Communications and Media Officer

SAWA for Development and Aid is a Civil Society Organization founded initially as a spontaneous initiative in December 2011 to respond to the arrival of the first 40 Syrian families displaced from Syria into the North of Lebanon.

This initiative then grew to include individual activists, locals and internationals, who worked together (literally meaning ‘SAWA’ in Arabic) to share their knowledge and exchange their experiences in order to support Syrians, internally displaced or refugees in neighboring countries, united by their belief in their right to live in dignity, freedom, and to be active individuals in their communities and wherever they are.

SAWA sees itself as part and parcel of the society, and that it is on a continuous learning journey based on a participatory relationship at all levels with the communities that it works with, whether host or displaced, as well as with local and international partners.

SAWA believes that humanitarian, developmental, and civic work has to always strive to achieve social justice, and so it aims to work with individuals and communities through holistic interventions towards a society based on democracy, pluralism, and the values of citizenship and human rights. 

About the Job:

The Communications and Media Officer will play an important and significant role in the Developments Department, working in close collaboration with the Programs Manager and other team members on strategy, messaging, content, and partnerships. The Communications and Media Officer will ensure a strong public profile and effective engagement reflecting SAWA’s activities. H/she shall be able to implement efficient media strategies to reflect the work done by the organization, building on its positive image. H/she will also be responsible for all marketing strategies and activities within SAWA. These responsibilities include providing direction and feedback on major projects including product distribution, budgeting, branding, and sales.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•    Develop and implement communications strategies, work-plans, campaigns, events, and other initiatives in line with SAWA’s strategic goals. 
•    Develop and implement fundraising campaigns and events to support SAWA’s projects and programs which include branding, teasers, social media posts, organizing the event itself by communicating with SAWA team members, planning for outreach, and closing the event. This is followed by a report on success or challenges of the event to be discussed with the management. 
•    Support implementation of SAWA’s communications and digital media strategy across online media platforms. 
•    Draft and edit written material, communication plans, and content as needed for partners, programs, and communications teams. 
•    Draft and write success stories in coordination with the field team, as needed for partners and programs. 
•    Respond to media inquiries, arrange interviews, and maintain a media database.
•    Conduct research, suggest ideas, and provide coordination support to ensure the effective delivery of video/film, photographic projects that support and engages audiences in a meaningful way.
•    Coordinate and liaise with media, produce press releases, organize external communication with stakeholders, and handle requests for interviews, statements etc.
•    Support operational staff in the design of the communication tools of their projects: flyers, leaflets, booklets.
•    Monitor and analyze appropriate social media data/metrics, insights and best practices to support continuous improvement
•    Take pictures or videos and gather testimonies from beneficiaries on a regular basis. The Communications Officer may be required to provide direction to photographers and other required staff.
•    Assist in organizing volunteering events, and maintain records of SAWA’s volunteers for future events. 
•    Coordinate with multiple team members in order to stay up-to-date with ongoing projects and new prospects of SAWA’s work.
•    Assist on partner communications management and attend partner meetings representing the communications team. 
•    Write, edit, and post new web content SAWA’s website.
•    Provide support and backup as needed on social media posting and scheduling.
•    Keep up-to-date on communications and digital industry standards and trends.
•    Attend and cover LIVE events as applicable.
•    Manage communications interns. 
•    Compile and archive photos, videos, media coverages, and documentations of all events and activities of SAWA. 
•    Design and organize a plan for the visibility of the project including leaflets, brochures.
•    Support and develop a comprehensive database of external communication contractors (photographers, graphic designers, film makers, etc.)
•    Other projects and duties as assigned.

Competencies and Skills:

•    Minimum 5 years of experience in communications and digital media, in publishing or media outlet, PR agency, or NGO setting.
•    Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
•    Excellent writing skills; experience writing and editing blogs, press releases, and editorial content for SAWA.
•    Experience driving impactful storytelling strategy.
•    Strong media relations background and experience working with press.
•    Strong skills working in diverse teams and across many types of organizations.
•    Team-oriented, problem solver, relationship builder, and strong inter-personal skills.
•    Ability to multi-task in a very fast-paced, often rapidly-changing environment. 
•    Proficiency in Adobe and Microsoft Office Suite.
•    Ability to meet regular attendance/tardiness policy.
•    Sense of humor, creative energy, and a great team player.
•    Ability to work under pressure and handle stress.