We offer great flexible working opportunities, and have offices in Belfast, Cardiff and York.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not overseas.
Travel will be required on an occasional basis across Northern Ireland and exceptionally in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (ROI).
Job Summary
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is a small government department with a big remit: to keep food safe, ensure that it is what it says it is, and that it is increasingly healthy and more sustainable. Our communications team plays a key role in this mission, acting as the face of the organisation and making sure that consumers hear the information they need to hear.
We are looking for a Communications Placement Student who can join our team for a twelve-month paid placement. You’ll work as part of the Northern Ireland Communications team, working alongside our counterparts in England and Wales to deliver high-quality communications that will support the organisation’s important work in keeping food safe.
Job Description
Our team in Northern Ireland provides consumers with advice on food safety and diet and nutrition issues, both directly and via a range of stakeholders. You’ll have the opportunity to take on a variety of responsibilities, from social media monitoring and reporting to content planning and creation. You’ll report to the Communications Manager, assisting with responses to press and media enquiries.
If you are a student in your third or final year of an undergraduate degree, and working towards a future in the communications profession, apply today to join the FSA as a placement student, working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to deliver ‘food you can trust’.
Please note that the start date for the postholder will be August 2025.
Person Specification
Please read the attached Candidate Pack to discover further details about the role, our organisation, who we are looking for and the criteria we will assess against during the selection process.
We look forward to receiving your application and wish you every success.
Qualifications
Must be currently studying towards a degree in Communications or related discipline such as Marketing, PR, Journalism or Media.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Working Together
* Making Effective Decisions
* Managing a Quality Service
* Delivering at Pace
Technical Skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
* Technical Criteria:
* Must be currently studying towards a degree in Communications or related discipline such as Marketing, PR, Journalism or Media.
Selection Process Details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Full details of the selection process are detailed in the attached candidate pack.
Application and Shortlisting
You will be asked to provide personal details (not seen by the Panel) and to confirm your eligibility to apply for the role.
Technical: You will be asked a question to confirm that you meet the Technical requirements of the role.
* Must be currently studying towards a degree in Communications or related discipline such as Marketing, PR, Journalism or Media.
Experience
Essential Criteria
* Lead criteria: Proven organisational skills and experience of working on multiple projects running simultaneously.
* Good interpersonal skills and a demonstrable ability to work as a team and proven experience of building effective working relationships.
* Proven experience of using own initiative and working with focus and pace to complete tasks on time and to a high standard.
* Excellent standard of written English and the ability to articulate clearly.
Interview
If Successful At Shortlisting Stage, You Will Be Invited To a Final Interview In Which We Will Assess You Against The Following Civil Service Behaviours:
* Working Together
* Making Effective Decisions
* Managing a Quality Service
* Delivering at Pace
Expected Timeline
Advert closes: 05 May 2025
Sift: Expected to take 06 – 09 May 2025
Final panel interview: Expected to take place week commencing 02 June 2025
Interviews will be held remotely via MS Teams.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to the Food Standards Agency from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare.
Reserve List
A reserve list will be held for a period of up to 12 months from which further appointment may be made.
Visa Sponsorship
Please note that the FSA does not hold a licence to sponsor any visa applications and we are unable to provide any advice about visas.
Contact Point for Applicants
Job Contact
* Name: Eve Pritchett
* Email: eve.pritchett@food.gov.uk
Recruitment Team
* Email: hr.recruitment.campaigns@food.gov.uk
Further information
If you wish to raise a complaint then please email hr.recruitment.campaigns@food.gov.uk in the first instance. #J-18808-Ljbffr