Senior Strategic Communications and Advocacy Officer

Before submitting an application, UNHCR staff members intending to apply to this Job Opening are requested to consult the Recruitment and Assignments Policy (RAP, UNHCR/HCP/2017/2 and the Recruitment and Assignments Administrative Instruction (RAAI), UNHCR/AI/2017/7 OF 15 August 2017.

Senior Strategic Communications and Advocacy Officer

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT
Under the supervision and guidance of the Representative, the Senior Strategic Communications and Advocacy Officer leads and manages the UNHCR Lebanon operation's work in the area of strategic communication and advocacy, conducted in pursuit of the operation's strategic objectives as set out in the operations plan. The Deputy Representative (protection) serves as the incumbent's direct link with the protection/legal unit, and provides detailed guidance on the operation's protection and durable solutions objectives and the office strategy for achieving these.

The communications landscape in Lebanon is very diverse, and highly complex, and the risk of messages being misinterpreted or misused for political or other reasons is high. Furthermore, many governmental and non-governmental actors as well as 'persons of influence' engaged in advocacy are highly strategic and quite sophisticated in their methods of communication. The UNHCR Lebanon Operation thus needs to be sensitive to, and have a sound understanding of the ways in which UNHCR needs to 'package' and communicate its protection and solutions advocacy messages, as well as information about UNHCR's work globally and the importance and impact of funding, vis-à-vis the various stakeholders in order for the advocacy to have the intended impact. An external communications and advocacy strategy, founded on the operation's protection and solutions strategy and developed on the basis of a sound understanding of the diverse communications culture, complex political and socio-economic environment and the various communication channels and tools available thus needs to underpin decisions on which stakeholders to target with a particular advocacy message, when to communicate the message and how to communicate the message.

The Senior Strategic Communications and Advocacy Officer is responsible for leading the development of the aforementioned communications and advocacy strategy, through a multi-functional and consultative process, and for ensuring its continuous development and implementation. The incumbent also has important responsibilities to represent and communicate on behalf of UNHCR towards external actors, including through the media. For example, s/he provides information on UNHCR's activities, policies and strategies in the operation to local and international media and to interlocutors in the Governments or partner organizations, and other external parties.

The Senior Strategic Communications and Advocacy Officer will function as a liaison with communication/ advocacy activities that HQ and the MENA Bureau develop on a global level and in the broader Syria Emergency Region context (including campaigns/launches in connection with WRD, asylum trends reports etc.) and i.a. ensure that these are adequately adapted to the Lebanese context and implemented. The incumbent will at the same time seek opportunities with HQ and the Bureau to raise the profile of 'local stories/messages' more broadly. S/he will advise the Representative and other senior staff in the operation and at HQ and in the Bureau of impending major media requirements or issues of concern and advise on appropriate actions to be taken by UNHCR. In conjunction with HQ and the Bureau, the incumbent will provide support and advice on the design, development and implementation of specific mass information communications. 

FUNCTIONAL STATEMENT
Accountability
- UNHCR Lebanon has an external communications and advocacy strategy that is sensitive to the country's communication culture and strategically uses the communication channels available (including social media) and which, when implemented, generates support for UNHCR¿s protection and durable solutions advocacy messages from external stakeholders/partners.
- UNHCR's media relations and advocacy work within geographic and thematic areas of specializations and prioritization are actively maintaining the organization's standing and brand with media and audiences.
- Government and private sector donors are satisfied with the visibility given by Lebanon operation to their contributions, which underpins their willingness to provide further contributions.
- Partners (Government, UN, civil society etc.) are informed, in a timely manner, about relevant information and advocacy campaigns/initiatives/activities planned and undertaken by UNHCR Lebanon, and relevant communication strategies and activities such as campaigns are coordinated to ensure complementarity and maximum collective impact.
- External partners are regularly informed about the protection and well-being of persons of concern and the status of UNHCR operations.
- Missions from Headquarters, donors, the press and media are well received and briefed.

