Communications Specialist - Public Relations and Outreach (Retainer)

Dutystation: Beirut, Lebanon

Functional responsibilities

the project will recruit a communication expert who will be encouraging the increase of scientific knowledge for informed decision-making, including: (a) participatory design of a full-fledged knowledge management system based on harmonized guiding principles for information management; (b) operationalization of the system, with technical assistance, by the collection, systematization, research, and analysis of relevant scientific knowledge; and (c) knowledge exchange events. The project will adopt technological and innovative participatory tools to collect, organize, and analyze data, information, and knowledge.

The Communication Officer will assist in the development and implementation of an effective and efficient communications and outreach strategy that targets both specific beneficiaries/ stakeholders as well as the public at large.

The Communication Expert shall perform all the following tasks under direct management, supervision, and in consultation with the Project Manager:

• Assist in developing the project’s communication strategy (stakeholder mapping, audience analysis, drafting messages, channels and tools, etc.)

• Provide advice to the Project Manager and teams on sensitive communications issues, including reputational risks.

• Contribute to the design and implementation of an external communications plans and the communication plans for the projects and country offices. Update and adapt the strategy and the plans as/when needed.

• Manage external communications for all channels, including managing a communications content calendar.

• Work closely with team members and partners in preparing and coordinating the production of communications materials for distribution to the media and other stakeholders, including local authorities, donors, partners, civil society organizations, and the general public, as defined by the MCO’s and projects’ communications strategies.

• Contributing to the elaboration of the project grievance redress mechanism and developing appropriate communication messages to convey feedback to beneficiaries and bring complaints to effective closure.

2. Content development and management

• Drafting the action plan to support implementation and following up closely on the work that will be subcontracted to a third party (private communications firm or entity and/or a group of consultants/vendors).

• assist in developing an online and mobile-based communication action plan providing up-to-date information about the project activities and implementation progress.

• Planning, organizing, and rolling-out consultation sessions and public hearings with various stakeholder groups to assess perceptions, views, and expectations from the project.

• Develop communication products and informative materials, including media releases/statements, press kits, Q&As, donor briefings, case studies/feature stories, photographs and videos, social media content, internal and external newsletters, etc.

• Regularly update content on the UPOPs’s social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages, ensuring they are both informative and attractive to the wider public audience and reflect the UPOP’s objectives, strengths, and achievements.

• Support the communication plans of the projects when needed by drafting the strategies and giving advice for their implementation and evaluation, in collaboration with project managers.

• Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of the UPOP’s external communications activities.

• Contribute in the monitoring and measuring communication impact and providing feedback on refining messages and improving targeting through the appropriate channels based on audience analysis as well as online communication metrics.

3. Stakeholder and media relations management

• Assist in developing relationships and maintain strong communication channels and networks with national, regional, and local media and other stakeholders as required.

• Maintain relevant contact lists in support of effective working relationships.

• Conduct regular external media monitoring and compile all coverage of the UPOPs, file with proper referencing, and share with the internal team.

• Conduct sample checks on the effectiveness and reach of the communication products and social media pages of the UPOPs, and advise management on ways to improve the same.

4. Event management

• Support the management team in organizing press conferences, donor briefs, implementation support mission presentations, etc.

• Support the Project Manager in preparing talking points and drafting speeches for project-related conferences, press conferences, international days, appointments, meetings, missions, etc.

• Identify event and conference participation opportunities, organize events for promoting and furthering the UPOP’s Project work among key partners.

• Liaise closely with colleagues in identifying event opportunities in different thematic areas, including field trips, missions, seminars, report launches, and workshops.

5. Knowledge building and knowledge management

• Support an increase in learning and knowledge management through the development, communication, promotion, and use of evidence and experience from the project's and partner's activities, and through sharing with UNOPS and towards partners and beneficiaries.

• Participate actively in UN and UNOPS communication fora.

• Perform any other project-related duty/role as may be assigned by the Project Manager.

Impacts of Results

The incumbent directly impacts the achievement of project outputs by adhering to the Project Documents and UNOPS procedures, reducing risks, cutting costs, and improving success rates. This consequently reinforces the visibility and image of UNOPS as an effective service-implementing agency in project services and management, and strengthens its competitive position as a partner of choice in sustainable development and project services.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Master’s degree preferably in communications, journalism, public relations, international relations or a related field is required
• A relevant Bachelor degree in combination with two years of relevant professional experience would be accepted in lieu of Master degree

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years or more of relevant experience in the communications sector is essential.
• Solid work experience in communications in Lebanon; Regional/International experience is a plus.
• Experience working with international media / UN / NGOS / Donors in Lebanon for more than one year is a must.
• Proven experience in the planning, design and implementation of communication strategies; preferably in fragile/conflict/post-conflict countries is desirable.
• Demonstrated understanding of the political-economy in Lebanon and familiarity with crisis communications is desirable.
• Solid knowledge of the Lebanese media and civil society landscape is preferred.
• Experience in contemporary best practices around social media, campaigns, opinion surveys, etc.
• Ability to synthesize and organize complex information into clear, public-oriented documents is beneficial.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and diplomatic skillsis desirable.
  
• Ability to work independently, to prioritize workload, and to remain calm under pressure in a changing work environmentis desirable.
  
• Proven experience with Donors’ (e.g. World Bank, EU, etc..) Environmental Frameworks is an asset.
• Knowledge of UNOPS/UN rules and regulations is an advantage.

Computer skills

• Proficiency in the use of computers and cloud-based office software packages (Google Suite) is desirable.

• Experience in handling web-based management systems is desirable.

Language skills

• Fluency in English and Arabic are required.