Communication & Advocacy Officer

Responsibility #1: Communication   Work with the Regional Syria Response communication team on a communication work plan for Lebanon and keep it updated. Develop and update communication plans/strategies as per request by donors in collaboration with lead member, RSR communication team and senior management. Represent CARE in communication working groups/committees such as for the Lebanon Cash Consortium, UNHCR Public Information group and other similar initiatives. Participate in the Regional Syria Crisis Social Media Group; lead Social Media efforts for CARE Lebanon under the supervision of Regional Communications team  as per agreed schedule Liaise and work with the communication lead of the RSR) team to ensure proper implementation of the work plan and development of communication material. Prepare and facilitate field visits as needed (and also for Regional Communications Coordinator and Officer when are in country) to interview staff, partners and program participants to develop human interest stories and take photos and video. Develop and disseminate a steady flow of information to Regional and HQ colleagues of potential media hooks (blogs, human interest stories etc.) Develop and update key documents on CIL and CARE's regional response with CO staff and regional team (country/regional fact sheets, project outcomes/outputs, newsletters etc.) Take initiative/suggest new communication material Ensure that the communication procedures/processes are known and respected by CARE staff in Lebanon via regular trainings and updates.   Ensure that the approval procedures are known and enforced in line with CARE policies. Ensure that existing communication materials are known, shared and appropriately used by CIL colleagues.   Responsibility #2: Media  Act as a focal point/support and coordinate with colleagues for the visit of any journalist/film maker/VIPs etc., including managing interviews and field visits. Develop and implement a media strategy under the supervision of the Country Director. Work with CI Communications colleagues to monitor media and compile a list of national/international media coverage. Give media training for designated spokespeople. In collaboration with program colleagues, RSR communication team, and lead member draft press releases as per request.    Responsibility #3: Advocacy   Monitor and analyse humanitarian and political developments in country and in neighbouring Syria. Assist in the writing and publication of research and policy papers based on shared analysis. Contribute to the formulation of policy positions linked to key conflict, human rights and humanitarian themes Help develop strategies which enhance the impact of CARE’s immediate humanitarian assistance program, as well as informing future work. Support and advice representation and advocacy activities with policy makers and decision takers at national and international levels. Liaise with lead member, CI and regional Advocacy team on CIL's Advocacy initiatives and efforts. Participate and represent CIL in Advocacy forums and working groups such as the Lebanese Humanitarian INGO Forum as per  request   Responsibility #4: Coordinate and consulate with other senior staff on communication and advocacy Active participation in management meetings with other senior staff Share information on upcoming events, visits, policy briefs/reports, and strategic meetings in relation to CIL's participation in communication and advocacy initiatives in a timely and effective manner. Raise current advocacy and communication issues, calls for response and inputs by other managers Take part in relevant coordination conference calls  (Communication and Advocacy) with lead member, RSR communication team, COMWG and Regional Advocacy teams etc.   Competencies Excellent communication skills both written and oral. Ability to work independently and as a team player. Proven ability to develop effective messaging in a politically sensitive environment. Discretion and sound reasoning in dealing with sensitive matters. Demonstrable and substantive knowledge of the political and humanitarian situation in the Syrian crisis. Works with trustworthiness and integrity and has a clear commitment to CARE's core values and humanitarian principles. Ability to prioritize tasks and to be well organized.