WASH Communication Officer (Lebanese Nationals Only)

Assignment

Under the supervision of the WASH Projects Coordinator, the Communications Officer will be responsible for developing and implementing a communication strategy, leading the production of communication and outreach materials, and launching ACTED’s media and events campaign in relation to community WASH projects implemented in the North and Beirut and Mount Lebanon

1.Background

ACTED is an International Non-Governmental Organization with headquarters in France and global operations in 34 countries across Central and South Asia, Europe, Middle-East and Africa. ACTED has been active in Lebanon since 2006 operating mainly in the North and Beirut and Mount Lebanon governorates. ACTED has been implementing WASH and Shelter interventions in various areas of the country.

2.Functions

Under the supervision of the WASH Project Coordinator, the Communications Officer will be responsible for the implementation of ACTED’s WASH communications and engagement program in Beirut and the North of Lebanon. In coordination with key WASH Program staff, the Communications Officer will design and implement the communications strategy for engagement with various stakeholder groups in line with the program strategy.

This will include development of communication plans and key messages adapted for the program’s each different target group, development of various communication and outreach materials as outlined in the communication strategy, leading the online (social media, websites) and offline communications in line with the program strategy, leading the events design and planning (workshops, community meetings and focus group discussions), and advising on the communications strategies with various stakeholders. The ACTED’s WASH program in Akkar and Beirut and Mount Lebanon includes components that are innovative and replicable in Lebanon: a decentralized wastewater management plan, integrated urban water management and the training and coordination with relevant authorities, and additionally ACTED will also be hosting a conference for high school students. The Communication Officer will play a key role ensuring that such innovative approaches are known to local people and key stakeholders in the targeted areas and lead to the maximum positive impacts among the local populations.

The functions of the Communications Officer include, but are not limited, the following activities:

1. Assessment and design
   1. Under the guidance of the Project Manager and with the support of the project field staff, coordinate with government and non-government stakeholders as relevant and needed for the program
   2. Design the program’s communications strategy(ies) and manage its implementation through various events and campaigning such as workshops/focus group discussions/trainings and events etc.
   3. Supervise and/or carry out the design and production of various online and offline communication and visibility materials (photos, videos, presentations, etc.), as deemed necessary by the program’s needs
   4. Plan and maintain effective online and offline communications for various stakeholders, including through targeted key messaging and campaigning
2. Project implementation
   1. Ensure that the project targets related to communications are met and documented
   2. Lead the planning and management of program’s various stakeholder and beneficiary events (workshops, conferences, community events etc.)
   3. Manage budget projections and work plans for activities related to communications
   4. Prepare timely reports and feedback on activities for coordination
   5. Ensure up to date on project progress to effectively design timely communications to stakeholders, partners, beneficiaries and the wider community
   6. Ensure effective flow of information to target audiences and provide regular updates to ensure continued public interest, including managing media platforms in line with ACTED guidelines (social media, website, newspapers, radio) and in coordination with ACTED Communications Officer in Beirut
   7. Monitor the effectiveness of each platform
   8. Draft articles, human interest stories and other information materials, collect quality photographs of field activities to be shared with communities and internally
   9. Manage the planning and implementation of the Water is Life Conference in coordination with relevant stakeholders
   10. Manage,  expand and handover ACTED’s farre2.com website, in coordination with ACTED Communications Officer in Beirut

3. Sustainability

The Communications Officer will be responsible for preparing guidelines for the communication with stakeholders, both offline and online and event planning and management. The Communications Officer will provide training for ACTED Programs teams on these guidelines. The Communications Officer will also assess the most effective communication methods with the various stakeholders and determine appropriate handover plans for any developed media strategies.

4. Accountability to Communities and Beneficiaries

The Communications Officer is responsible for ensuring that all relations with the communities we work are conducted in a respectful and consultative manner.  Due attention must be paid to ensuring that communities are adequately consulted and informed about ACTED programme objectives, activities, beneficiary selection criteria, and methodologies. This is the responsibility of every ACTED staff member.

Skills and Experience:

1. Previous experience and track record in promoting behavioural and attitude change
2. At least 2-3 years of experience in leading and managing corporate/NGO external and stakeholder communications
3. Design and layout skills (Adobe Photoshop, In Design)
4. Demonstrated corporate/NGO social media and website content development and management experience
5. Event planning and management experience
6. Excellent organisation and creative problem solving skills
7. Excellent written and oral Arabic communication skills and proficiency in English are required
8. Advanced working knowledge of MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Publisher)

9.  

   The candidate should have high level of integrity and accountability. He/she should also demonstrate and be exemplary in portraying humanitarian values and ethics. He/she should be a good team player.

The position is based in Beirut, with frequent overnight travel to Beirut (accommodation available)