Communication Officer

Job Title:                Communications Officer Reports to:              Director of Communications, based in Washington DC Date Prepared:      August 21, 2014   About ANERA American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) advances the well-being of people in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon and Jordan. Through partnerships and close consultation with local groups and communities, ANERA responds to economic, health and educational needs with sustainable solutions and also delivers humanitarian aid during emergencies. Incorporated in 1968 to help ease the suffering of Palestinian refugees after the Arab-Israeli War of 1967, ANERA is non-political and non-religious and is one of the largest American non-profits working solely in the Middle East for 40 years. For more information, check out ANERA’s website: www.anera.org   Job Summary This position is responsible for documenting ANERA projects and beneficiaries in Lebanon through human interest stories, photographs, films and press releases that illustrate the impact of ANERA projects. Materials produced are used on ANERA’s website, print materials, social media channels and fundraising pieces. The officer is an integral part of ANERA’s global communications team and works closely with program staff in the Beirut office to ensure comprehensive coverage of activities.   Job Responsibilities Writes stories about ANERA’s programs and activities in Lebanon Maintains, updates and shares the Beirut office photo library Works in regular consultation with the director of communications based in Washington DC and in collaboration with colleagues in the Beirut office to respond to communications requests Assists in the development of ANERA public communications materials within the context of established guidelines and in response to the needs of the Lebanon and headquarters offices Supervises Communication intern Builds and maintains lists of media and other Lebanon-based contacts Ensures compliance with the external communications guidelines for ANERA Produces short videos Coordinates social media and public relations activities Provides support to program team in the preparation of internal and external documents, such as ANERA quarterly/annual reports, progress reports for donors and concept papers for funding review (30% of working time); includes compiling information, editing and layout Provides support in developing presentations Completes any other tasks as assigned by the director of communications and as assigned by country director in Lebanon   Reporting and Supervisory Relationships For technical communications matters, the incumbent works under the supervision of the director of communications who is located in Washington DC. In Beirut, the incumbent reports to the country director on administrative issues. S/he is expected to carry out most assignments independently, including resolving most problems, coordinating work with others, and determining approaches and techniques to be employed. The supervisor provides technical guidance in complex, controversial, or unprecedented situations. A performance appraisal will be conducted annually by the director of communications in coordination with the country director.   Working Conditions Office and field environment (often on uneven terrain). 70% of the work is done seated at a computer. Occasionally required to carry equipment, such as cameras.   Qualifications: 3+ years relevant experience Proven ability to write compelling human interest and news stories Demonstrated ability to write, speak and read both English and Arabic Demonstrated ability and interest in photography A higher education degree in a related field (i.e. media, journalism, communications) Experience in social media Ability to work independently with minimal guidance as well as within a team Ability to thrive in a dynamic working environment juggling multiple projects Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and communications (both written and oral) skills Ability to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint Demonstrated to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously Driver’s license Proven experience and contacts within the local, national and/or international non-profit community is a plus Ability to use Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and LightRoom is a plus Knowledge, experience and/or exposure to video production is a plus The candidate must be a resident in Lebanon and be available for a beginning of contract as soon as possible. Application deadline: September 3rd, 2014. Application will be reviewed as they come, and we reserve the right to hire a candidate before the application deadline.