Responsibility
- Systematically, and on a daily basis, monitor media coverage of issues relating to UNHCR's mandate and work, particularly as it relates to the operation's protection and durable solutions objectives in the region and analyse the implications of media reports on UNHCR's work, including risks.
- Simultaneously, develop and strengthen networks and contacts with actors who can enhance the operation's understanding of the political and operational environment and risks, which in turn can inform the operation's communications and advocacy strategy.
- On a daily basis, advise the Representative and other senior staff in the operation, as well as the MENA Bureau and HQ as appropriate, on the 'media environment' and public discussions, impending media requirements, risks or otherwise issues of concern and advise on strategic communication around UNHCR's objectives.
- Lead the development and implementation of the operation's communications and advocacy strategy, in close consultation with the multi-functional team and relevant partners.
- Within the context of the operation's communications and advocacy strategy, develop and implement engaging and innovative communications campaigns, events, tools and other initiatives in support of UNHCR's strategic objectives.
- Research, prepare, fact-check, edit, clear and produce engaging, innovative and professional media and communications materials for various audiences (e.g. press releases, fact sheets, external updates, press lines, web stories and social media pieces); 'package' the pieces produced according to the communication channel(s) selected and ensure their timely dissemination, ensuring highest quality standards.
- Proactively work to increase the placement of stories and coverage on key priority areas in media outlets in the region and, where appropriate, seek opportunities with HQ and the MENA Bureau to raise the profile of 'local stories/messages' more broadly.
- Ensure that the operation's website contains accurate and up to date information which is of interest to the target groups, and serves its purpose as a source of information about UNHCR's work in Lebanon and a channel for strategic communication and advocacy.
- Produce briefing notes and internal updates, 'if-asked' guidance notes etc. on issues and developments in the country, including related to Government and private sector funding, for UNHCR colleagues, e.g. in preparation for bilateral meetings and consultations.
- Act as a spokesperson for UNHCR, organizing press events, handling interviews requests, and providing responses to requests from media relating to UNHCR and its work.
- Provide considered professional communications advice to the Representative and other senior staff in the operation, particularly in preparation for interviews.
- Function as a liaison with communication/ advocacy activities that HQ and the MENA Bureau develop on a global level and in the broader Syria Emergency Region context and ensure that these are adequately translated to the different contexts and implemented.
- Undertake missions and field trips with media and other official visitors in support of UNHCR and its work.
- Actively maintain media relations for UNHCR, ensuring that media and other important external stakeholders, such as line ministries, national asylum authorities, partner organizations etc. are briefed regularly on issues of importance to UNHCR, and have timely access to information and UNHCR expertise.
- Further UNHCR¿s cooperation with partner organizations with the aim of strengthening the complementarity of the respective organizations' advocacy efforts in areas of common interest, including through coordination of activities and exchange of information/ideas.
- Support the operation's External Relations Unit in giving timely visibility to Government donor contributions, as an expression of donor care.
- Support the operation's External Relations Unit in maintaining close contacts with private sector partnerships.
- Prepare and manage communications budgets.

Authority
- Represent UNHCR in press events, interviews and other media events.
- Approve budgets and expenditures for communications activities.
- Clear communication/advocacy as well as external relations products and tools.
- In close coordination with, and support of the External Relations Unit, represent UNHCR Lebanon communication and fund-raising priorities in inter-agency initiatives and/or related fora.

ESSENTIAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
- Graduate (Equivalent of Master's) degree in Journalism, International Relations, Communications, Political Science or similar relevant field.
- Minimum of 8 years (9 years with undergraduate (equivalent of a BA/BS) degree) of relevant job experience at professional level in progressively responsible functions related to UNHCR and/or any other humanitarian agency on promotional activities of the agency. Of the 8 years, at least 5 years should be directly related to strategic communication and advocacy, and enable the candidate to demonstrate an ability to strategically use different communication channels, government counterparts, NGOs, social media to communicate UNHCR's protection and durable solutions advocacy messages in the region.
- Preferably, in-depth knowledge on UNHCR's protection and durable solutions work obtained through first-hand experience in operational situations.
- General understanding of UN/UNHCR reforms and the priority agenda of the organization.
- Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint essential).
- Excellent knowledge of the operation and strategic use of various communication channels and tools, including written press, radio, TV and social media, including Twitter.
- Excellent communication skills with strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
- Excellent ability to draft engaging, innovative and professional media and communications materials for various audiences and various media channels in English, and preferably, in French and Arabic.
- Excellent knowledge of English.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Completion of Learning Programmes in the area of communication, media training, advocacy and/or use of social media.
- High IT affinity, with specific focus on preparation of websites/pages and use of social media.
- Knowledge of Arabic and French. C001L3 - Accountability Level 3
C002L3 - Teamwork & Collaboration Level 3
C003L3 - Communication Level 3
C004L3 - Commitment to Continuous Learning Level 3
C005L3 - Client & Result Orientation Level 3
C006L3 - Organizational Awareness Level 3
M001L3 - Empowering and Building Trust Level 3
M002L3 - Managing Performance Level 3
M006L3 - Managing Resources Level 3
M005L3 - Leadership Level 3
M003L3 - Judgement and Decision Making Level 3
M004L3 - Strategic Planning and Vision Level 3
X005L3 - Planning and Organizing Level 3
X001L3 - Analytical Thinking Level 3
X007L3 - Political Awareness Level 3

Before applying to this position, we strongly encourage colleagues to read the country specific FAQs information leaflets which can be found  on the Intranet under Staff Resources > Duty of Care. The information leaflets are specifically designed to answer some of the key questions potential applicants might have before deciding to apply. 

