Communications Officer

Background:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

 FHI 360 seeks qualified candidates to serve as the Communications Officer for the USAID-funded Lebanon Civic Action Accelerator Program (LEB-CAAP), a five-year program which supports civil society actors to advance rights and reforms and promote inclusive development through grantmaking and capacity strengthening. 

Job Responsibilities: 

The Communications Officer will contribute to the design and implementation of communications and outreach activities of the USAID-funded Lebanon Civic Action Accelerator Program (LEB-CAAP) and to promote the achievements of the program and its grantees/partners. This person will support the project’s communications objectives in line with its annual workplan and communications action plan and be responsible for developing and disseminating content, outreach materials and success stories as well as managing social media platforms and coordinating media relations, when relevant.  Reporting to the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning & Outreach Manager, the Communications Officer coordinates inputs from across the program team. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

I. Content Creation and Communications

• Coordinating all stages of the development and dissemination of communications products, messages, outreach and campaign materials (in Arabic and English) intended for the public, USAID Lebanon and/or other targeted audiences.
• Drafting, editing, finalizing, packaging, and disseminating LEB-CAAP information products such as: social media posts; Press Releases, fact sheets, press kits, brochures, handouts, flyers, etc.; Success Stories per USAID requirements and other formats; Newsletters, project highlights, specialized reports; Presentations, info-graphs, visual aids, etc.
• Coordinating with LEB-CAAP staff, grantees, and partners to ensure all communications and outreach materials are compliant with USAID branding and marking requirements.
• Producing and disseminating a quarterly newsletter to highlight project opportunities and updates, grantee/partner profiles and successes by identifying channels for circulating communications material to external audiences.

• Coordinating the work of external graphic designers, videographers, and/or photographers to produce videos, documentaries, photo essays, podcasts, other audio-visual materials and formats and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products in line with USAID requirements. 
• Archiving all communications materials, including photographs, videos, publications, etc. (electronic and hard copies).
• Coordinating with LEB-CAAP staff, grantees and partners to identify story ideas and design communications strategies to support advocacy and awareness campaigns, as well as promote success stories and highlight impact. 
• Drafting press releases, articles and presentations in support of LEB-CAAP’s activities and grantee/partner advocacy and awareness campaigns.
• Monitoring and reporting on coverage of LEB-CAAP outreach efforts through various platforms and channels.  

II. Outreach & External Relations

• Creating, updating and maintaining LEB-CAAP database of mainstream and alternative media outlets, journalists, influencers, and opinion leaders (print, television, radio, online, social media, etc.) at national and governorate-level where applicable. 
• Promoting and marketing the program’s online presence to a wider audience such as alternative media, CSOs across the country and other audiences of interest. 
• Maintaining and regularly updating LEB-CAAP’s outreach database and mailing lists with inputs from all team members, ensuring the accuracy of data, targeting of specialized groups, updating information based on participation, and increasing the number of subscribers to LEB-CAAP mailing list.
• Managing mass mailings and targeted dissemination of LEB-CAAP direct and supported campaigns, events, information products, invitations, news alerts, success stories, etc.
• Providing outreach support to all project activities and events including grant solicitations, workshops, conferences, etc. and taking photos and short videos for documentation, reporting and social media purposes.
• Developing and implementing a plan for engaging journalists and influencers to cover topics addressed by the program and/or its grantees and partners as well as organizing field/project site visits to highlight program successes and guiding this community to utilize information provided by program partners and grantees.  

III. Social Media Management 

• Coordinating all aspects of the project’s social media accounts (@lebcaap: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Linktr.ee), including creating, editing, revising, and updating content on an ongoing basis; producing a monthly social media plan and content calendar; drafting posts.
• Creating basic visuals (Canva or other means), etc.
• Transforming communications material into an electronically adaptable format for social media accounts and ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities.  
• Tracking and analyzing analytics to gain insight on traffic, target demographics, and effectiveness; producing weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports on social media performance and engagement; and utilizing this information to positively affect future outcomes.

IV. Other 

• Ensuring compliance with LEB-CAAP project branding requirements in accordance with USAID's branding and marking guidelines and approved messages.
• Liaising with the MELO Manager to secure the necessary approvals from USAID for all outreach efforts, including preparing public event forms, reviews/approvals of press releases, branding, events, invitations, videos, etc. 
• Developing templates and guidance for the project team and partners to ensure compliance to branding and messaging guidelines.
• Drafting reports related to LEB-CAAP outreach to be submitted as part of weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports. 
• Liaising with the operations team on procurement of vendors (translators, designers, printers, mailing houses, etc.) 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in media, advertising, marketing, communication, public relations, journalism, political science or a related field
• 4-5 years’ experience in communications, public relations and/or media for development programs required, preferably with national or international NGOs and/or alternative media platforms.
• Strong knowledge of Lebanon’s mainstream and social media environments.  
• Experience in social media management and/or online social marketing required including knowledge of using Meta Business Suite Ads Management, and relevant analytical tools. 
• Proficiency in advanced MS Office (Word, Power Point, Excel, and Teams).
• Fluent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English with strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse teams and partners.
• Demonstrated writing skills and track record of content development or campaign design and management.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently, coordinate, and plan with others; ability to complete tasks on time and to work under pressure during events and campaigns.
• Candidates with basic design and layout skills and adept in using Canva or Adobe Creative Suite are an added advantage as are photography, digital image, processing and video editing skills a plus.

This job description summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time. 

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself. We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package. 

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law. 

FHI 360 welcomes diversity among its staff and encourages members of any marginalized or underrepresented group to apply for any position for which they believe they are qualified. FHI 360 is dedicated to hiring an inclusive workforce. Persons with disabilities require reasonable accommodations during the application process should communicate their request to [email protected].