Communication Officer

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need around the world. Save the Children has been operating in Lebanon since 1999 and is recognized for its commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration.  Save the Children currently implements programs in Child Protection, Education, CRC, Health and Nutrition, Food Security & Livelihood, Shelter, and Emergency Response throughout Lebanon.   Save the Children is seeking qualified candidates to fulfill the following positions, for its Lebanon Country Office, in the following locations Beirut, Tripoli, Akkar and Bekaa: ROLE PURPOSE:  To strengthen communication activities by developing and facilitating communications which support communications and advocacy objectives of programmes and projects.   The main focus of the job is: to      strengthen LCO external communication in order to promote the rights of      the child and to contribute to Save the Children International as a child      rights organisation to      strengthen internal communications within LCO to strengthen the competence and capacity in advocacy and communications of staff and to facilitate the support to partner organisations within advocacy and communications KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: Support the delivery of effective Programmes, in both development and humanitarian contexts, by:   Core responsibilities: Communications support to programme, advocacy and fundraising   Support in the development and implementation of advocacy and communication plans to maximise programme impact, minimise brand risk, and support programmes’ advocacy objectives.  Contribute to the development of media, communication and advocacy strategy and related policies and procedures.   Work with communication and advocacy coordinator, programme staff and partner staff to plan and develop communications and campaigns’ materials in print, audio visual, and electronic to achieve country programme and corporate communications’ objectives.   Collect stories and document impact of SCI’s work in the field to support fundraising, awareness-raising, and advocacy’s country objectives.   Report stories and examples of results according to annual plans and deadlines. Stories should also be reported on a regular basis to be published on the OneNet and in the news letters/ Update and feed into the Lebanon OneNet page.   Web Contribute to, update and promote SCI website, once developed, to raise awareness on children’s rights to general public about country activities.   Explore appropriate use of social media tools (Twitter, Facebook, Blogs, and Flickr) to ensure a higher visibility for SC in Lebanon.   Branding Proactively take part in developing a high profile for Save the Children in Lebanon through the support in producing high quality, well researched, and well written products (in a variety of mediums) reflective of the dual mandate portfolio, responding quickly and appropriately to external requests for information, especially in emergencies.      Visibility Ensure appropriate branding and visibility for donors, be fully aware of the donors’ requirements, and coordinate with communication and advocacy coordinator to have clear communication budgets.   Support in launching events, press conferences and others related to SC in country office.     Media Follow-up and maintain relationships with media based Lebanon, pitch stories as appropriate, write press releases, and respond to (refer) media requests as needed, alternatively encourage and support partner organisations to facilitate media related activities.   Facilitate SC members and media visits and working within incoming media & communications surge support during emergencies.   Monitor coverage of key child related issues in media, SC coverage on national, regional and international levels and keep track in a database.   Networking Networking with other media, communications and advocacy teams within Save the Children and sharing est best practices and tools. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Working      with children’s rights in developing countries. University      degree/ working experience in journalism or information/communications,      including strategic communications planning, or related field. Advanced      English and Arabic written and spoken language skills are essential. Ability      to work in a team, both as leader and participant. Ability      to manage different and multiple tasks and to deliver in a short period of      time. Sound      knowledge of publishing, design and printing process and related      information and communications technologies including budget follow up Excellent      interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment. Experience in website development and maintenance is an asset. APPLICATION PROCESS   Please note that the closing date for applications is : For External applicants on June 7th.                    The selection committee will review all applications as they are received. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered. No further information will be given over the phone.   Please note: due to the critical nature of this recruitment, applications will be reviewed as they are received and successful candidates contacted on an on-going basis.  Internal Applicants are given priority in the recruitment process.   STARTING DATE: Immediate.  We’re looking for people who can start as soon as possible or within the next few weeks.   Each application package should include the following: •           Job title for the role you are applying for in subject header of the email •           Cover letter with the applicant’s current contact information •           CV (including detailed work experience, education/degrees)  –  3pages maximum •           Professional References (minimum of three, with complete contact information) •           Kindly do not send supporting certificates and documents at this stage •           Letter and CV should be saved into one Word or PDF document and sent to Lebanon.vacancies@savethechildren.org   Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.   We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.  All applicants will also be subject to Save the Children’s usual Child Safeguarding Policy and reference checking process.