View Vacancy – Digital Communications Manager, Grade – EO, Colombo

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.

Job Category

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)

Job Subcategory

Communications, Press and Media

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment, educational details, behavioural and technical/ professional skills questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only with all the required details and the shortlisting is not basis CV/ cover letter. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Main Purpose:

To lead the British High Commission’s digital-first communications, delivering high-quality, creative and audience-focused content across social media and digital platforms, while supporting effective media and press engagement to promote UK priorities in Sri Lanka.

The role will combine strategic digital communications, content creation and media engagement, translating policy objectives into compelling, accessible communications that strengthen the UK’s profile and impact.

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

Digital Communications & Content Creation (60%)

1. Lead, in support of the Head of Press and Communications, the High Commission’s digital communications strategy and delivery, with a focus on social media platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram and emerging channels.
2. Provide, in support of the Head of Press and Communications, strategic digital communications advice to colleagues and senior leadership, ensuring content and campaigns are designed to maximise reach and impact.
3. Plan, create and publish high-quality, engaging digital content, including social-first posts, reels, short-form video and multimedia storytelling (working closely with the BHC’s Soft Power lead).
4. Translate policy priorities and complex content into engaging, audience-friendly digital outputs, identifying and developing compelling stories that showcase UK impact and priorities in Sri Lanka.
5. Lead on photography and videography, including filming, editing and producing content for campaigns, high-level visits and events.
6. Use a range of digital editing tools and platforms (e.g. Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and other content creation apps) to produce visually compelling outputs.
7. Monitor and evaluate digital performance and audience engagement, using platform analytics and insights to optimise content and improve impact.
8. Stay up to date with emerging digital trends, identifying opportunities to innovate and strengthen the High Commission’s digital presence.

Communications, Press & Media (40%)

1. Develop and deliver communications plans and campaigns across key policy areas, working closely with policy teams.
2. Produce high-quality written communications products, including press releases, speeches, op-eds and briefing materials.
3. Manage relationships with local media and lead on media engagement, including interviews, press briefings and event coverage.
4. Monitor and analyse local media reporting, sharing insights with internal stakeholders.
5. Ensure strong integration between press, media and digital outputs to maximise reach, consistency and impact.
6. Work closely with senior leadership, including the High Commissioner, to deliver communications and digital content for high-profile engagements, visits and campaigns.

Additional responsibilities:

1. Work closely with the Head of Press and Communications and senior leadership to deliver strategic communications priorities.
2. Provide flexible support across the team, including covering other roles when required.
3. Contribute to wider Public Diplomacy work, including campaigns on education, culture, sport and scholarships.
4. Support communications during crisis situations, particularly through digital channels, as required.

Learning and development opportunities (if any)

The job holder will attend an International Communications Skills training course, delivered by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. This takes place virtually.

The job holder will further be able to access a wide range of online and face-to-face training. Much of the learning is on the job, which will be diverse and varied. There are also a range of informal development opportunities including accompanying on visits, and job shadowing.

There is also the opportunity to be involved with the wider work of the High Commission, taking part in change management and crisis management planning, as well as joining committees such as wellbeing, diversity and inclusion.

Language requirements:

Language: English and one of either Sinhala or Tamil

Level of language required: Expert

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Essential on arrival:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience in communications, journalism, media, digital marketing,
• At least 3 years’ experience in digital communications, media, public relations, journalism, marketing or related fields
• Proven experience in digital communications and social media content creation
• Experience providing qualitative digital communications advice and contributing to campaign planning
• Strong skills in photography, videography and video editing
• Experience using digital editing and design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva (or similar platforms)
• Demonstrable ability to create high-quality, engaging digital content tailored to different audiences and platforms
• Ability to translate policy or technical content into clear, accessible communications
• Strong understanding of the Sri Lankan media and digital landscape
• Experience in communications campaign planning and delivery
• Experience managing social media platforms using scheduling and analytics tools (e.g. Hootsuite or similar)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and one of either Sinhala or Tamil.
• Ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Desirable:

• Demonstrated experience managing digital communications and social media content in a professional environment
• Experience working in an international organisation
• Experience using analytics tools to evaluate digital performance and inform strategy
• Familiarity with emerging digital tools or trends (e.g. short-form video, AI-assisted content)

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Seeing the Big Picture

Application deadline

1 June 2026

Grade

Executive Officer (EO)

Type of Position

Full-time, Fixed Term

Working hours per week

40

Duration of Post

24 months

Region

South Asia & Afghanistan

Country/Territory

Sri Lanka

Location (City)

Colombo

Type of Post

British High Commission

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

LKR

Salary

LKR 332,467+12% EPF+3% ETF per month

Start Date

3 August 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment

For British High Commission (BHC) candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.

For other than BHC candidates, starting salary will be LKR 332,467+12% EPF+3% ETF per month. Other benefits include 13 month’s salary (pro-rated) and medical insurance coverage.

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks.

FCDO operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require. The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system. The High Commission takes pride in its organisational culture and its strong and diverse team. We offer leave entitlements as per Sri Lankan labour laws.

We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.

Additional information

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment, educational details, behavioural and technical/ professional skills questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only with all the required details and the shortlisting is not basis CV/ cover letter. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage

To Apply:

Please note applications without (1), (2) and (3) will not be considered. Point (4) to be adhere strictly.

1. Complete the Online Application Form.
2. Complete the Experience, Professional Skills and Behaviour based Segments in the Online Application Form.
3. Evidence of your nationality and permission to work in Sri Lanka must be included with your application form, for example, photocopies of the details page of your passport and/or visa.

Please ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences. If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance. The core content, personal narratives, and responses to behaviour and skill-based questions must genuinely reflect your professional journey, experiences, and achievements. We place great importance on originality and individual effort throughout the application process. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification

To ensure a successful application it is important that you explain how you demonstrate behaviours and technical / professional skills, basis your experience. You are strongly advised to read the Success Profiles Civil Service Behaviours Framework, which provides a detailed guidance on how these behaviours are defined for each position.

Applicants are encouraged to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to prepare specific examples of when and how you have demonstrated these behaviours in your application, by evidencing a structured response, including your skills and experiences. You briefly describe the situation in which you demonstrated the behaviour, and then explain your task in addressing the situation, what action you took and the result of this.

Internal candidates applying for this position must have prior approval from their line manager, else the application will not be considered.

We will accept only online applications received by ­­midnight on 1st June 2026 (23:55hrs Sri Lanka Standard Time).

Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines of the British High Commission. Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, caste, or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.

Note: The British High Commission in Colombo is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally by The British High Commission in Colombo is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.

” The start date mentioned in the job advert is tentative and the appointment will be subject to successful clearances including police verification, references, medical, educational, and professional checks. “

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.