Communications Specialist

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Specialist

🔹 Company: Adam Smith International

🔹 Location: Bangkok, Thailand

🔹 Job Type: Contractor

🔹 Category: International Trade and Development

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-15

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing external communications for the Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) program
• Implementing strategic communications strategy and workplan
• Overseeing communications team and consultants
• Coordinating with stakeholders, including P4I activity teams, DFAT, and Australian embassies
• Producing high-quality communications products, such as media releases, web stories, and social media posts

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of communication skills, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management. The ideal candidate will have experience working in Southeast Asia and on Australian development programs.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage the Program’s external communications functions in line with DFAT’s public diplomacy and strategic communications requirements

✅ Implement P4I Strategic Communications Strategy and Workplan, producing content and products to increase engagement, visibility, and awareness of P4I for key audiences

✅ Oversee the work of the Strategic Communications team and external communications consultants

✅ Coordinate the commissioning of content for communications products and liaise with stakeholders to ensure coherent forward planning

✅ Design and deliver high-quality communications products, such as media releases, web stories, and social media posts

ASSUMPTION: The role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to perform multiple tasks, and resilience to tight deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Tertiary qualifications in international relations, communications, journalism, or a related field (postgraduate qualifications highly desirable)

Experience: At least eight years’ experience in corporate or government communications, journalism, civil society/NGO, or other externally facing communications roles

Required Skills:

• Exceptional writing and editing skills in English
• Proven experience crafting messages in various formats targeting diverse audiences
• Strong literacy in Microsoft packages with knowledge of Adobe products
• Experience in on-the-job mentoring
• Self-motivation, creativity, excellent organizational skills, and ability to work with both internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to drive work seamlessly and cordially as part of a broader team in a fast-paced environment
• Resilience to tight deadlines and flexibility in aligning communications products to changes in the development sector
• Demonstrated commitment to gender equality principles

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in Southeast Asia
• Experience working on Australian development programs and/or programs funded by other development donors

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the development sector and familiarity with DFAT’s public diplomacy and strategic communications requirements will be highly competitive.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Salary information not provided. Based on industry standards for a communications specialist role in Bangkok, the estimated salary range is THB 150,000 - 250,000 per month.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work on a high-profile international development program
• Potential for remote work with some travel required to the Program Hub

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on market research and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Adam Smith International operates in the international trade and development sector, focusing on government reform and economic growth.

Company Size: Adam Smith International has 51-200 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: 1992, with over three decades of experience delivering lasting results in challenging environments.

Company Description:

• Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies more stable, and governments more effective.
• The company's clients include governments, international organizations, companies, and foundations.
• Adam Smith International is committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental, and financial performance, as recognized by its certification as a B Corp.

Company Specialties:

• Government Reform and Economic Growth

Company Website: http://www.adamsmithinternational.com/

ASSUMPTION: Adam Smith International's experience and commitment to corporate integrity make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking to make a positive impact in the development sector.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the senior specialist level, requiring a high degree of expertise and experience in communications and stakeholder management.

Reporting Structure: The Communications Specialist will report to the P4I Director of Performance and the ASI Focal Point on matters related to ASI’s project management, performance, and employment.

Work Arrangement: The role offers the option for remote work with some travel required to the Program Hub, with a strong preference for candidates located in or willing to relocate to Bangkok.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on additional responsibilities and mentoring roles within the communications team
• Opportunity to work on high-profile projects and gain experience in the international development sector

ASSUMPTION: The role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the communications team and the broader P4I program.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The role can be performed remotely, with some travel required to the Program Hub in Bangkok.

Office Location(s): Bangkok, Thailand

Geographic Context:

• Bangkok is a vibrant, multicultural city with a cost of living that is generally lower than many Western cities
• The city offers a wide range of cultural, culinary, and entertainment experiences
• Bangkok has a tropical monsoon climate, with three distinct seasons: hot, wet, and cool

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility to work remotely and manage time effectively

ASSUMPTION: The remote work option and flexible work schedule make this role attractive to candidates seeking a good work-life balance.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other relevant stakeholders
• Background check and reference verification

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and writing samples
• Experience in the development sector and familiarity with DFAT’s public diplomacy and strategic communications requirements
• Cultural fit and alignment with Adam Smith International’s values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Provide examples of your writing and communication skills, such as press releases, articles, or social media content
• Demonstrate your understanding of the P4I program and Adam Smith International’s mission and values

ATS Keywords: Communications, Journalism, Editing, Content Development, Social Media, Stakeholder Engagement, Project Management, Team Leadership, Strategic Planning, Public Diplomacy, Digital Content, Mentoring, Organizational Skills, Resilience, Gender Equality, Creativity, Southeast Asia, Australian Development Programs, DFAT, P4I

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to include relevant ATS keywords and demonstrate their fit for the role and the company's mission.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
• Content Management Systems (CMS)
• Social Media Platforms (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook)

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience with industry-standard communication tools and platforms.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Transforming lives by making economies stronger, societies more stable, and governments more effective
• Corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental, and financial performance
• Respect for standards of human rights, labor, environment, and anti-corruption

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to change
• Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality products

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a strong commitment to Adam Smith International’s mission and values?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines?
• Do you have experience working with diverse stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and the private sector?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with Adam Smith International’s values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling employment experience.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple stakeholders with varying priorities and expectations
• Working in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
• Adapting to changes in the development sector and program priorities
• Ensuring consistent and high-quality communication products across various platforms and audiences

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will be adaptable, resilient, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Communications Specialist vs. Communications Manager: The former role focuses more on tactical execution, while the latter involves strategic planning and team leadership
• International Development vs. Corporate Communications: The former requires a strong understanding of the development sector and its unique challenges, while the latter focuses on corporate messaging and branding
• Contractor vs. Permanent Role: The former offers flexibility and potential for diverse project experiences, while the latter provides job security and long-term career growth

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider their career goals and preferences when comparing this role to similar positions in the communications and development sectors.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive communications strategy for a high-profile international development program
• Managing a team of communications professionals and consultants to deliver high-quality products on time and within budget
• Coordinating with stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and the private sector, to ensure coherent forward planning and approvals for communications materials

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have experience managing complex communications projects and working with diverse stakeholders.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does this role fit into the broader P4I program and Adam Smith International’s mission?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the communications team and the broader P4I program?
• How does Adam Smith International support work-life balance for its employees?
• What are the key challenges facing the P4I program, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should ask thoughtful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and the organization and to gain a better understanding of the work environment and expectations.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Provide examples of your writing and communication skills, such as press releases, articles, or social media content
• Demonstrate your understanding of the P4I program and Adam Smith International’s mission and values
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.