Media And Advocacy Officer

  OXFAM PURPOSE:  To work with others to overcome poverty and suffering.    JOB PURPOSE:        To maximise coverage of Oxfam’s programme and campaign messages in the Syria crisis response by developing and delivering effective media and communication strategies.  DIMENSIONS      Raises the profile of Oxfam’s Lebanon programme with partners as well as local media. Supports visibility of the Syria Crisis Response (SCR) campaign in Lebanon and with regional team Develops and delivers media work that has a significant impact on Oxfam’s public image - at national and international level - and makes sensible judgments, working within Oxfam policy and procedures. Makes decisions and solves problems on complex issues, requiring creative thinking to find best solutions and drawing on information from a variety of sources to inform decision making. Required to operate to tight deadlines, using independent judgement within clear parameters. Represents Oxfam to external contacts, especially journalists.  Expert knowledge of Lebanese media environment and communication tools Capacity to independently produce quality media and communication materials (press releases, video, photos, audio) that can be used by a variety of media nationally, regionally and globally. Where requested, provide capacity building to partner organisations on media and advocacy   KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:  To regularly generate high quality media coverage of Oxfam’s programme and advocacy work in Lebanon, but also occasionally international outlets.  This includes developing press releases, reactive lines, questions and answers and to organise press conferences, media briefing, organising visits of journalists and celebrities to programme locations (including logistical arrangements). To work with the programme teams, and local partner organisations, to develop visibility and communications plans for projects Engage with programmes team in on advocacy components of projects that may include capacity building support to local partners To produce digital contents (stories, photos, blogs, videos) to be used on Oxfam and other websites and to liaise with relevant staff at regional and Oxford level to maximise the use of the contents generated. To act as spokesperson for Oxfam in media interviews if required, and brief other staff and/ or local partner organisations and allies ahead of media interviews or press conferences. To contribute to media and overall advocacy campaign strategy for Lebanon primarily but to contribute as well to SCR campaign.. To regularly visit projects and partner organisations in the field to ensure a direct link between programme work and media coverage, and to identify and generate high quality media and communication opportunities. To build relationships with media colleagues in other organisations (eg NGOs, UN agencies), to coordinate and collaborate on media projects. To build and maintain excellent relationships with Lebanese media outlets and maintain a database of Lebanese media contacts. To monitor and evaluate media coverage generated and to draw lessons to improve coverage, and provide regular analysis on Lebanese media coverage issues relevant to Oxfam’s programme and campaigns work. Flexibility to work out of normal offices hours is required, recognising media is not a standard “office hours” job. In collaboration with technical coordinators, Project Managers, draft communications and advocacy material for different thematic work-streams, including newsletters, reports, promotional materials, and talking points for senior management.   Collaboratively with field teams, take an active role and where possible lead in organizing media outreach and public events including international celebrations as and whenever organised by field teams. In consultation with the field Area Managers, be the focal point person to arrange all internal and external media visits to field sites and ensure keep all reports/photos etc from those visits for future use and reference. Create and maintain internal system, including contact lists, diaries of upcoming events and opportunities in which Oxfam can actively participate and engage locally, national and regional/internationally. Provide content for key communications materials including; pagers, organisational profile and annual reporting in especially on beneficiaries stores/case studies etc. SKILLS & COMPETENCE:              Essential: Minimum of 2 years experience working in the Lebanese media environment, either as a journalist or as a media officer, with a proven record of generating media coverage. Strong writing skills, preferably with a history of writing for media, and ability to produce quality communication materials within tight deadlines. Strong organisational and personal management skills, with ability to prioritise work issues to meet deadlines. Strong social media skills (eg using websites/Twitter/blogs) Proven skills in engaging national organizations in media, communications visibility, and advocacy  Good interpersonal skills and ability to develop and maintain relationships Good analytical and conceptual thinking skills with good strategic perspective, able to understand complex issues and information from different sources and present this clearly and simply Ability to work creatively, effectively and in an innovative manner and to identify and develop new ways to use the media to Oxfam’s advantage Excellent communication skills, in written and verbal English and Arabic.  Desirable: Strong social media skills; knowledge of up-loading photos/videos, experience of using online fora for corporate purposes etc Filming and editing skills for short video packages Strong advocacy skills with proven record in issue-based advocacy Capacity building and technical assistance skills on media and advocacy to national partners