Communications Specialist

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Operating since 2004 in Lebanon, DRC has addressed the needs and rights of vulnerable populations, working initially with Palestinian refugees (since 2004), Iraqi refugees (2007-2010), Lebanese IDPs (during the 2006 conflict), migrant domestic workers (since 2009) and, since 2011, responding to the Syrian refugee crisis.

DRC Lebanon is currently delivering programming in protection, housing, infrastructure, basic assistance, livelihoods, and community development interventions. This myriad programming seeks to address the immediate needs of displaced populations and concurrently support vulnerable host populations. DRC has four offices spread throughout Lebanon in, Beirut, the Bekaa, Saida and in the North.

About the job

The Communications Specialist provides overall leadership, coordination and strategic direction to DRC’s communications work in Lebanon. S/he is responsible for identifying priority concerns and opportunities for communications, strengthening the integration of communications into DRC’s programmes, raising DRC’s visibility and influence, ensuring these products are in line with DRC’s policy and guidelines, donor guidelines, programme priorities and are sensitive to the context in Lebanon.

Reporting directly to the DRC Country Director, the Communications Specialist will engage with DRC staff, beneficiaries, media and key stakeholders in communications initiatives across Lebanon’s humanitarian response. The position will be sharing tasks and responsibilities between the DRC Lebanon Country Team (50%) and the LINKED Consortium (50%) – a consortium funded by the EUTF (MADAD) and composed by 4 NGOs (DRC, Mercy Corps, OXFAM and Al Majmoua) implementing 2 economic recovery projects, with the objective to contribute to sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic development in Lebanon. 

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Communications

Lead on the development and implementation of DRC Lebanon communications strategy

Implement the communication and visibility plans of the LINKED Consortium, for both grants, in line with EU visibility and communication policies and guidance

On a monthly or biweekly basis, support the LINKED Consortium Manager in leading the regular coordination meetings with the Communication focal points of all partners

Produce high-quality content to support positive communication of DRC’s and LINKED’s programme activities in Lebanon. This will entail:

Supporting generation of high-quality communication materials, especially stories, case studies, quotes, photographs, graphics, short videos, etc.

Regular production of digital contents (e.g. stories, photos, blogs, social media posts) and dissemination through DRC’s website and social media channels in coordination with the RO. For LINKED, the dissemination will entail coordination with the partners’ communication focal points who will use their own channels

Creating and managing an internal communication database (photos, stories, quotes)

Lead the development of external factsheets and briefers for the programmatic strategies for DRC Lebanon’s priority sectors, as well as for the LINKED two projects

Assist in the development of communications schedules, liaising with staff to ensure reports (annual report, etc.), publications (factsheets, etc.) and other products are produced in a timely manner.

Contribute to regional communications efforts

Fully plan and manage DRC Lebanon’s social media accounts in coordination with Programme Teams and Support

Regularly visit projects in the field, for DRC and LINKED partners, to ensure a direct link between program work and communication, and identify and generate media and communication

Manage and oversee the work of communications consultants (i.e. web developers, video producers, media consultants etc.) 

Manage communications-related costs/budgets

Ensure that all external communications products are in line with DRC, LINKED, partners and donors guidelines and requirements. Maintain an up-to-date document with all donor communication and visibility guidelines.

Support country management and other programme staff in developing communications capacity including meaningful and safe participation of affected populations in communications.

Safeguard DRC’s overall brand and identity

External Representation

Prepare background communication and promotional materials for briefings and visits of media. Assist in the planning, logistic and administrative arrangements for them as needed.

Establish a database (Media and Stakeholders) for information and media dissemination.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a university degree or higher education mixed media, communications, journalism, media, or related discipline. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

Minimum of 3 years of experience working in journalism, communications on humanitarian issues, refugee rights, human rights, and/or development issues.

Prior experience working in communications department for NGOs, or media, news outlets, preferably focused in a humanitarian context.

Strong understanding and experience in managing social media for public communication.

Strong understanding of the political system and context in Lebanon.

Strong experience in photography, videography, graphic design, and/or journalism

Experience of and strong skills in developing and implementing humanitarian communication strategies and campaigns.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer:

Contract length: 6 months (renewable depending on funding and performance)

Band/Level: G

Duty Station: Beirut

Expected Start date: First of September 2021

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact sama.kanaan@drc.ngo

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 12 July 2021

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.