Communication & Advocacy Specialist

Job Purpose:

S/he will support the increasing Concern Lebanon’s public engagement, influence and visibility by telling the story of our work in a way that is inspiring timely and relevant and engaging various audiences- our communities, staff, partners, government, donors and supporters encouraging them to take action and increase their support. 

Main duties & Responsibilities:

Advocacy

• Following the lead of the PQC, guide programmes and provide technical oversight for the undertaking of advocacy studies (baseline or otherwise) led by programme sectors. 
• Work with programmes to develop Concern policy positions into public messaging and where appropriate, deliver a media plan to support advocacy objectives and/or public engagement campaigns
• Participate in lobbying and negotiation led by CD, LHIF Advocacy working group and programme sectors. 
• Independently act on those tasks assigned in the advocacy implementation plan for each programme sector.
• Always build capacity of programme staff to lead on advocacy initiatives and communication (Case study, fact sheets and others).

Communication

• Draft Concern’s Lebanon communication strategy; track progress, review actions, identify new opportunities with specific donors in coordination with the PQC and CD.
• Develop annual implementation plan for communication and lead its roll out regularly updating priorities and key work-streams, in line with progress
• Oversee the design of Concern Lebanon’s programmes briefs and fact sheets and regularly update them for donor and public engagement
• Proactively work with field teams and to produce compelling, issue-oriented  feature stories and reports focusing on Concern’s work that can be used produce communications material that influence media, partners, and policy makers to champion the wellbeing of the extreme poor
• Write thought-leadership and blog pieces and review and edit media releases and other written materials for external audiences after coordination with HQ.
• Maintain an updated listing of national media contacts in Concern’s areas of operation (radio, television, photography, video, print, digital influencers) and build relationships with them including accompanying journalists on trips to the field to support media coverage of Concern programmes on national media.
• Develop and Provide communications and media training to selected Concern spokespeople, providing advance preparation, advice and feedback on media interviews.
• Manage external communication (visits, events) with a lens of quality oversight in coordination with the PQC and CD.
• Create Concern Lebanon’s digital and multimedia storytelling which includes regular social media engagement  
• Work closely with the Concern Global Communications Team to produce content for donor & public engagement, media relations, emergency communications and international media coverage.

Branding

• Technical focal point on all Concern Lebanon’s donor branding requirements
• Provide technical direction to Project Managers on donor branding requirements
• Build capacity of Programme teams on donor branding requirements
• Programme Documentation
• Responsible for all office publications (manuals, studies, promotion etc.) ensuring distributions lists are provided
• Timely monthly and quarterly reporting on Concern’s communication results
• Responding to Emergencies:
  • Lead on the media response during emergencies and critical incidents
  • Participate and contribute as necessary towards Concern’s Emergency response as and when necessary
  • Comply with Concern’s health, safety and security guidelines during emergencies

Work Ethic

• To adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in the Concern Code of Conduct and  Associated Policies; the Programme Participant Protection Policy (P4), the Child Safeguarding Policy and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy
• Support the promotion of the standards outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct to the team and the beneficiaries, and be committed to providing a safe working environment;
• Respect confidentiality and follow ethical guidelines

Other

• The tasks of  this job position are not limited to what is mentioned in the job description, additional tasks can be requested as per the programmatic needs

Accountability

• Work with relevant colleagues to ensure that information about CRM, safeguarding and expected staff behaviour disseminated among programme participants and communities.

Essential

• Education: A Degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations  or other relevant field
• Experience:
  • Three (3) years’ experience developing and implementing communication strategies and relevant experience in advocacy in the humanitarian/development sector.
  • Ability to synthesise complex advocacy, policy and programme response approaches into audience led briefing papers, media Q&A documents and key messages
  • Demonstrable experience working with local and international media, blogging and social media engagement and resource mobilization.   
• Languages: English and Arabic (Fluent in both spoken and written), French is a plus.
• Computer: Good computer literacy, including good knowledge in Microsoft Word, Powerpoint and Excel

Others:

• Good understanding of programme cycle management and application of advocacy strategies to promote positive development outcomes.
• Excellent communication & interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams.
• Excellent professional writing and editing and photography skills.
• Excellent networking, coordination, analytical and problem solving skills
• Proven competency in the use of computer applications
• Proficient in Computer applications
• Sense of security management and willingness to follow security guidelines and regulations

The expected competencies include:

• Communicates (verbal and written) in a concise and clear manner, using simple language
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and values; upholds Concern Code of Conduct and Associated Policies and understands the importance of working with local organizations;
• Responds rapidly when the need arises and is prepared to go above and beyond when situations arise
• Keeps a positive and constructive attitude to getting the job done;
• Prioritizes, reviews priorities and manages multiple priorities to tight deadlines where required

Equal opportunities:

Concern values diversity in the workplace and is a committed equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all suitable candidates regardless of gender, race, family or marital status, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, class, caste or religion.

Emergency response:

Concern is committed to responding to emergencies efficiently and effectively to help affected people meet their basic needs, alleviate suffering and maintain their dignity. To this end, when emergencies strike and Lebanon Programme is to respond, you may be requested to actively participate in the response, regardless of location, and contribute to the efforts aimed at achieving the humanitarian objective of the organization.

Concern Code of Conduct and its Associated Policies

Concern has an organisational Code of Conduct (CCoC) with three Associated Policies; the Programme Participant Protection Policy (P4), the Child Safeguarding Policy and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Policy. These have been developed to ensure the maximum protection of programme participants from exploitation, and to clarify the responsibilities of Concern staff, consultants, visitors to the programme and partner organisation, and the standards of behaviour expected of them. In this context, staff have a responsibility to the organisation to strive for, and maintain, the highest standards in the day-to-day conduct in their workplace in accordance with Concern’s core values and mission. Any candidate offered a job with Concern Worldwide will be expected to sign the Concern Staff Code of Conduct and Associated Policies as an appendix to their contract of employment. By signing the Concern Code of Conduct, candidates acknowledge that they have understood the content of both the Concern Code of Conduct and the Associated Policies and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these policies.

Concern’s Core Competencies Requirements:

Managing yourself: aware of own abilities and areas for development, adapts and uses abilities to work well with others and help achieve Concern’s objectives

Individual Leadership: acts to inspire others by clearly articulating and demonstarting the values and principles that underpin concern’s work. Holds a sense of pride in Concern and loyalty to the organization. Supports others to achieve excellent results

Communication & Working with others: uses the most appropriate channel to share information with others both inside and outside Concern; adapts the message to meet the communication needs of the audience. Works effectively with others, gaining the most from people and situations

Delivering Results: Delivers on commitments, uses approprioate techniques to help achive agreed objectvies

Planning & Decision Making: systematically develops plans towards achieving objectives, makes clear, informed and timely decisions appropriate to the tole, in the interests of Concern and those we work with

Creativity & Innovation: Focused on continual improvement, seeks out, develops and successfully implements new ideas that further organizational priorities and the needs of those we work with, builds on proven approaches, evaluates and learns from ongoing work to improve it

Influence, advocacy, and networking: Engages with others inside and outside the organization to promote the interests of Concern and those we work with, gathers and shares a wider knowledge of issues relevant to Concern’s work

Change: Responds positively and constructively to change, managers to take part in change processes in a way that is appropriate to role in the organization

Strategy: focusing on extreme pool & most vulnerable, managing risk, and making decisions

People: Leading by example, motivating & developing, and communicating & influencing

Impact: leading change, driving performance, and removing barriers to delivery