Under the supervision and guidance of the Representative, the Senior Strategic Communications and Advocacy Officer leads and manages the Representation's work in the area of strategic external communication and advocacy, , conducted in pursuit of the operation's strategic objectives as set out in the operations plan, and works closely with external relations on communications relating to donor care. The Deputy Representative (protection) serves as the incumbent's direct link with the protection/legal unit, and provides detailed guidance on the operation's protection and durable solutions objectives and the office strategy for achieving these.
Governmental and non-governmental actors as well as 'persons of influence' engaged in advocacy are highly strategic and sophisticated in their methods of communication. The staff at Lebanon Operation thus needs to be sensitive to, and have a sound understanding of the ways in which UNHCR needs to 'package' and communicate its protection advocacy messages, as well as information about UNHCR's work globally and the importance and impact of funding, vis-à-vis the various stakeholders in the country in order for the advocacy to have the intended impact. A communications and advocacy strategy, developed on the basis of a sound understanding of the communications culture, environment and current 'tools' thus needs to underpin decisions on which stakeholders to target with a particular advocacy message, when to communicate the message and how to communicate the message. The Senior Strategic Communications and Advocacy Officer is responsible for leading the development of the aforementioned communications and advocacy strategy, through a multi-functional and consultative process, and for ensuring its continuous development and implementation. The incumbent has important responsibilities to represent and communicate on behalf of UNHCR towards external actors, including through the media. For example, s/he provides information on UNHCR's activities, policies and strategies in the operation to local and international media and to interlocutors in the Governments or partner organizations, and other external parties.
The Senior Strategic Communications and Advocacy Officer will function as a liaison with communication/ advocacy activities that HQ and the MENA Bureau develop on a global level and in the broader Syria Emergency Region context (including campaigns/launches in connection with WRD, asylum trends reports etc.) and i.a. ensure that these are adequately translated to the different contexts and implemented. The incumbent will at the same time seek opportunities with HQ and the Bureau to raise the profile of 'local stories/messages' more broadly. S/he will advise the Representative and other senior staff in the operation and at HQ and in the Bureau of impending major media requirements or issues of concern and advise on appropriate actions to be taken by UNHCR. In conjunction with HQ and the Bureau, the incumbent will provide support and advice on the design, development and implementation of specific mass information programmes. There are currently more than one million Syrian refugees registered with UNHCR in Lebanon, which makes Lebanon the highest refugee-hosting country per capita in the world. There are no approved camps in the country, and refugees are living in more than 1,700 locations across the country. The refugee response is led by the Government and local actors, supported by the international community. As the designated lead agency in the refugee response, UNHCR has established a sector-based structure in Beirut and in the field. The structure brings together over 100 UN agencies, national and international NGO partners in identifying and agreeing on the strategic priorities to address the needs of Syrian refugees and other affected populations. The Lebanon national response falls under the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP), whereby UNHCR guides the refugee response and UNDP facilitates the resilience and stabilization component.

The UNHCR operational response in Lebanon is the largest for the organization, with a total budget of over USD 534 million for 2017. Media attention and the frequency of influential high-profile visitors is high. The Office currently has some 730 staff located in Beirut, Zahle, Tripoli, Tyre, and Qobayat. Beirut is classified as a "B" family duty station with average education, health (private) and recreational facilities. BEIRUT
Category B. The duty station features a volatile and fluent security situation, frequent cases of civil unrest and occasional armed clashes in certain areas, usually quickly contained by security forces. Proliferation of weapons among local civilians is widespread. Beirut South Suburbs is an area of elevated threat and is not recommended for regular UN activities. There is no formal curfew in Beirut; however, UN international staff are not advised to move alone on foot after darkness. Restrictions for use of private taxis and public transport are in place; only selected vetted taxi companies are recommended for UN international staff. The criminality rate decreased slightly recently. Beirut was affected by armed conflict with Israel in 2006. The main UN office (ESCWA) was attacked and looted by a violent mob in 2006. All UN staff is advised to remain vigilant at all times. -Given the highly complex and sensitive environment in Lebanon, the incumbent should have strong political awareness and representational skills, being able to represent UNHCR¿s positions in the media and other interactions.
Completion of UNHCR learning programmes or specific training relevant to functions of position is required.
High IT affinity, with specific focus on preparation of websites/pages. Knowledge of Arabic is desirable and an asset.

Please note that the closing date for all vacancies in the September 2017 Compendium is Monday 6 November 2017 (midnight Geneva time).