Call for Proposal - Editorial & Content Expert

The EU funded project “Strengthening Resilience - MENA II” (SR2) in Lebanon is part of a regional project. In Lebanon the programme involves supporting the delivery of The National Strategy for Preventing Violent Extremism that has been developed by the government and was ratified during March 2018. 

The support will focus particularly on the development and delivery of a National Consultation Process that will take place throughout 2019, and an accompanying communication strategy.

The SR2 Project requires building lasting relationships with parties from across Lebanese society interested in the PVE issue. The sectorial PVE workshops should not be seen, by participants or others, as a flash in the pan, or an attempt simply to be seen to be engaging. Instead, the effort must form part of a genuine programme of dialogue with highly important segments of the population and society. 

To this end, sustained engagement requires a framework within which it can take place, as well as a function to support it. Deep and continued engagement does not occur accidentally. The PVE Unit has recognised the value of building an online platform which can help to support the achievement of mutually held objectives. The virtual environment platform will bring together cohorts and provide a space in which they can engage and support a wide range of activities linked to a particular issue or a desired outcome.   

To realise this ambition, a Virtual Environment Platform Developer is required to help develop the technical framework and architecture for the virtual environment platform. Working with the Communications Team, as well as with the National PVE Coordination Unit, the specialist will be responsible for the definition, design and delivery of the platform ready for its launch at the National conference. 

The purpose and scope of this RFP and supporting documents is to explain in further detail the requirements of the British Council and the procurement process for submitting a tender proposal. 

Objectives of the role

The Editorial & Content Expert will play a vital role in raising awareness of the Preventing Violent Extremism and the Exchange platform. They will work with the Communications Team, National PVE Unit, Initial Exchange Platform partners, and the media to identify, develop and disseminate stories that support the overall communications objectives across all owned and earned media channels. 

Working as part of a Communications Team, the supplier will need to find creative ways to generate interest in, and conversations around the content on the Exchange Platform.  

It will be the job of the Editorial & Content Expert to maintain a regular drumbeat of stories and content around the topics raised on the Exchange Platform, in order to generate public and stakeholder interest and help deliver the overall communications objectives.  

Tasks and Deliverables

• Identify potential news stories and content opportunities to feed the platform 
• Advise on creative approaches to multi-format content (video, podcast etc.) that delivers on strategic objectives 
• Work with the communication team on producing a content calendar for the platform
• Produce regular written content to populate the platform 
• Work with the communications team to determine the associated content that populates the platform and ensure its on-going management and upload as required.
• Work with the communications team to create the platform guidelines
• Regular attendance and contribution at weekly Editorial Board meetings 
• Liaise with members of the platform to develop the resource centre 
• Drive internal communication process with members of the platform via newsletters and adhoc updates 
• Use the research and context analysis results and reports generated by the platform to produce content 
• identifying a list of topics (sub objectives of the sectoral workshop) to communicate through the platform that could relate to specific target audiences 

Skills and competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Fluent in Arabic and English 
• Experience of content creation and video production
• Experience of implementing strategic communications campaigns
• Experience of implementing social media strategies
• Senior experience in journalism
• Copywriting knowledge is an added value
• Experience in working with government led approaches is an added value