Information Officer

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (www.theIRC.org) is a world leader in relief, rehabilitation and post-conflict development services for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is currently working in over 25 countries around the world, addressing both the immediate and life saving needs of conflict affected people in emergencies and the reconstruction needs of post-conflict societies.   The IRC has started up a Protection Monitoring and Information Dissemination project in Tripoli to assist thousands of Syrian refugees. The project seeks to promote a protective environment for adults and children, especially those identified through monitoring to be most at-risk of rights violations and problems in accessing services, through reporting and referral of protection concerns faced by vulnerable groups and individuals. The IRC has been working in Lebanon since 2012 to provide support to refugees and vulnerable host community members in the areas of women’s protection, children’s protection and cash assistance.     SCOPE OF WORK: Under the direct supervision of the Protection and Information Manager, the Information Officer will be responsible for coordinating with IRC Protection Monitors, Reporting Officer, Protection team leader and other relevant stakeholders in areas of operation to disseminate regular up-to-date and accurate information on available services by sector and location to refugees and host community members. The Information Officer will design and deliver information sessions on a range of topics, including on human rights and refugee law, the benefits of and processes for registering with the UNHCR, birth registration, available services in the area, how to access them and eligibility criteria. The IO will ensure that information sessions meet the specific needs of various refugee groups through coordination with Protection Monitors. Information Officers will design and deliver information dissemination materials in coordination with the Protection and Information Manager, including leaflets, posters, bulletin boards and other relevant media as well as ensure that information provided by SMS is kept up to date. Information Officers will also be responsible for maintaining information on available services and referral processes, and to facilitate referrals through one-on-one meetings with refugees in need. In light of this, he/she will be responsible for managing referrals and follow up with relevant organizations in addition to keeping an up-to-date referral tracking sheet.   RESPONSIBILITIES:   Conduct mobile field visits 2-3 times per week to villages, urban areas, and informal settlements/tent clusters to meet with persons of concern (PoCs) to deliver information on their rights and access to services in their areas of displacement according to monthly work plan. To manage the delivery of group information sessions (public speaking) and collect attendance records and evaluation forms; Conduct advocacy to local service providers regarding protection concerns in coordination with Protection Monitors and as directed by the Protection and Information Manager; Perform other duties, as needed or requested by the supervisor. Coordinate with Protection Monitors, Reporting Officer, Protection Team Leader, Protection      and Information Manager and other relevant parties in IRC programming sectors to obtain detailed and reliable protection monitoring data on a      weekly basis; Design and implement information campaigns, written and oral, with the support of the Protection and Information Manager (including leaflets, posters, bulletin boards, radio broadcasts and others) according to needs outlined      in monitoring data; Ensure that information available on the RescueSMS information subscription service is kept up to date through regular updates in accordance with  protection monitoring data; In coordination with Protection Monitors, Protection Team Leader and the Protection and Information Manager, network with social welfare providers in order to  map service networks for referral; Identify,  establish and support referral mechanisms for services in areas of operation; Make referrals to relevant service providers including the UNHCR through standardized referral system and conduct regular follow-up with service      providers on referred cases Keep an up-to-date referral tracking sheet including relevant profile info,      follow up actions and updates provided by different stakeholders;   Professional Standards All IRC staff are required to adhere to THE IRC Way Standards for Professional Conduct and the IRC country employment policies.   REQUIREMENTS:   At least two years of prior professional experience in a similar post, preferably with an international      organization; Good protection background and knowledge of refugee context; Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to meet strict deadlines; Good communication skills including ability  to gain trust and build relationships with new communities; Experience in public speaking and presentation skills; Excellent English language skills, oral and written; Fluency in Microsoft office, experience in document design and layout; Good interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team, as well as independently; Flexible and able to work in a dynamic and diverse environment.   Travel and other requirements: Staff will be based in Tripoli, with some travel required between the governorates and the main IRC office in Beirut.