Communications Officer

Communications Officer (Lebanon) Ref. Nr. 045 / 2017   Location:                                             Beirut, Lebanon Start of Contract:                             01 December 2017, or sooner Category of Staff:                            Locally Engaged Staff (LES 6), not eligible for expatriate allowances Organization profile Every year, millions of people around the world go missing as a result of conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, irregular migration, and other causes.  Be part of a growing international organization that is dedicated to tackling this global challenge.   The aim of The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) Regional Program is to establish the foundations for an effective and sustainable mechanism to address the issue of missing persons, including in post-conflict Syria. The program will focus on: contributing to increased understanding among victims, civil society and key stakeholders regarding processes, standards and rights of victims and survivors who are involved in accounting for missing persons; establishing the conditions to launch a participative process of data collection that empowers and engages families of the missing; increasing the capacity of Syrian families, legal experts and other stakeholders to foster an impartial and law-based approach to accounting for missing persons in post-conflict Syria.   To learn more about ICMP, visit www.icmp.int   Position Background The ideal candidate for this role will have a sound understanding of international and regional relations, politics, and an in-depth understanding of media relations with an extensive knowledge of the MENA media landscape, including digital communications and social media. The selected candidate will have a strong media contacts in the region, with emphasis on international press agencies and media outlets and the confidence and skills to develop more. To learn more about the position and the candidate profile we are seeking, please feel free to contact the Head of Program by email at: Elodie.Andrault@icmp.int.   Under the overall supervision of the Head of the Progam, and working in close consultation with the Communications Unit in Headquarters, the Communication Officer will be responsible for the following tasks:  Manage program-specific internal and external communications, including media relations (managing press conferences, relationships with journalists, media outlets, and documentary filmmakers), public relations. Create the program specific publications, development of innovative public outreach campaigns and management of events in line with the global ICMP Communications Strategy and work plan. Responsible for the program-specific contribution to ICMP social media output and website maintenance. Contribute to the production of a range program specific materials, including newsletters, press releases, media advisories, brochures, and flyers. Contribute to daily media monitoring on missing persons related issues in the MENA region. Contribute to general writing, editing, copyediting in both English and Arabic. Build MENA media network. Other related duties as assigned.  Qualifications:  Post-secondary education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field At least 5 years’ experience working in a press/communications office at an international organization, or similar Proven experience in running press and social media campaigns in MENA region, with a focus on Syria Prior experience in the strategic design and implementation of advocacy and outreach campaigns Excellent writing and public speaking skills Excellent knowledge of media monitoring/media database management tools (e.g. Meltwater) Excellent skills in social media management tools such as Hootsuite Skill in Adobe Creative Cloud is an asset Skills in graphics and design are highly desirable Proven experience in writing and proofreading documents such as press releases, promotional materials, proposals and reports Attention to detail, with the ability to meet deadlines and produce results Additional requirements: Proficiency in written and spoken English and Arabic.  Knowledge of written and spoken French, Turkish and/or Kurdish is highly desirable. Proficency of Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel and Power Point. Proven ability to interact positively with colleagues regardless of culture, nationality or gender. Willingness to travel and to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings.