Operational Communication Officer

Job Summary:

The Operational Communication Officer contributes to developing and implementing the delegation’s strategy on proximity communication, aimed at enhancing acceptance of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the National Red Cross/Red Crescent Society in the country. By engaging key stakeholders, s/he helps facilitate access to people in need and improve security for and the impact of ICRC operations. S/he contributes to promoting respect for international humanitarian law (IHL) and other relevant norms among relevant authorities, armed and security forces, armed groups and communities. S/he helps integrate feedback from communities into the ICRC’s program cycle and enhance the organization's accountability towards those it seeks to assist and protect.

Objectives and Tasks:

* Assesses operational communication and community engagement needs at the field level. Supports the development of strategies and plans of action to meet operational communication needs and ensures they are integrated across the different programmes.

* Supervises and supports implementation of operational communication, international humanitarian law (IHL) promotion and community engagement activities carried out by Communication Officers in the field.

* Analyses public sources and perceptions in the field to detect reputation issues concerning the ICRC and International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

* Analyses the main means and channels of communication used by communities to better target ICRC assistance and protection work.

* Designs and rolls out a community engagement strategy and plan of action in coordination with and in support of assistance and protection activities.

* Contributes to creating and developing a feedback mechanism for communities and beneficiaries on ICRC services and promoting accountability to affected populations.

* Creates tools required for operational communication (presentations, FAQ documents, brochures, video clips, human interest stories, social media posts, etc.) and community engagement (feedback mechanism, hotlines and surveys).

* Advises and coaches National Society volunteers and officials on operational communication activities.

* Contributes to the delegation’s understanding and analysis of the country’s political/social environment and humanitarian problems and participates in reflection on the delegation’s operational response.

General duties:

* Understands and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

* Understands and adheres to the ICRC Code of Conduct.

* Understands the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

* Always respects and observes staff regulations and security rules

* Always represents the ICRC in a professional manner.

* Develops and maintains a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line manager.

* Performs all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC.

* May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other colleagues when necessary.

Additional Duties:

* Follows up on all work-related messages and correspondence with the relevant contacts and departments.

* Is aware of the delegation’s objectives and has a good knowledge of the Movement and other contacts relevant to the position.

* Collects and shares information to improve the ICRC’s understanding of the environment and humanitarian trends and responses.

* Represents the ICRC in an appropriate way during activities, in meetings and in the field, and avoids any activity that may reflect negatively on the ICRC’s image.

Position Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

Years of experience required: at least 5 years previous international work experience in communications or public relations, including - at least 1 year of experience in similar contexts.

Level of education: Master’s Degree.

Field of education: communications, sociology, psychology, negotiation, marketing, humanitarian affairs, political science, international relations or any other related subject.

Languages: Fluency in Arabic and English, French is a strong asset.

Required Competencies:

* Leadership (Proficient)

* Accountability (Proficient)

* People Management (Proficient)

* Teamwork & Collaboration (Advanced)

* Representing the ICRC (Advanced)

* Beneficiary & Client focused (Proficient)

* Needs assessment and communication strategy (Advanced)

* Media management /content diffusion (Advanced)

* Analysis, monitoring and reporting (Advanced)

* Experience in building capacity (Proficient)

* Championing planning and implementing targeted communications campaigns (Proficient)

* Setting strategies (Advanced)

* Project management (Advanced)

* Self-driven with a solution-oriented approach (Advanced)

* Strong negotiation skills and a diplomatic approach (Advanced)

* Analytical and innovative thinking (Advanced)

* Relationship building (Advanced)

* Online and social media knowledge including community engagement and management as well as identification of networks (Advanced)

Job Details:

Job Location: Beirut, Lebanon.

Working Schedule: Monday till Friday, from 8 Am till 5 Pm.

Contract Type: fixed term, until December 31, 2024.

Salary Package: USD 2,897 - 4,049 (As per ICRC salary scale, salary setting processes will determine fair setting in coherence with the qualifications of the applicant and the requirements of the job).