LHIF Advocacy and Communications Manager - Beirut

Job Overview:

The Advocacy and Communications Manager will be responsible for policy analysis and coordinating collective advocacy and communications initiatives for LHIF, reflecting member-identified priority issues. The Manager will also undertake research to develop evidence to underpin advocacy. The position will coordinate LHIF advocacy and communications actions across members and work with other NGO networks; engage effectively in the various fora available to LHIF to effect policy change; support development of LHIF advocacy strategies; manage research consultants as required; and deliver regular reports, analysis, briefing and position papers.

Major Responsibilities:

Advocacy Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement LHIF advocacy strategies, in direct coordination with the direct line manager and in collaboration with the LHIF membership and develop a periodical review and feedback of the implementation of LHIF advocacy activities.
• Analyze political developments in Lebanon, in particular as pertains to refugees and the mixed humanitarian/development policy context, informing LHIF Country Coordinator, Steering Committee, members and external partners, and proposing amendments to LHIF strategies where relevant.
• Advise on and coordinate the development of LHIF positions, briefings, research papers, policy analysis, etc.
• Liaise with external advocacy partners, including LHDF, ICVA, InterAction, the SIRF Advocacy Working Group, national organizations and academics to identify advocacy and lobby opportunities for LHIF and inform others’ plans.
• Coordinate the collection, analysis and presentation of data/evidence including from LHIF member programs to support LHIF advocacy, working closely with members and relevant external stakeholders.
• Coordinate and monitor advocacy messages and initiatives to ensure impact and that LHIF external advocacy is in line with good humanitarian and development principles.
• Provide leadership to the LHIF Advocacy Working Group (AWG) and convene AWG meetings on a monthly basis, keep member advocacy focal points informed of developments, and keep abreast of member advocacy activities (and opportunities for collaboration).
• Develop a calendar of upcoming advocacy opportunities and initiatives and share with relevant parties.
• Identify research opportunities and develop research proposals with partners and terms of reference for research consultants.

Communications Responsibilities:

• Ensure effective and regular communication of LHIF activities, messages and positions both internally to/among members and externally to the wider humanitarian community, in direct coordination with the Country Coordinator.
• As appropriate, lead on the development and implementation of tools and campaigns to communicate LHIF messages to key external stakeholders (e.g., the Government of Lebanon, national civil society, local media, international media, public), in direct coordination with consultants, the LHIF Country Coordinator and the Steering Committee.
• Maintain the LHIF website with the support of relevant staff within LHIF.
• Review, update, implement, and report on LHIF’s internal and external communications strategies.

Management Responsibilities:

• Chair LHIF Advocacy Working Group and other LHIF thematic working groups (as relevant) in coordination with the Country Coordinator.
• Contribute to donor reporting and proposal development for LHIF as needed and requested by the Country Coordinator.

Job Requirements:

Work Experience:

• Minimum 3 years of relevant work experience in policy analysis, advocacy strategy, communications, and research.
• Previous experience working with national and/or international NGOs.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Demonstrated capacity to develop and implement advocacy and communications strategies with clear theories of change
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Education: Bachelor degree in Public Policy/Administration, Development, Politics, or any other related field

Language Skills: 

• Fluent in English, both written and spoken.
• Fluent in spoken Arabic (conversational), written Arabic skills is a plus.
• Knowledge in French is a plus.

Preferred experience & skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to prioritize and deliver on time.
• Strong analytic problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional team structure.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage and work through change in a proactive and positive manner.

Working Environment:

• Standard office working environment.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct.  These are Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.