Communication Officer

Communication Officer About ANERA American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) advances the well-being of people in the West Bank, Gaza, Lebanon and Jordan.   Through partnership and close consultation with local groups and communities, ANERA responds to economic, health and educational needs with sustainable solutions and also delivers humanitarian aid during emergencies. Incorporated in 1968 to help ease the suffering of Palestinian refugees after the Arab-Israeli War of 1967, ANERA is non-political and non-religious and is one of the largest American non-profits working solely in the Middle East for 50 years. ANERA helps local institutions become more self-sufficient and effective in serving their communities.  Every project is planned in consultation with the communities that ultimately benefit – an approach that ensures relevancy and commitment, and secures the long-term viability of the projects.   The position   Position Title   :           Communication Officer Reports to       :           Country Director Location          :           Beirut Office-Badaro Work hours    :           From 8:30AM till 4:00PM Period             :           Open ended contract.       Position Summary: This position is responsible for documenting ANERA projects and beneficiaries in Lebanon through human interest stories, photographs, films and press releases that illustrate the impact of ANERA projects. Materials produced are used on ANERA’s website, print materials, social media channels and fundraising pieces. The officer is an integral part of ANERA’s global communications team and works closely with program staff in the Beirut office to ensure comprehensive coverage of activities.             Responsibilities: Position Responsibilities and Duties: The Communication Officer will be responsible for:    Producing stories about ANERA’s programs and activities in Lebanon including taking photos and writing content Maintaining, updating and sharing the Beirut office photo library Working in regular consultation with the director of communications based in Washington DC and in collaboration with colleagues in the Beirut office to respond to communications requests Assisting in the development of ANERA public communications materials within the context of established guidelines and in response to the needs of the Lebanon and headquarters offices Building and maintaining lists of media and other Lebanon-based contacts Ensuring compliance with the external communications guidelines for ANERA  Overseeing  production of short videos and ensuring highly quality standards  Developing, implementing, and managing a Lebanon social media and public relations strategy that dovetails with ANERA-wide communications activities. Providing support in developing presentations and editing, branding/layout of any reports going to donors Completing any other tasks as assigned by the director of communications and as assigned by country director in Lebanon   Reporting and Supervisory Relationships: For technical communications matters, the incumbent works under the supervision of the director of communications who is located in Washington DC. In Beirut, the incumbent reports to the country director on administrative issues. S/he is expected to carry out most assignments independently, including resolving most problems, coordinating work with others, and determining approaches and techniques to be employed. The supervisor provides technical guidance in complex, controversial, or unprecedented situations. A performance appraisal will be conducted annually by the director of communications in coordination with the country director.       Working Conditions Office and field environment (often on uneven terrain).  50% of the work is done seated at a computer. Occasionally required to carry equipment, such as cameras.  Requirements and Qualifications  5 years relevant experience Proven ability to write compelling human interest and news stories Demonstrated ability to write, speak and read both English and Arabic Demonstrated ability and interest in photography A higher education degree in a related field (i.e. media, journalism, communications) Experience in social media Ability to work independently with minimal guidance as well as within a team Ability to thrive in a dynamic working environment juggling multiple projects Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and communications (both written and oral) skills Ability to use Microsoft Word and PowerPoint Demonstrated to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously Driver’s license Proven experience and contacts within the local, national and/or international non-profit community is a plus Ability to use Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and LightRoom is a plus Knowledge, experience and/or exposure to video production is a plus