Media & Communication Consultant (Governance And Social Stability Sector)

  DISCLAIMER It is mandatory to mention the job title in the subjet of your application email Applicants who do not mention the position they are applying for will be disregarded Background Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. The agency pursues its mission through emergency relief services, sustainable community development, civil society and economic development initiatives. Mercy Corps has been present in the Middle East since the 1980’s and currently has offices in Yemen, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq, and Egypt. Working in Lebanon since 1993, Mercy Corps promotes economic and social development in marginalized communities and respond to emergency needs as they emerge. Since the outbreak of the conflict in Syria in 2011, Mercy Corps in Lebanon has shifted its programs towards emergency based interventions while integrating long-term development programming by focusing on key sectors: Protection, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Governance and Social Stability (GSS), and Livelihoods. Under the scope of the Governance and Social Stability (GSS) Sector, Mercy Corps is working in the North Governorate and Bekaa mainly in Baalbek-Hermel Governorate and Bekaa Governorate (West, Bekaa, Zahle and Rachaya districts), targeting in particular nine vulnerable municipalities (Rayak/Haret Fakhani, Kfarzabad/Ain Kfarzabad, Qab Elias, Joub Jannine, Qaroun, Ksarnaba, Douris, and Fakiha). The overall objective of the programs is to empower vulnerable municipalities and communities to mitigate conflict caused by resource tensions exacerbated by the Syrian crisis. In this regard, Mercy Corps works closely with municipalities to mobilize and enrich community members with skills that can help them identify sources of common tensions and create action plans that will mitigate those tensions. Consultant objectives and main functions Communication Strategy and tools Develop a comprehensive communication strategy and ensure adequate follow up in the implementation of its various components and aspects with emphasis on increased visibility of the project; Prepare visibility and communication plans for different donors; Draft, design, and prepare brochures and leaflets; Develop documentaries summarizing the work of the sector’s community based projects to raise awareness on the interventions, conduct field visits and engage targeted communities in its content; Draft/edit/review reports, press releases, articles, stories, speeches, etc.; Creating and developing a photo gallery of all community based projects at MC; Support to elaborate the content of the website, newsletter/bulletins/informative material on a regular basis; Contribute to and follow up with software developers in relation to various communication tools and platforms (i.e. website, online surveys, software, applications, etc.). Training on Communication Support municipalities, civil society organizations, and partners to develop their communications tools, such as newsletters; Build the capacities of municipalities, civil society organizations, and partners on communications, media, and storytelling techniques; Outreach & Media Campaign Ensure addressing the host communities’ perception in the communication strategy; Follow up and monitor the elaboration of communication messages through the projects, and contribute to the development of communication messages and materials of the project; Ensure mobilization/engagement of media and celebrities for supporting various initiatives, and supply media with needed information and resources on a regular basis; Identify and engage reporters, photographers, and consultants for provision of needed services related to media and communication; and prepare/contribute to relevant Terms of Reference; Follow up with translators/graphic designers/film makers for translating as well as designing, printing and filming, including proof reading and editing; 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.; Coordinate with MC’s communication department to ensure partnerships with all media outlets; Prepare and oversee the production of short clips and documentaries (Camera-man, audio-man, etc.) to be used for media and social media campaigns, as well as archived background for the project and prepare cost-related budget; Scan local news and resources on refugees and host communities matters – including ones involving and projects – through compiling summary of key issues and forwarding them to relevant team members; Organize interviews for the staff and donor representatives as requested, in coordination with the MC media and communication coordinator. 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. EVENTS Conduct field visits to project sites; and organize media/donor field visits to project sites, and ensure its visibility; Prepare and organize dissemination events/meetings including press conferences, and meetings with the communities; Organize inaugurations and hand-over events, in coordination with MC’s communication department. Qualifications 5 years of experience in Media and Communication. Experience in the following: Preparation and follow-up on videos and short documentary production Photography Training communities on photography and preparation of newsletters Event planning Preparation of hand-over events and donors’ visits docs Experience in graphic design Available to work on weekends Fluent Arabic speaking and writing skills. Additional strong English skills are required as well. Other Considerations Follow the rules and regulations of MC and meet the program’s objectives and abide to the set work plan; Conduct herself/himself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission; Works directly with: Sector Manager, Program Coordinator, Social Coordinator, Project Manager, Capacity Building Coordinator, M&E Coordinator; Availability of a vehicle for the consultant is ensured by Mercy Corps, for transportation to and from the sites; Undertake additional tasks as required. Payment In bank checks or wire transfer, after the successful delivery of the service based on monthly invoices and timesheets submitted (to include work days and hours. 9 hours = full day and 4.5 hours = half a day), with an approved consultant deliverable report. Incidentals, including transportation, per diems and communications costs, will not be covered separately by Mercy Corps. N.B:  Interested consultants are encouraged to apply and submit the following documents by email to  lb-recruitment@mercycorps.org . Please mention the title "Comm consultant” in the subject of the email.  2 References A scan/copy of the firm’s registration at the Ministry of Finance. In case the consultant cannot provide this document, and is selected for this consultancy, Mercy Corps will deduct the 7.5% services tax imposed by the Ministry from submitted invoices. Consultant’s CV List of consultancies conducted in the last three years. Please include: Client name Brief description of services performed Client phone number and email Number of days worked Substantiated daily consulting rate A scan/copy of applicant’s registration at the Ministry of Finance. In case applicant cannot provide this document, and is selected for this consultancy, Mercy Corps will deduct the 7.5% services tax imposed by the Ministry from submitted invoices.