Development Outreach And Communications (Doc) Officer

The DOC Specialist will support USAID Lebanon in the achievement of its objectives to provide quality development and dissemination of public information, communications and outreach to Lebanese audiences, including a large and engaged Diaspora based in the US and around the world. The ultimate goal of USAID Lebanon’s development and outreach approach is to promote a better understanding, appreciation, and sustained support for USAID’s foreign assistance among all stakeholders in and outside Lebanon.  The Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist will report to the PMSPL Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party. S/he serves as the Performance Management and Support Program for Lebanon’s (PMSPL’s) development outreach and communication and principal liaison with USAID/Lebanon’s DOC unit on development and execution of the USAID Mission’s overall communications strategy. The DOC Specialist will also work closely with the USAID Mission’s Program Office and technical offices to support outreach and communications of USAID’s programs and activities in Lebanon.     Support would include  helping to develop,  plan, and produce public and promotional information on USAID programs, activities, and events for the media, USAID Lebanon’s website and Facebook, and for various targeted audiences.  The DOC Specialist will support the development of program publications and brochures for the public, media and other targeted audiences, program fact sheets, success stories, developing the production of videos and documentaries, and other publicity materials for outreach and local media.  The DOC Specialist will also support the planning and execution of events highlighting USAID programs, activities or project achievements. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES: Management and Coordination Support USAID Lebanon DOC unit to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development, and humanitarian assistance efforts and special initiatives in Lebanon.  Support USAID Lebanon’s communications and outreach strategy to increase understanding of, and support for, USAID programs among Lebanese audiences.  Assist with event management, public relations, media outreach, publication development, photography, video production, advertising, and translations, etc.   Assist USAID Lebanon in preparing the content for briefing materials, videos on project activities, the website and social media, brochures, booklets, handouts, signs, and other public relations materials.  Review consistency of messaging in relation to USAID and U.S. Embassy’s communications priorities, key messages, and branding requirements. Assist USAID Lebanon in supporting implementing partners (who receive USAID funding) on addressing issues related to Mission and Agency communications and outreach priorities, messaging, dissemination methods, and communications and media policies. Support USAID Lebanon DOC unit and staff on ensuring consistency of branding and marking per Agency guidelines and advise USAID contractors and grantees on developing branding and marking plans for public relations materials. Support USAID Mission DOC unit in evaluating quality and appropriateness of messaging and presentations for target audiences.  Media and Public Relations Support the planning and promotion of targeted media or outreach activities. These activities are specifically designed to disseminate accurate information about USAID programs deep into local markets, through the selective use of radio, television, newspapers, magazines, public service announcements, advertisements, billboards, and traditional communications. Support the monitoring of local and international press coverage, awareness and attitudes about USAID programs, and monitor the effectiveness of messaging. Work with USAID Lebanon’s DOC unit to expand opportunities to keep TV, radio and other media abreast of USAID Lebanon programs.  This may include arranging interviews, briefings, and site visits to USAID projects.  As appropriate, organize media tours and facilitate contacts among members of the media with USAID officials and implementing partners to encourage in-depth coverage of USAID programs in the local and/or international media. Event Planning and Management Support and collaborate closely with the Mission DOC unit for project site visits by USG officials or other VIP visitors. Coordinate VIP site visits or conference participation and media availability as necessary. Support the preparation of schedules, briefings with partners, constituents, and other donors as warranted.  Support planning of all logistics related to visits as required to photograph and/or prepare or publish social media and website posts on the activity. Coordinate or support field travel and public outreach activities for USAID events for USAID staff persons, as well as other US government officials.   Provide support in reviewing the quality of plans and materials (print, video, or online) for press events for USAID projects in conjunction with the Mission DOC unit, technical teams and implementing partners.  Events typically are inaugurations of new projects or initiatives, ribbon-cutting, and completion of major projects, often involving multi-donor and Government partners.   Support the preparation of press releases planned for release by the Mission or implementing partners.  Prepare  background briefings or press avails by principals for media, press packets, advise organizing partners on dealing with protocol issues, site selection, staging and logistical issues, and program schedules. Support the Mission-wide calendar of USAID public events, VIP visits, and major field trips, in close coordination with the Mission DOC unit.  Public Information, Briefs, Publicity Materials, and Stories Work with the Mission DOC unit and Program Office to identify, draft or re-write as necessary, and regularly contribute information, news, or stories about USAID Lebanon programs, results and impact on participants to various USAID/Washington online newsletters, blogs, websites, and outreach activities or campaigns.   Assist with the timely response to all general information requests received by the Mission. Develop or review and disseminate all outreach materials to promote USAID programs, including fact sheets, website and social media content, photo essays, video and any special campaigns for online, broadcast, or print media. Travel to the field to support the identification and capture of success stories, photos, and videos, when feasible, for publication and dissemination through the “USAID Impact Blog,” “Transforming Lives,” or “Frontlines Magazine,” “Flickr photo essays,” “You Tube video playlist,” and the “Lebanon section of the USAID.gov website.” Support DOC unit in the preparation and updating of country and country region-specific profiles.  Assist in updating and organizing  public project profiles, list of implementing partners, and (in collaboration with the GIS unit) information on where USAID is working to be available for site visits and reporting or filming projects, as needed. Online Media Tools and Outreach Support the quality and timely updating of the Lebanon section of the USAID website and the Mission’s social media accounts on Twitter, Flickr, and You Tube, as well as contributions to the Embassy Facebook page.  As requested, assess the appropriateness of new media tools in the local context.   Support the USAID DOC unit in the selection of information displayed on the website, oversee content placement, ensuring links to all other relevant usaid.gov sections and pages.  Ensure any independently maintained USAID project websites comply with requirements and guidance. Other Contribute to the monitoring, evaluation and compliance activities of PMSPL as requested . REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA: QUALIFICATIONS: This position requires a combination of leadership, expertise, analytical, technical, and managerial skills. The incumbent must have excellent writing skills and be able to work under severe time pressures.  