Job Description

Job purpose

• To provide strategic leadership within the Agency in developing communications solutions to change knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in target audience groups across the Indo-Pacific and across the world.

• To use and champion multiple sources of research, best practices and critical thinking to assist multiple client organisations in the pursuit of achieving their objectives.

• To be a source of local knowledge and insight for the region, to lead projects in multiple countries across in that region and to have a good working knowledge of similar problems across the world.

• To set an example within the Agency as to the value or strategy in answering client problems by developing effective ways of working, tools and techniques and sharing them with the Organisation.

• To be a guide and mentor to senior members of the strategy team and management team as to the role of communications in solving client problems.

• To bring new forms of thinking and insight from adjacent disciplines for example psychology or neuroscience and apply them to the day-to-day activities of the Agency.

To build (where appropriate) the profile of the Agency externally by, for example, presenting at conferences, building a network of contacts or publishing material

Experience and Qualifications and Core Skills Essential:

• Strong experience in designing, developing and executing complex communications interventions designed to solve the world\xe2\x80\x99s toughest problems.

• Track record in working with very senior clients to achieve the above, becoming a trusted advisor to these clients.

• Ability to use and communicate the fundamental techniques, tools and practices of a communications strategist.

• Ability to bring new working practices, tools and/or techniques and embed them into the day-to-day operations of the business.

• Ability to quickly analyse and process large volumes of data and insight from multiple sources.

• Ability to craft and present simple solutions to highly complex problems (as oral, written and presentation).

• Ability to work with creative staff/partners to ensure the strategy comes to life in the real world.

• A firm understanding of the cultural dynamics of the region(s) of interest with a proven ability to develop strategies for diverse counties, cultures and communities.

• Experience in a similar working environment.

• Experience working with a similar level and position of client.

• Practical understanding of commercial operations.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills (English).

• Proficient in all components of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and Excel).

• Experience of working with the \xe2\x80\x98third sector\xe2\x80\x99, the international development sector or similar in executing communication interventions.

• Demonstrable liaison skills across the numerous sectors and disciplines (for example ties to academic practitioners).

• Languages are a benefit.

• An understanding of politics/geo politics, international development & emerging social issues
  

Additional Key Qualities Essential:

• Excellent communication skills to enable him/her to support work with senior stakeholders and to understand client requirements.

• Understanding of the company\xe2\x80\x99s culture and business area.

• Sense of responsibility to towards the organisation\xe2\x80\x99s reputation.

• Ability to travel and work independently.

• Forward leaning attitude in support of the team.

• Anticipation of challenges and show of initiative across all projects.

• Ability to develop successful strategies to help solve some of the world\xe2\x80\x99s greatest problems.

• Able to provide guidance and support to people across the business including the most senior members of staff.

• Knowledge of multiple forms of research \xe2\x80\x93 both in the development of strategy and the subsequent reporting of it.

• To understand communications best practices from both the commercial and development sectors.

A firm interest and understanding of geo-politics and International Relations.

Specific Responsibilities

• Ensure the highest standards of strategic thinking are brought to bear on client problems.

• Become a guide to the whole agency, from the most senior down, as to how communications can solve client problems.

• Bring best practices in advertising and communications, behaviour change, brand strategy and to work with a media strategist to develop media & dissemination strategy.

• Bring an intimate understanding of the client problem set which includes some of the worlds\xe2\x80\x99 most intractable societal, political and cultural issues. This includes a knowledge of different cultures and religious practices and how they can be used to deliver effect.

• To bring new ways of thinking, strategic models, products and approaches that can be replicated across the business to deliver effect.

• To partner with the internal research team and external suppliers to build a firm understanding of multiple target audiences\xe2\x80\x99 knowledge, attitudes and behaviours.

• To discover and apply research and insight from a range of adjacent disciplines such as psychology, behavioural science, business strategy, social sciences and more.

• Be a leader when it comes to Measures of Performance and Effect in regard to strategy and resultant change in knowledge, attitudes and behaviours. To ensure each program delivers a strong effect.

• To work with creative/production staff and partners to ensure creative products and solutions are strategically correct and achieve or better the client goal. To problem solve where these products and solutions are not working effectively.

• To work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to shape the strategic output across the business and to offer training and guidance to other strategists and account staff.

• To take a role in co-ordinate and organising the strategy department including in matters of training and development.

• To take responsibility for line management of staff where appropriate including all aspects of recruitment, development, reviews, dealing with issues and so-on.

• To share knowledge and experience in a formal an informal way that grows the collective knowledge of the Agency.

• To look for opportunities that support the success of the contracts and identify any new opportunities for business growth outside the contract.

• To assist various related activities in the day-to-day running of the business including client RFIs, new business strategies and other ad-hoc activities.

Reporting:

• Reports to the Global Head of Strategy.

Situational Awareness:

• Maintain an in-depth understanding of both the commercial and development sector strategic and communication best practices.

• To understand useful concepts from adjacent industries and how they can be applied to communications strategy for example psychology, neuroscience, data or similar.

• To maintain an in depth knowledge of region(s) of interest including social, cultural, political and economic aspects.

• Keep up-to-date on strategic theory and innovations in target geographical areas as well as emerging platforms and technologies which may be applied.

Also:

• Be prepared to assist outside the stated core responsibilities and be proactive in supporting a small, dynamic project team dealing with daily challenges.

• Be an ambassador for M&C Saatchi World Services.