation.

• Cross‑team collaboration and support
  

Working closely with other embassy teams and London‑based colleagues to ensure communications activities are integrated with wider policy and operational objectives. This includes contributing to joint projects, supporting high‑level visits, and advising on messaging and outreach strategies.
You will also manage one Digital Officer as part of the role.

Why apply?

This is an exciting opportunity to take on a varied and impactful role at the heart of a busy and experienced communications team, working on high‑profile issues in a complex information environment.

You will gain hands‑on experience across strategic communications, media relations and digital engagement, working closely with communications specialists, policy colleagues and senior stakeholders. The role offers scope to develop your professional judgement, strengthen your strategic communications skills and contribute directly to FCDO objectives.

Alongside this, you will benefit from a strong learning and development offer, including UK Government Communication Service training programmes, online learning and in‑person workshops, as well as ongoing support from experienced colleagues. This combination of practical experience and structured development makes the role well suited to someone looking to grow their career in government communications.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Full professional proficiency in English and Russian (written and spoken; minimum C1 for CEFR framework*)
  
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in designing and delivering strategic communications or campaign planning
  
• Proven ability to adapt messaging for different audiences and channels
  
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
  
• Ability to monitor, analyse, and report on communications performance using data and insight to inform future strategies
  
• Political awareness and understanding of the Russian media environment
  
• Knowledge of UK foreign policy priorities, or willingness to learn quickly
  
• Experience of line management or supervisory responsibilities
  

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Practical communications experience in media engagement, including understanding how to engage with journalists, manage media enquiries, and support press events or media outreach
  
• Digital and social media competence, including familiarity with managing social media channels and creating content that resonates with diverse audiences
  
• Understanding of public sector communications or experience working in an international organisation
  
• Understanding of disinformation dynamics, particularly in the Russian information space
  

REQUIRED BEHAVIOURS: Communicating and Influencing, Leadership, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture

This is a full-time, 35 net hours per week, permanent contract, at Higher Executive Officer (HEO) grade.

Flexible working can be considered, a mix between office/home-based working is currently practice but increased presence in the office will be expected.

The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check, security clearance and probationary period.

The start date indicated in the advert is an indicative date and may be brought forward or delayed depending on individual circumstances.

WE OFFER:

• A gross monthly salary of EUR 4,013
  
• A performance related bonus, where applicable
  
• Medical health insurance scheme for those who have successfully completed their probation
  
• A strong focus on learning and development, including access to UK Government Communication Service training programmes, e‑learning, and development programmes
  
• Hybrid working conditions: 35-hour net (40 hours gross) working week and a commitment to flexible working according to the internal hybrid work policy, strong focus on providing a work-life balance;
  
• 22 days of annual leave, plus 14 public holidays
  
• A strong focus on employee mental health and wellbeing
  
• The opportunity to work in an international environment
  

While the role supports the work of the British Embassy Moscow, the postholder will be based in Vilnius. Therefore, all applicants should have the right to live and work in Lithuania. The British Embassy does not sponsor for work permits. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Vilnius are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Lithuanian employment law.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Lithuania 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. Permits to live and work in Lithuania should be obtained prior to the employment.

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

4013 €/mon. gross