The incumbent must be familiar with public relations, event planning, and media engagement and be able to work with large organizations in public outreach and communications   and have experience with local, regional and or international press. The successful candidate should be capable of developing and supporting a strategic communication plan that includes the utilization of a broad and diverse use of communication and outreach tools and approaches including information messages in various media formats (e.g. press releases, website content, stories, tweets, blogs, presentations, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences. . MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Education: A Bachelor’s degree and at least five years’ experience as a strategic communication professional in a medium to large public or private organization. Relevant fields include – but are not limited to – communications, public relations or public affairs, journalism, social sciences, public administration or business.  Work Experience: The candidate must have at least five years’ relevant experience in Lebanon.  Relevant experience is defined as work in journalism, public relations or marketing, public affairs, communications, and/or outreach. Proven coordination and organizational skills are required. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required. Language Proficiency: The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English and Arabic.  Similar proficiency in French is an advantage.  Effective written and oral communications are absolutely critical to perform successfully in this position. Writing and Editing Skills: Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. These samples should be no less than 350 and no longer than 1,500 words (preferably 750 to 1,000 words), and should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public.  Samples must be by the applicant; co-written articles are not accepted. Skills and Abilities: The candidate must have a demonstrated capacity in the following skills and abilities: Demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent, professional judgment.  Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills; Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate technical material into easy to understand narrative; Good interpersonal skills with the ability to influence relationships positively; Strong and demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of strategic communications, public/media relations, journalistic writing and reporting techniques; Knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production process of different public outreach products and activities, such as editing, graphic design, printing, photography, video, broadcasting, advertising, and publishing.; and, Familiarity with using a digital camera, tablet and smartphone, and ability to plan and oversee photography, print, video production processes are an advantage. Computer and Internet Proficiency: Computer skills in Microsoft Office, especially Word and PowerPoint, layout, photo editing, and other relevant software are necessary. Internet and social media skills in targeting specific audiences are an advantage (e.g Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, Flickr, or equivalents). Familiarity with databases, website content management systems (e.g Drupal), blog or online newsletter software, a plus. E.  SELECTION CRITERIA AND PROCESS Applicants who do not meet the required minimum qualifications will be considered unqualified for the position and will not be assessed using the additional selection criteria below. All other applicants will be scored, and then ranked based on the following selection criteria. The application package (including the required summary statement) must provide evidence and examples of: Work Experience/Technical Knowledge (50 points) At least five to ten years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public relations or affairs, outreach, marketing or advertisement. Demonstrated success in designing and implementing effective public relations or communications programs to target specific audiences as well as the general public; Demonstrated ability to plan and execute media outreach and to plan and manage events including staging and logistics, publicity, programming, and so forth; Demonstrated ability to craft information messages in various media formats (press releases, web sites, stories, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences; Evidence of broad understanding of issues related to international development; Extensive writing and editing experience; Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with media; Broad operational planning experience, analytical ability, and the capacity to convert planning concepts into firm plans to meet a variety of contingencies; and, Previous work experience with the USAID projects is highly desirable. Writing Skills – (20 points) Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. The samples should be 350 to 1,500 words (preferably 750-1,000 words). They can be excerpts from larger articles or papers, and do not have to concern development or be written specifically for this solicitation. The samples should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly and lucidly communicate complex ideas to the public. The samples must be by the applicant, co-written articles are not accepted. Final applicant(s) may be asked to take a written test. Education and Training (15 points) A Bachelor’s degree at minimum but a Master’s is preferably in journalism, communications, public administration, social science or a related field. Training in two or more of the following areas: international development, communications, writing and editing, journalism or media relations, marketing and events management, web site content management, presentation or graphic design skills, print or online publishing, photography or video, or other areas that are relevant to the detailed duties and responsibilities outlined in the solicitation; and, Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office, notably Word and PowerPoint, layout, photo editing, and other relevant software. Internet and social media skills in targeting specific audiences (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, You Tube, Flickr, and others). Familiarity with databases, website content management systems (e.g., Drupal), blog software, a plus. Communication Skills / Group Dynamics (15 points) Effective team leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi­disciplinary, multi-cultural team; Ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations; Initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed timetables; Ability to work independently, managing several activities at once, and to work under pressure to meet very short deadlines; and, Evidence of outstanding coordination and organizational skills. Total Possible Points: 100 The highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed by telephone. Professional Reference Checks Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. (The Selection Committee will conduct reference checks of the highest ranked applicants). References will be asked to complete a questionnaire that assesses the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above specific criteria. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner. F.  TERMS OF PERFORMANCE AND COMPENSATION The period of the contract will be December 1, 2014 through October 30, 2015. Within 2 weeks after written notice from the PMSPL Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to the offices of PMSPL to perform the above services. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history, but will not exceed the top of the range for a USAID local hire position at the Mission.   G. POSITION ELEMENTS Supervision Received: Incumbent will report to the Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party, but the incumbent is expected to work in close association with USAID Lebanon’s DOC unit to independently carry out responsibilities; Directives:  Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices; Exercise of Judgment: Projects assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment, decision-making, and communications management with minimal direction.  This does not include obligation of funds; and, Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are with PMSPL staff, USAID DOC unit and Program Office, Implementing Partners, Project grantees and beneficiaries, and institutional contractors and senior officials of the Government of Lebanon.