About the job

Summary

About IPCO

The Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO) supports the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Sir Brian Leveson, and the Judicial Commissioners in fulfilling their duties under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016.

IPCO’s mission is to independently oversee the use of investigatory powers, ensuring they are used in accordance with the law and in the public interest. The Commissioners have the important function of balancing the public interest and the rights of the individual independently of Government, in particular reviewing whether public authorities’ interference with these rights is justifiable. This oversight spans more than 600 public authorities, including the UK’s intelligence agencies, law enforcement agencies, police, councils and prisons.

IPCO is committed to creating an increasingly diverse and inclusive workplace. Our people are our greatest asset and so we aim to foster a safe environment where diversity of thought is welcomed, work-life balance is valued and opportunity for growth is encouraged.

IPCO is an independent arm’s length body of the Home Office. The organisation employs around 50 people and is headed by a chief executive, supported by legal and communications professionals, technical experts and inspectors.

Job description

About the job

The Investigatory Powers Commissioner is committed to enhancing transparency about the work that we do, engaging with key stakeholders and increasing understanding of the oversight of investigatory powers. The Communications and Engagement team is therefore a crucial part of the business, responsible for helping to meet this commitment and raising awareness of our work.

IPCO’s Communications Officer will assist the Head of Communications and Engagement (Grade 7) across a range of communications disciplines including press, digital, stakeholder engagement and strategic communications.

The successful candidate will also support the Head of Communications and Engagement to deliver effective internal communications and employee engagement activities. As many members of the team work remotely, the communications department is responsible for ensuring staff are appropriately informed and equipped to do their job.

This role provides an exciting opportunity to be part of an organisation at the centre of intelligence oversight. For the right candidate this role will provide a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to make an impact while also building on their communications experience and skills.

The postholder will also work alongside the communications lead for our sister organisation, the Office for Communications Data Authorisations (OCDA). OCDA is also overseen by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner and the two organisations therefore share resources when required.

If you are already or choose to become a member of the Government Communication Service, you will also be awarded with fantastic learning and development opportunities and progression is supported.

Please note that due to business requirements this role is only available full time.

Responsibilities

Person Specification

The postholder will be responsible for supporting the Head of Communications and Engagement with the provision of communications advice to the Investigatory Powers Commissioner, Chief Executive, Chief Inspectors and other senior colleagues. You would work to become a trusted communications advisor and a go-to person for support in this area.

You must have excellent written and verbal communications skills, be able to work creatively to identify the most appropriate methods of communication and have an ability to communicate key messages clearly to a variety of internal and external audiences.

You will be confident presenting information in an appealing, user-friendly format, with an eye for creativity and attention to detail. You must have excellent organisational skills, with confidence to take ownership of the administrative support of the communications department.

You will have a willingness to learn and must be able to take responsibility for personal performance, priority of workload and delivery of objectives, understanding how your role contributes to IPCO’s wider organisational goals. You should be flexible and able to work as part of a team, as well as under your own initiative.

The successful candidate will be frequently dealing with external stakeholders and members of the public so will need to be politically aware. You must be able to respect sensitive information and confidentiality. It is desirable for the postholder to also have a good understanding of the work of law enforcement, security and intelligence agencies and wider discourse around investigatory powers, privacy and other human rights.

This role demands excellence, creativity and resilience. If you feel ready for a new challenge and want to join a small team where you can make a big impact, then we would be delighted to hear from you.

Responsibilities

The jobholder will be responsible for:

• Drafting internal and external communications products

• Managing the administration of the communications department, including tracking coverage, queries and engagement activities

• Assisting the Head of Communications and Engagement to plan IPCO’s internal and external strategic communications activities

• Working closely with other teams across the business to identify engagement opportunities and ensure a coordinated approach

• Commissioning input for communications products from senior colleagues

• Processing press requests and liaising with the media

• Developing content for an online audience and maintaining the IPCO website using the WordPress content management system

• Measuring traffic to the IPCO website and providing analytical updates

• Developing and formatting communications products using Adobe programmes such as Photoshop and InDesign

• Media monitoring and social listening

• Managing the communications calendar, ensuring the department is proactive and prepared for internal and external activities

• Organising internal events to support the enhancement of employee engagement

Please note: An employee may be required to carry out other duties within the scope of their grade and within the limits of their skill, competencies and training.

Essential Criteria

Candidates will need relevant experience in the following:

• Ability to demonstrate excellent written and verbal communications

• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office applications and an aptitude to utilise other software packages for communication products (such as creative Adobe programmes)

• Strong organisational skills, able to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in a communications department

• Experience using analytics tools (such as Google analytics)

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace