Advocacy and Communication Specialist

About the job

The Advocacy and Communications Specialist provides overall leadership, coordination and strategic direction to DRCs advocacy and communications work in Lebanon. S/he is responsible for identifying priority concerns and opportunities for advocacy and communications, strengthening the integration of advocacy into DRC’s programmes, raising DRC’s visibility and influence, and guiding DRC’s advocacy to promote rights of displacement-affected populations in Lebanon.

Reporting directly to the DRC Country Director, the Advocacy and Communications Specialist engages duty bearers, media and key stakeholders in evidence-based initiatives to influence and lobby for the rights of affected populations. Working closely with the programme teams, s/he is responsible for the development of key positions and messaging around pertinent issues, proactively leading on advancing DRC’s principles and vision in Lebanon.

Responsibilities:

Advocacy

• Lead on the development and implementation of the DRC Lebanon advocacy strategy
• Develop and update talking points, top-line messages and advocacy asks for the DRC Lebanon team.
• Coordinate policy responses and development within DRC and partner agencies regarding national policy frameworks and practices and, as well as other factors such as UN coordination, funding for the response, security and current and future challenges that have an impact on displaced populations and their access to humanitarian assistance and protection services.
• Suggest key advocacy opportunities and targets at national and regional levels and develop engagement plan
• Draft and otherwise support the creation of advocacy products as outlined in the advocacy strategy for use at the country, regional and international levels
• Contribute to the regional advocacy strategy and to regional and global advocacy initiatives, ensuring that the DRC Lebanon specificities are reflected and captured.
• In coordination with Evidence Generation teams, contribute to research for development of advocacy products and policy briefs. This includes analysis of information produced through DRC's programs and information management systems. Use evidence to inform advocacy priorities and positions.
• As a member agency, contribute to the regional Durable Solutions Platform (DSP) research efforts
• Develop strategic relationships with other NGOs to advance joint advocacy efforts in Lebanon.

Communications

• Lead on the development and implementation of DRC Lebanon communications strategy
• Produce high-quality content to support positive communication of DRC’s programs and advocacy activities in Lebanon. This will entail:

• Supporting generation of high quality communication and advocacy materials, especially stories, case studies, quotes, photographs, short videos, etc.
• Regular production of digital contents (e.g. stories, photos, blogs, social media posts) and dissemination through DRC’s website and social media channels
• Creating and managing an internal communication database (photos, stories, quotes)

• Coordinate development of visual materials used for DRC-DDG programmes with DRC’s regional communication department
• Contribute to regional communications efforts
• Fully plan and manage DRC Lebanon’s social media accounts in coordination with Programme Teams and Support

• Regularly visit projects in the field to ensure a direct link between program work and communication, and identify and generate media and communication

• In coordination with the regional office, support the production of communications material (budget and content) for the EU MADAD LINKED Consortium led by DRC
• Provide technical advice to the Grants team on communications for donor compliance
• Manage and oversee the work of communications consultants (i.e. web developers, video producers, media consultants etc.) 
• Manage advocacy and communications-related costs/budgets
• In coordination with the Country Director, ensure a coherent internal communications set-up for cross-office information sharing
• Safeguard DRC-DDG’s overall brand and identity

Strategy and representation

• As part of the Senior Management Team of DRC-DDG, support management to articulate priority advocacy and communications objectives and develop programme-specific strategies
• Ensure DRC field teams, ME Regional Office, HQ, Brussels and Geneva representation offices are in line with DRC Lebanon advocacy and communications strategies/policy lines and understand and promote its asks.
• Liaise with key UN, NGO and diplomatic missions, in Lebanon to ensure DRC has up to date information on the humanitarian situation and response in the region.
• May act as DRC’s spokesperson as designated by the CD, or otherwise offer spokesperson training for relevant staff
• Support country management and other programme staff in developing advocacy and comms capacity including meaningful and safe participation of affected populations in advocacy and communications.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have experience working in advocacy and communications for protection in a humanitarian context in addition to Strong understanding of the political system and context in Lebanon. The ideal candidate will have and 4 years of experience working in advocacy and communications on humanitarian issues, refugee rights, human rights, and/or development issues.. Moreover, we also expect the following:

Required

• Minimum of 4 years of experience working in advocacy and communications on humanitarian issues, refugee rights, human rights, and/or development issues.
• Prior experience working in advocacy and communications for protection in a humanitarian context.
• Strong understanding of the political system and context in Lebanon.
• Experience of influencing and advocacy work including lobbying, policy development and information provision in humanitarian issues.
• Experience working with local civil society in Lebanon.
• Experience of and strong skills in developing and implementing humanitarian advocacy strategies and campaigns.
• Knowledge of refugee rights and international humanitarian law.
• Understanding of UN operations and diplomatic missions at country level.
• 2 year valid Lebanese driver’s license
• Tertiary qualifications in human rights, social sciences, journalism, media, or related discipline is compulsory. Advanced degree such as Masters or a combination of disciplines, is advantageous.

Behavioural competencies:

• A passion for advocacy, communications and humanitarian outcomes
• Creativity and attention to detail
• High level analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Cultural awareness and ability to build relationships quickly with a wide variety of people.
• Patient, tolerant, adaptable, flexible, able to improvise and remain responsive and communicate clearly and effectively under pressure.
• Excellent planning, management and coordination skills, with the ability to organise a substantial workload comprising complex, diverse tasks and responsibilities.
• Strong communication (written and spoken), and interpersonal skills, with experience in coordinating multicultural teams.
• Commitment to Danish Refugee Council values and vision.

Desirable

• Arabic language skills
• Photography and graphic design skills are a plus.
• Prior experience working with the Government of Lebanon, other stakeholders, line ministries, and local authorities is a plus.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: Until March 31st   (renewable based on performance and funding)

Band/Level: G-non-management

Duty Station: Beirut

Start date: DRC suggested start date November 2020

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to drc.ngo under Vacancies. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact karim.mikati@drc.ngo

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered. (interviews will take place on a rolling basis)

Closing date for applications: 4th of November 2020

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.