Communications And Media Coordinator

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Communications and Media Coordinator will support Mercy Corps Lebanon’s ongoing programming through strategy development, graphic design, and content production for internal and external communication.  As part of the Program Development and Quality Unit, s/he will provide support to plan and implement key communications components of ongoing programming, liaise with national and local media, and ensure that Mercy Corps’ branding and communication guidelines are uniformly and consistently adhered to. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: PLANNING AND STRATEGY Collaborate with Mercy Corps Lebanon staff, including Sector leads, Program Managers, Directors and global communications team, to identify and define communication strategies to engage key target audiences Create monthly and yearly calendars that include specific Mercy Corps programs-related communications activities, including events, campaigns, training, etc.; Support Mercy Corps’ program visibility within the Lebanese community through material development and social media; Develop strategy for applying and maintaining Mercy Corps’ brand identity and parameters in all written and audio visual materials; Develop and implement strategies together with Program Managers to increase Mercy Corps’ communication within local communities and local institutions in Lebanon to promote activities, increase awareness, and acceptance Draft guidelines that highlights key communication strategies to improve program media relations and social outreach; Contribute to the identification, and documentation of best practices and lessons learned and share this knowledge within and outside the organization Contribute to annual planning process to inform programmatic and communication-related components Work closely with the Reporting and Proposal Coordinator in producing compelling reports and other material for donors PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT Lead on the design and production of communications and visibility materials (whether in house or outsourced) including: Print such as leaflets, booklets, banners, brochures, t-shirts, folders, certificates and etc.; Photography, video and sound; Infographics; and Web and mobile development; Develop materials for specific program campaigns or identities, to help advance programmatic goals; Build up and maintain database of all visual materials produced by Mercy Corps Lebanon such as photos, videos, infographics, logos and etc.; Ensure all visual materials produced follow Mercy Corps’ global brand identity and standards; Train Mercy Corps and local partner staff on effective communication strategies, including photography, storytelling, advocacy, etc. ensuring each program has a champion to capture and share relevant information; Support local partners working with Mercy Corps to follow communications and media guidelines; Monitor, document and disseminate as appropriate Mercy Corps Lebanon media coverage Work with Area Managers and program team to develop and maintain relationships with national and local media to highlight program activities, cultivating relationships to facilitate media coverage of ongoing activities; Help staff, partners and beneficiaries where appropriate to prepare for media interviews ensuring that all agreed guidelines and protocol are observed Collaborate with other international organizations on mass advocacy campaigns, including those under the Lebanese Humanitarian International Forum OTHER Ensure all activities are gender sensitive and follow Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy Apply Do No Harm standards to ensure activities do not have detrimental effects on vulnerable communities Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops Support the Program Development and Quality Unit with other tasks as assigned SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Program Development and Quality Manager   WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Reporting Coordinator, Information Management Coordinator, Program Teams, M&E Team, and Operations Team. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field preferred with strong background in communication and public relations At least five years of experience in communications and media work, preferably with a development or humanitarian international or local NGO Experience from working with social or political-related work, with good understanding of Lebanon’s current refugee and host community context Excellent written and verbal English and Arabic skills, including the ability to craft documentation for different key audiences Demonstrable excellent skills in multimedia production, including audiovisual work and graphic design and proven ability to design effective communication products, lead formulation of communication messages and strategies Proven ability to develop relationships with the media, other civil society organizations, and networks Strong organizational skills, and ability to work independently and take initiative under pressure in a rapidly changing, multi-cultural context, whilst adhering to strict deadlines Must work well as a member of a team.  Ability and willingness to travel regularly to the field SUCCESS FACTORS: The successful Media and Communciations Coordinator will be bright, energetic, hard-working and eager to learn.  S/he will take a deep personal interest in humanitarian and development assistance.  S/he will have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability. S/he will be attentive to detail and able to carry out assigned tasks in a timely manner and according to a very high standard of quality.  S/he will be creative and flexible, contributing to developing and encouraging new and innovative solutions, but at the same time will not have any difficulty in adhering to systems and procedures. S/he will strictly follow all protocols related to safety and security, and holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Mercy Corps’ values.