Country Communications Officer

General Purpose of the Position

The Country Communications Officer plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of JRS by effectively communicating project activities and local context to internal and external stakeholders. This multifaceted role encompasses strategic communication, public relations, advocacy, and fundraising efforts.

The primary objective of the role is to empower the voices of vulnerable populations, enhance JRS visibility, and support organizational goals.

The role of the Country Communications Officer includes:

a) Communication: to offer vulnerable people a voice, to illustrate JRS activities, to inform stakeholders about local context, and to help create final reports for donors;

b) Public Relation: to maintain relationships with local media, to coordinate partner and donor visits, to seek new partnership opportunities, and to represent the Country Director at some stakeholder meetings, when requested;

c) Advocacy: Support JRS advocacy work in Lebanon and the MENA region, as requested by the Country Director and/or the Regional Communications Officer;

d) Fundraising: Assist the Regional Communications Officer in its mission to fundraise for JRS Lebanon by providing relevant materials.

Main Responsibilities of the Position

1. Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy tailored to the country's context. Coordinate with the Country Director and the Regional Communications Officer to make sure the strategy follows JRS rules, guidelines, mission, and vision in Lebanon and the MENA;
• Manage all external and internal communications, ensuring JRS's message is consistent and engaging;
• In coordination with relevant colleagues, produce high-quality communication materials, including press releases, newsletters, reports, brochures, banners, visibility materials, and any other publications regarding JRS activities in the Country;
• Visit projects, perform regular interviews, and collect monthly communication materials, including: High quality photos and B-rolls; .Testimonies (according to JRS testimony guidelines); Human-interest stories, stories from the team; Projects day-to-day activities; JRS events such as graduations, handcrafts exhibitions, livelihood projects, etc.
• Follow the JRS MENA strategy for organizing and managing the communications database, and ensure the secure storage of materials by maintaining strong security procedures;
• Provide regular  updates to the Country Office and the Regional Office on important information regarding the general situation in the country and the project locations, including security updates, socio-economic conditions, health, etc. If something extraordinary occurs, especially if it affects JRS staff or activities, notify the Country Office and the Regional Office in a timely manner. 

2. Digital Communications

• Manage JRS Lebanon's online presence, including social media platforms, while coordinating with the Regional Communications Officer for the MENA website and monthly photos to be shared;
• Develop digital content that resonates with JRS audiences and drives engagement;
• Track and analyse digital communication metrics to continually improve strategies.

3. Public Relations

• Keep updated database of key strategic media partners working in the same areas/services as JRS;
• Facilitate the field visits for partners and stakeholders;
• Act as the focal point for requests from the Regional Office, International Office, or partners regarding contextual updates and the general situation in the country and in specific project locations;
• Attend specific meetings for non-governmental organizations, as delegated by the Country Director;
• Support Project Directors and the Country Office team in establishing new partnerships and collaborations.

4. Advocacy and Fundraising

• Support relevant Country and Regional Office colleagues in all fundraising efforts for JRS Lebanon, such as fundraising proposals and donor reporting, as requested;
• Support the Country Director and the Regional Communications Officer in all advocacy responsibilities for JRS Lebanon, as requested;
• Undertakes any other duties that are within the ambit of the position as assigned by the Country Director.

5. Team Collaboration and Capacity Building

• Work closely with other departments at the Country Office to ensure a unified approach to communications, advocacy, and fundraising;
• Provide communications training and guidance to staff to enhance their skills and effectiveness in promoting JRS's work, with the assistance of the Regional Communications Officer;
• Stay informed about trends and developments in communication, advocacy, and fundraising, and integrate best practices into strategies.

Qualifications, Skills, and Attributes

• BA degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or any other related field. A master’s degree is an asset;
• At least four years of practical work experience in the area of communications and media relations, preferably in a nonprofit or international context;
• Knowledge of advocacy and fundraising principles and experience in developing related materials is a plus;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and in Arabic;
• Strong understanding of digital communications and social media strategies;
• Proficiency in use of computer applications related to the job tasks;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint;
• Proven ability to produce high quality photos, videos, and use of video editing tools;
• Experience in the use of Photoshop software as well as good understanding of photography and photo management software;
• Ability to produce short videos, as well as to design printed materials with Adobe InDesign (an advantage);
• Proven ability to write clear and well-argued articles and stories;
• Strong ability to work independently, creatively, and collaboratively in a dynamic, multicultural environment;
• Strong ability to organize work, meet deadlines, delegate, and work under pressure;
• Excellent time management, planning, and organizational skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work in limited resources settings;
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, communication skills;
• Demonstrated strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and objective judgments;
• Creative, flexible and detail oriented.

Core Values and Ethics

• Commitment to JRS’s mission, vision, and values; ability to convey with enthusiasm JRS’s role in accompanying and serving forcibly displaced people and to advocate for their right to protection and a life in dignity;
• Trustworthy and good listener;
• High sense of discretion in dealing with confidential matters at all times;
• High integrity and honesty; ability to deal tactfully and discreetly with people, situations and information;
• Acceptance of diversity and inclusion as core values.