Communication Officer

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

Working under the direction of the Program Manager, the Beirut-based Communication Officer is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy across program activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PLANNING, STRATEGY & OUTREACH

Collaborate with team, including the Component leads, Program Manager, Project Manager and M&E staff, to identify and define communication strategies to engage key target audiences

Create monthly calendars that include specific program-related communications activities, including events, campaigns, training, etc.;

Support program visibility within the community through material development and social media;

Develop strategy for applying and maintaining the program brand identity and parameters in all written and audio visual materials;

Develop and implement strategies together with the team to increase communication within local communities and local institutions to promote activities, increase awareness, and acceptance;

Draft guidelines that highlights key communication strategies to improve program media relations and social outreach;

Contribute to the identification, and documentation of best practices and lessons learned and share this knowledge within and outside the organization;

Contribute to planning process to inform programmatic and communication-related components;

Work closely with the team in producing compelling reports and other material etc.

Conduct field visits to project sites; and organize media/donor field visits to project sites, and ensure its visibility;

Collect, compile, and consolidate knowledge base material (i.e. relevant information, news, material, data, statistics, resources, success stories, good practices, etc.) to be used for various purposes i.e. newsletters, website, leaflets, reports, websites, speeches, social media, etc.;

Prepare a social media strategy (Facebook, twitter, Instagram…), in coordination with the MC media and communication coordinator; and ensure visibility on all social media outlets.

PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT

Lead on the design and production of communications and visibility materials (whether in house or outsourced) including: print such as leaflets, booklets, banners, brochures, t-shirts, folders, certificates and etc.; photography, video and sound; Infographics; and Web and mobile development;

Develop materials for specific program campaigns or identities, to help advance programmatic goals;

Build up and maintain database of all visual materials produced such as photos, videos, infographics, logos and etc.;

Ensure all visual materials produced follow Mercy Corps’ global brand identity and standards;

Draft/edit/review reports, press releases, articles, stories, speeches, etc.;

Monitor, document and disseminate as appropriate media coverage;

Work with program team to develop and maintain relationships with national and local media to highlight program activities, cultivating relationships to facilitate media coverage of ongoing activities;

Help staff, partners and beneficiaries where appropriate to prepare for media interviews ensuring that all agreed guidelines and protocol are observed.

Other

Ensure all activities are gender sensitive and follow Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy;

Apply Do No Harm standards to ensure activities do not have detrimental effects on vulnerable communities;

Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in Lebanon;

Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops;

Other duties as assigned.

 

Accountability

Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission.

 

Organizational Learning  

As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve.  We expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

 

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Reports directly to:  Program Manager

Works directly with:  Program Manager, Project Manager, Field Officers and Coordinators, and M&E Team.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

BA/S or equivalent in communication, media, social work, social sciences, human rights, or other relevant field required, MA preferred;

At least 4-5 years of experience in community outreach, Communication, and Media;

Experience in the following: Preparation and follow-up on videos and short documentary production; Photography; Events planning; and preparation of hand-over events and donors’ visits docs;

Available to work on weekends and evenings, to support events and field activities;

Very strong written and oral communication skills in both English and Arabic (Arabic is strongly required), including report development, writing and editing;

Good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues and ability to work with refugee and host community populations;

Experience working with municipalities and local communities;

Understanding of community dynamics preferred, but not required;

Strong understanding of refugee issues in the current Lebanon context;

Mature, responsible, and diplomatic in their interactions with others;

Ability to work independently with limited supervision, as well as part of a team;

Positive, respectful attitude and collaborative approach to problem solving;

Demonstrated attention to detail; ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently as well as cooperatively with team members;

Significant knowledge and understanding of the current political, economic, cultural and historical context of Lebanon preferred;

Ability and willingness to travel regularly to the field.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

The post holder will have strong organizational skills and the ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel. S/he will have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and a demonstrated ability to multi-task and process information into action. The successful candidate will have proven experience working with a cross-cultural team and possess strong capacity building and mentoring skills that promotes a culture of learning. They will demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, and make effective communication a priority in all situations, and maintain a sense of humor.