I.  Position Information

Job Title: Communication Officer
Duty Station: Beirut
Reports to: Chief Technical Advisor
Expected starting date: April 2018 
Section/Unit: Enhancing Community Security and Access to Justice to Host Communities 
Project reference: 00106871
Pay Level: SC 7
Duration of Employment: 1 year renewable based on performance and availability of funds

II. Scope/Objective

Lebanon is currently hosting an unprecedented number of refugees due to the Syrian crisis. Recent surveys indicate increased tensions between host communities and Syrian Refugees. Those tensions are the result of the lack of security and justice services, and are aggravated by human rights violations committed by law enforcement institutions. UNDP Lebanon is operating to respond to the crisis impact through the implementation of a large programme targeting host communities.

UNDP community security and access to justice project (project) aims at improving basic security and justice services to host communities and Syrian refugees in a view to prevent and appease tensions at local level and improve trust into rule of law institutions. The project works on (i) developing and institutionalising basic state security and justice services to host communities in municipalities, particularly municipal police and legal aid; (ii) improving the coordination among state actors, as well as partnerships between formal and informal actors; (iii) addressing conditions of detention and social reintegration of prisoners; and (iv) developing capacities of national state institutions to understand and respond to local security, justice and human rights challenges.

The project was launched in September 2017 and implements numerous activities requiring information and communication campaigns. In 2017, the project developed a communication campaign to promote the recruitment of female municipal police. In 2017, the project will launch a national campaign to inform municipalities at national level on new tools available for municipal police. The project works both with national institutions and municipalities (9 pilot municipalities in particular). The project works closely with UN entities, notably UNHCR; and the donors’ community.

In order to successfully promote and report on the various activities and initiatives, as well as implement key activities of the project, the Project is recruiting a Communication Officer.

III. Functions and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor, the Communication Officer will perform the following functions:

Summary of Key Functions:
• Support the design, coordination and implementation of the communication strategy of the project and its various activities;
• Reports drafting and official communication;
• Support the development of partnerships and relationships with communication outlets/teams, as well as with external relations teams.

Support the development, implementation and monitoring of strategies for communication and outreach of the project and its activities: 
• Support to develop, coordinate and implement the communications strategy of the project, and undertake the regular updates of the project’s main communication tools (e.g. website; newsletters; press releases; etc);
• Monitor and measure the impact of the communication strategy and make adjustments accordingly;
• Support the design, coordination and implementation of effective communication campaigns around activities and corporate events of the project. This includes: proposing and designing original communication concepts and tools, drafting outreach plans, social media, online engagement with participants and live tweeting; coordinate with communication teams of partners; follow-up with donors in the aftermath of the events;
• Draft, edit and post compelling and engaging content for corporate social media platforms including UNDP Lebanon website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn;
• Propose and produce communication tools for specific activities of the project.

Reports drafting and official communication: 
• Draft and/or edit a range of materials, including letters, press releases, and speeches for the project; 
• Support the production of project progress and final reports and ensure those are clear and concise.

Promote optimum visibility of the project activities through effective media relations, placement and distribution of information material and creative partnerships Develop: 
• Maintains strong relations with media outlets. Support the project to foster outreach partnerships with new media, innovation groups and influential social media who can help the Project achieve its objectives;
• Engage and coordinate with communication teams’ of the partners of the project: national partners, donors, UNHCR, etc; deliver joint stories and communication material;
• Identify opportunities for placement and distribution of material.

- Perform other duties as required.
The Communication Officer will work in close coordination with the project’s team; as well as UNDP country office programme teams, notably the Conflict Prevention and Recovery and Governance units.

IV. Impact on Results

• The activities of the project reach their target-audiences; 
• The Project’s activities benefit from strong visibility in the media, among communities and partners; 
• The objectives and results of the Project and its related activities are clear and understandable to a variety of audiences; 
• The partners of the project receive clear, concise and up-to-date information on project’s progress and results.


V. Required Competencies

Core Competencies:
• Demonstrates ethics and integrity;
• Serves and promotes the vision, mission, values, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Team player and facilitates team work.

Functional Competencies:
• Innovation; 
• Demonstrated understanding of strategic communication;
• Strong analytical and drafting skills; 
• Excellent Arabic and English writing and editing skills;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Strong initiative-taker; 
• Strong interpersonal skills, team spirit, innovative.
• Focuses on impact and results for the client;
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure;
• Familiarity with community engagement are strong assets;
• Familiarity with and strong interest in development issues is desirable.

VI. Required Experience

Education: 
• University degree in journalism, communication, public relations, social sciences or any other related field.

Experience: 
• Bachelor degree with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience working with the media at national or international level, or a MA with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience. 
• Thorough knowledge of Lebanese media
• Experience in managing social media channels;
• Proven track record in creating compelling media/social media campaigns;
• Demonstrated experience in quality writing in Arabic and English.

Language:  
• Fluency in oral and written English and Arabic (French is an asset)

Other:  
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) is a requirement. Experience using graphic editing software desirable.

Apply onLine: 

http://www.undp.org.lb/jobs/VacancyApply.cfm