Communications Manager

Work Location: Beirut

Job Summary:

CARE is a leading relief and development non-governmental organization working to end global poverty. Established in 1946, it is now a confederation composed of 14 members and 4 affiliates. Working in over 95 countries around the world. With more than 11,000 employees worldwide, we have a strong local presence: 95% of our staff are nationals of the countries where our programs are implemented.  

Care international in Lebanon (CIL) is supporting local communities with their longer-term needs and basic rights through WASH, Shelter, Protection, and longer-term economic empowerment solutions and activities in collaboration with local partner organizations in the North, South, Beirut, Bekaa, and Mount Lebanon Governorates. 

This position is based in the Beirut office and will support CARE’s field offices/project sites in the implementation of a variety of protection and gender transformative projects and global and regional CARE initiatives leading research, as well as supporting high level advocacy and networking on gender and protection. This senior position will report to the DCD-Program. Knowledge of the region is highly desirable. 

This is a local position; however expatriates are welcome to apply. The Communications manager leads on the development and implementation of country goals in the area of communications, media, marketing, information, and any relevant campaigns. This includes but is not limited to promoting CARE’s Global & Regional Campaigns at country level; enhancing country office communications (internal and external); optimizing documentation; and building brand and organizational visibility, image and profile related to all projects and other interventions being implemented.

Working Conditions: This position will be based in Beirut with required visits to the field

Duration of Contract: 6 month renewable  

Benefits: Social security/Health Insurance & Transport allowance.

Any extension of this contract is dependent on performance review and funding availability.

Education & Certification: University Level

Minimum Education Level: A minimum of University Degree or equivalent in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, International Relations or Marketing. Masters’ Degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Media Studies, International Relations or Marketing is desirable.

Proven Experience:

At least 5-7 years over all relevant experience, out of which 3 years’ experience in managing and developing communications and marketing materials.

Proven experience to develop and implement Communications and Marketing Strategies

IT / Software / Technical Skills: Familiarity with MS Office software, such as Excel and other desktop publishing skills

Language Skills:

Language                Speaking                                 Reading                  Writing

Arabic                    Fluent/Mother tongue               Professional           Professional

English                    Working Knowledge                 Professional           Professional

French                    Optional                                   Optional                  Optional

Competencies

• Fluency/working proficiency in both English and Arabic (written and verbal).
• Strong analytical skills
• Demonstrated experience in staff training and coaching
• Outstanding organizer and community synthesizer. Has the capacity and experience doing community field work
• GBV knowledge is a plus
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Strong team player and experienced collaborator
• Effective in negotiation and representation
• Good understanding of gender and development issues.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Strong strategic thinking, coaching, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent skills in writing press releases and speeches, presentation and public speaking and event management skills.
• Good basic photographic knowledge and desk top publishing
• Knowledge in digital communication and social media.
• Excellent networking and campaigning skills.
• Excellent attention to details, highly motivated and innovative

Detailed Responsibilities & Tasks

Responsibility #1: External Communications

• CARE’s achievements and lessons learnt are communicated outside the organization in order to influence change at community and policy level and raise CARE’s profile as a key player/expert in the areas identified in its Strategic Plan.
• Advise management and ensure the execution of decisions on various, creative, diversified and effective channels to communicate to external audiences, ensuring appropriate messages to the audience.
• In liaison with Program staff, lead the delivery of key messages appropriately tailored to external audiences, including through the production and dissemination of reports, the organization of events and conferences, the possibility to establish and maintain/or contribute to social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube as well as external and internal website etc.), and the use of other media channels including television and radio.
• Lead all aspects related to the facilitation/production of CARE member communication materials originating in Lebanon, including through the visit of communications staff, international media crews, celebrities etc.
• Advise on and manage risks related to CARE’s communication and media work.
• Develop talking points and speeches for Senior Management as per relevant external events, panels and media interviews.

Responsibility #2: Internal Communications

• Ensure CARE Lebanon has mechanisms, protocols and processes in place which ensure open and effective communications within staff of CARE Lebanon.
• Create mechanism/s which ensures timely and quality sharing of information with the Program teams
• CARE staff are regularly informed of up-to-date organizational developments at Global, Regional and Country level.
• In liaison with program staff, ensure the production and dissemination of positions papers and position statements, key messages on the campaign themes.
• Develop and support all project managers on their communications and visibility work within the respective projects ensuring plans are of high quality, compliant with donor regulations and each project has an up to date plan which is executed in a timely manner.
• Lead and manage the formulation and implementation of Country Communications Strategy and CARE.
• Support the development of CARE Lebanon staff’s communication skills.

Responsibility #3: Community based Campaigns and advocacy

• In liaison with program staff, assist with campaigning  initiatives in relation to CARE’s local campaigns, ensuring appropriate messages for the local context.
• Advise on and manage risks related to CARE’s campaigns and advocacy work.
• In liaison with program staff, oversight the dissemination of relevant research that support policy engagement and/or behavior change.
• Ensure that best practices, success stories, case studies, etc. are produced and adds value to country operations, fundraising and donor retention for CARE.
• Develop and maintain effective marketing, advertising and promotional activities.
• Ensures that CARE Lebanon’s partner organizations are trained and comply with CARE’s Global Identity and Branding Guidelines.
• Establish, strengthen and maintain strategic partnership with media and public relations partners in order to boost CARE’s image, profile and visibility in the Country.
• Ensure that CARE Lebanon is well positioned in country and known as a global organization focused on women and girl’s empowerment.
• Ensure   that   CARE Lebanon’s Situation Reports   are professionally and efficiently produced and disseminated to all CARE International stakeholders.
• Ensure that staff are adequately trained and supported to comply with the Global Identity and Branding Guidelines.

Other tasks as required by line manager