Senior Communications & Reporting Officer (Applications will only be accepted if submitted through the URL link provided below)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization powered by the belief that a better world is possible.
In disaster, in hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we partner to put bold solutions
into action — helping people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within.
Now, and for the future.

Program / Department Summary

The chosen candidate will work on the 3amaly program. Funded by the Canadian Government and implemented by Mercy Corps in Lebanon, “3amaly” is a livelihood program with a focus on gender economic empowerment. The program operates through three main components: 

1. Creating opportunities and linking to jobs and on-the-job training for women and youth to access safe and decent employment or self-employment
2. .Supporting MSMEs, Start-ups and new entrepreneurs to develop their businesses and address factors that are limiting their capacity to grow.
3. Identifying and overcoming barriers that prohibit adolescent, youth and young adult females from entering the workforce.

General Position Summary

The primary function of this role is to facilitate the donor reporting and processes, design and implement communication tools across program activities, as well as to support the creation of compelling stories showcasing 3amaly Program work. This role reports to the Program Manager, and works in close collaboration with the Program Manager, M&E staff, and Program Component Leads.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Reporting and story writing:

• Compile and maintain a database of the status of program reporting;
• Communicate timelines for inputs and review of reports, and help ensure adherence to key calendar deadlines through regular deadline reminders and escalating late reports as appropriate;
• Develop reporting templates when no donor format exists; improve existing templates and add relevant instructions to help facilitate and simplify report writing;
• Gather inputs from Component Leads, Program Manager, and M&E staff, operations, and finance teams as necessary as basis for drafting and editing reports;
• Compile monthly and quarterly reports from all components;
• Ensure finalized reports are available on the shared server;
• Work closely with Component Leads and other program staff to identify and produce compelling success stories.

communication

• Collaborate with team, including the Component leads, Program Manager, Project Manager and M&E staff, to identify and define communication strategies to engage key target audiences
• Create monthly calendars that include specific program-related communications activities, including events, campaigns, training, etc.;
• Support program visibility within the community through material development and social media;
• Develop and implement strategies together with the team to increase communication within local communities and local institutions to promote activities, increase awareness, and acceptance;
• 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.;
• 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.
• Lead on the design and production of communications and visibility materials (whether in house or outsourced) including: print such as leaflets, booklets, banners, brochures, t-shirts, folders, certificates and etc.; photography, video and sound; Infographics; and Web and mobile development;
• Develop materials for specific program campaigns or identities, to help advance programmatic goals;
• Build up and maintain database of all visual materials produced such as photos, videos, infographics, logos and etc.;
• Ensure all visual materials produced follow Mercy Corps’ global brand identity and standards;

other

• Ensure all activities are gender sensitive and follow Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy;
• Apply Do No Harm standards to ensure activities do not have detrimental effects on vulnerable communities;
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Mercy Corps and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission in Lebanon;
• Participate in internal office coordination and planning meetings and workshops;
• Other duties as assigned

Organizational Learning 

• As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve, we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

• Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically
  to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.
• Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Accountability

Reports Directly To: Director of Programs

Works Directly With: Program Manager, Project Manager, Field Officers and Coordinators, and M&E team, Senior Communications and Media Coordinator and Project partners.

Knowledge and Experience

• BA/S or equivalent in communication, media, social work, social sciences, human rights, or other relevant field required, MA preferred;
• At least 2-3 years of experience in community outreach, Communication, and Media;
• Experience in the following: Preparation and follow-up on videos and short documentary production; Photography; Events planning; and preparation of hand-over events and donors’ visits docs;
• Available to work on weekends and evenings, to support events and field activities;
• Very strong written and oral communication skills in both English and Arabic (Arabic is strongly required), including report development, writing and editing;
• Good understanding of relevant cross-cultural issues and ability to work with refugee and host community populations;
• Experience working with municipalities and local communities;
• Understanding of community dynamics preferred, but not required;
• Strong understanding of refugee issues in the current Lebanon context;
• Mature, responsible, and diplomatic in their interactions with others;
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, as well as part of a team;
• Positive, respectful attitude and collaborative approach to problem solving;
• Demonstrated attention to detail; ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently as well as cooperatively with team members;
• Significant knowledge and understanding of the current political, economic, cultural and historical context of Lebanon preferred;
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to the field.
• Fluency in English, written and spoken
• Computer literate.

Success Factors

The post holder will have strong organizational skills and the ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel. S/he will have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and a demonstrated ability to multi-task and process information into action. The successful candidate will have proven experience working with a cross-cultural team and possess strong capacity building and mentoring skills that promotes a culture of learning. They will demonstrate a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, make effective communication a priority in all situations, and maintain a sense of humor.