JOB DESCRIPTION

View Vacancy – Public Diplomacy Officer – Maternity cover (BGR25.361)

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

Public Diplomacy

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

The British Embassy in Sofia is part of the UK’s global diplomatic network, representing British political, economic, and consular interests in Bulgaria. We are now looking for a dynamic and motivated Public Diplomacy Officer to help shape how the UK is seen and heard in Bulgaria.

In this exciting role, you’ll be at the heart of foreign policy, soft power, and strategic communications. You’ll design and deliver high‑impact campaigns, events, and partnerships that boost the UK’s visibility, influence, and reputation.

From leading flagship initiatives such as the King’s Birthday Party, Ambassador for a Day, and CityLovers, to driving cultural diplomacy projects and perception research, your work will bring the UK closer to Bulgarian audiences. You’ll also collaborate with our Communications team to amplify UK narratives and strengthen stakeholder engagement across government, civil society, media, and beyond.

This is a temporary role to cover maternity leave, offering a unique opportunity to combine creativity, strategy, and relationship‑building in a position that makes a real impact.

Why you should apply?

• The job holder will be entitled to 25 days annual leave.
• The successful candidate will be provided a mobile phone with unlimited data and calls.
• We offer free parking space in City Center, upon availability.
• Be part of an inclusive, supportive team environment where diversity is valued and collaboration is encouraged.

How will I succeed in this role?

Events (35%)

• Design and deliver public diplomacy campaigns promoting UK interests and bilateral cooperation.
• Manage events end‑to‑end: venues, contracts, budgets, logistics, and inclusive participation.
• Lead sponsorship for flagship Embassy events (e.g. King’s Birthday Party, Ambassador for a Day), managing key partners.

Strategic Coordination (20%)

• Coordinate across the Embassy and regional networks for a joined‑up approach.
• Build and sustain stakeholder networks in government, civil society, media, academia, business, and culture.
• Partner with like‑minded embassies, NGOs, and influencers to amplify UK messaging.

Programme Management (20%)

• Deliver public diplomacy projects using Embassy and FCDO funds.
• Apply strong project management to ensure delivery on time and within budget.

Ministerial & VIP Visits (5%)

• Shape the public diplomacy elements of Ministerial and senior visits.
• Support logistics and content, ensuring alignment with Embassy priorities.

Communications & Digital (10%)

• Develop messaging strategies supporting HMG goals and Embassy priorities.
• Ensure communications are inclusive, rights‑sensitive, and audience‑appropriate.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to produce engaging content for media, social channels, and GOV.UK.

Insight & Measurement (10%)

• Monitor local developments and advise on public diplomacy responses.
• Lead the bi‑annual perception survey and translate findings into strategy.
• Track and report impact using KPIs for reach, influence, and engagement.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Fluent in English and Bulgarian (C1 level according to the CEFR framework);
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field;
• MS Office and numeracy skills essential, proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook required;
• Excellent all-round communication skills to manage customer expectations and deliver difficult messages;
• Excellent customer service skills; ability to respond to a range of customer needs and cultivate strong relationships with customers and stakeholders;
• Calmness under pressure with ability to respond quickly to changing priorities, sometimes in pressurised environments;
• Ability to research and follow guidelines, and to plan and prioritise effectively;
• Ability to work well with others – to build and maintain relationships with customers and stakeholders;
• Strong problem solving skills using own judgement;
• Candidate should be prepared to react positively to change and ready to try new ways of working.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Experience working in an English-speaking / international environment;
• Relevant professional experience in Public Relations, Event Management or Journalism;
• An understanding of UK culture.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline

20 November 2025

Grade

Executive Officer (EO)

Type of Position

Temporary

Working hours per week

36

Region

Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia

Country/Territory

Bulgaria

Location (City)

Sofia

Type of Post

British Embassy

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

BGN

Salary

3200 BGN gross (non-negotiable, payable 13th times per year)

Type of Salary

monthly

Start Date

2 January 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment

The appointment is temporary, ending upon the return of the substantive job holder from maternity leave.

The successful candidate will receive a non-negotiable monthly salary of 3200 BGN gross. In addition, staff are entitled to a 13th month salary pro rata.

Core skills training and mandatory trainings will be provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. All staff have a personal development plan and access to world class learning and development opportunities.

The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of a background and security clearance. Anyone with right of residence and employment in Bulgaria may apply, including all EU/EEA citizens and the family members of EU/EEA nationals exercising a treaty right in Bulgaria.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions Service according to Bulgarian employment law.

Additional information

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.

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.

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.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements