Information And Communication Advisor

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:   As of July 2013, an estimated 1,000,000 people have fled into Lebanon, of which 503,724 have registered with UNHCR and another 84,000 are awaiting registration.[1] An estimated 50% of the Syrian refugees are children are school-aged[2], many of whom are vulnerable, at risk of neglect and violence, and have limited or no access to quality education. In addition, the massive influx of refugees is taking a toll on the ability of Lebanese communities and education resources to accommodate the increase in the number of children seeking educational opportunities. As the number of Syrian children in Lebanon increases, schools are reaching their maximum capacity, putting pressure on the ability of Lebanese communities to cope. Integration of Syrian children into the Lebanese education system has emphasized non-formal education support, such as Accelerated Learning Programmes and Remedial Classes, in order to successfully integrate children. A grant agreement between the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development/ International Development Association (“World Bank”) and the Government of Lebanon’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) shall place technical advisors in the MEHE to provide support in strategic planning in the key areas of education in emergencies, child protection, health education, physical infrastructure for education, in addition to information and communication. The MEHE has established an Emergency Committee that reports directly to the Director General. The Emergency Committee is the mandated mechanism within the MEHE to respond to emergencies and thus is the focus for internal strengthening given the current crisis. The MEHE has identified the need for key technical advisors as well as for process support in MEHE strategic planning. The technical advisors shall lead MEHE’s internal planning for education in emergencies by supporting staff to develop and finalize strategies, and develop operational work plans to implement at central to decentralized levels. Technical advisors will strengthen the coordination within the Education Working Group, work closely with the Emergency Committee to develop response plans, and build the capacity of staff by providing trainings at central and decentralized levels Graduate degree in communications or a related field; Minimum 8 years’ experience in relevant field related to information and communications, particularly with national governments or in emergencies; Technical specialist in their field, with knowledge of best practices, innovation; Demonstrable understanding of the field of humanitarian response, education in emergencies, and providing an integrated holistic response to children in schools; Demonstrable experience in establishing internal communication mechanisms in crises/ emergencies; Experience in building institutional capacity and internal systems, government and NGO partnerships, and strategic and operational planning; Experience in developing capacity building frameworks, operational training plans, and training across centralized and decentralized levels; Strong ability to liaise with other relevant line ministries such as the Ministry of Information, ensure open channels of communication and cross-ways of working; Excellent communication, presentation and training skills; Flexible problem-solving approach to working in national crises; Fluency in Arabic and fluency in either French or English. Key deliverables: Operational work plans for relevant departments and teams are finalized and rolled out internally, including at the central and regional levels; Guidelines and manuals for communication systems at central and decentralized level and how they relate to ensuring provision of education in emergencies; Capacity Building frameworks which identifies key activities, Training of Trainers for MEHE and communication colleagues Oversee communication trainings (adapted to the Lebanese context) provided to members of the Education in Emergencies/ DRR committee team Ensure the relevant line ministry such as the Ministry of Information is aware and approves the work conducted by the MEHE; Identifies and provides on-the-job training to key MEHE staff members to continue as focal points for communication and works with Emergency Committee and Education Sector Working Group. APPLICATION PROCESS   Please note that the closing date for applications is: For External applicants on September 4th .                          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.