Communication Officer

Terms of reference Position: Communication officer Duration: 3 month Starting date: 1st March 2013 About Zoukak:. We created Zoukak Theatre Company and Cultural Association in 2006 from a need to develop a professional continuity for our theatre practice and a belief in this practice as a political and social involvement and action and in collectivity as a position against marginalizing systems. Our methodology of work emphasizes processes of creation rather than outcomes, and for us collaboration lifts the creative operation to a higher level, and allows for unexpected approaches to theater-making, all-the-while providing a more horizontal participation in decision-making and a multiplicity of expression. Since Zoukak's inception and with each new project we strived to find new ways of collective creation, springing from our understanding of theatre as collective work done by diverse individuals. Over the years we have also been applying theater on various levels: social, psychological, and educational. We developed a special approach to drama therapy and socially engaged theater, giving workshops and training sessions and devising performances in different Lebanese regions and in various contexts, finding ways to connect our social interventions with our artistic investigations.   On the other hand and in our endeavor to develop an environment of dialogue and reflection around the performing arts, we supported and expanded a network of diverse practitioners, by organizing cultural events that joined us and our audience with artists from Lebanon and around the world (Europe, USA, Asia and the MENA region)through workshops, residencies, performances, lectures, encounters and discussions around theater, dance, live art, playwriting, architecture, drama therapy, education, and cultural policies; in an attempt to provide a space for practical exchange and critical thinking about these practices. This space was concretized with Zoukak's studio, which opened its doors in 2008, serving in part as a free access rehearsal and creation space for local performing artists and remaining "the kitchen" of our entire project. Under the supervision of Zoukak coordinator, the communication officer is expected to play a key role in developing and  managing Zoukak external and internal communications, including Zoukak image and publications. This person will be contributing to the website; expanding Zoukak social media presence and impact; and working collaboratively with Zoukak team, and other stakeholders to ensure that Zoukak communication tools convey the importance and the impact of the work done. The Communication Officer shall perform the following functions: Responsible for developing and implementing Zoukak Communication Strategy through the following: Developing suitable communication instruments (brochures, fact sheets, advertising and audio-visual materials, PowerPoint presentations, etc.) to promote Zoukak work, between which theatre representations Developing suitable communication tools related to Zoukak membership system Relying on the use of the website and social media to reach a larger audience in order to get national, regional and international exposure,  to network with other organizations to increase Zoukak visibility and to engage Zoukak partners, members and stakeholders Maintaining a well-designed, well organized website, professional, well designed with the right content, easy navigation and quick accessible details Design and produce a newsletter with updates on Zoukak activities, news, announcements in Arabic and English. Responsible for coordinating media and press activities (press-releases, press conferences etc.) Prepare list of mass media institutions Develop and maintain Zoukak photo library for use across a range of social media  organize internal meetings and social events for the purpose of better communication between the different members of the staff and departments. Carry out other tasks as assigned by Zoukak Coordinator     QUALIFICATIONS BA in Journalism, communications or related field and work experience; Excellent knowledge in writing, editing, proof-reading and designing communication documents for public dissemination. 2-3 years of media experience; experience developing and implementing communications strategies In-depth understanding of social media platforms, Self-motivated and able to take initiative with minimal supervision; Fluent in Arabic and English, French an advantage. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Prior volunteerism and NGO experience is desirable             SKILLS Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills. Good communication and interpersonal skills Calm with conflict management skills Personal charisma and highly collaborative style; Computer skills: office applications such as MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and email; familiarity with relevant information technology for social media tools management. Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all skateholders able to work independently, and to take initiatives