Communications Intern-FORSA-(Kindly note that your application will be disregarded in case you used the email mentioned ([email protected]), (Your application must be sent online through the URL provided only).

• Kindly note that your application will be disregarded in case you used the email mentioned ([email protected])

• Your application must be sent online through the URL provided only

Introduction: Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. The agency pursues its mission through emergency relief services, sustainable community development, civil society and economic development initiatives. Mercy Corps has been present in the Middle East since the 1980s and in Lebanon since 1993, Mercy Corps has implemented community development programs focused on promoting economic development and increased opportunity for disadvantaged communities, while responding to emergencies as they emerged in the country.  In 2012, the program portfolio shifted in response to the massive refugee influx from Syria and Mercy Corps in Lebanon has solidified its emergency response programming while integrating longer-term development programming by focusing on key sectors: Protection, Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Governance and Conflict, and Livelihoods. 

FORSA (Fostering Resilience by Strengthening Abilities) is a three year program focused on skills training and employment growth to mitigate risks for instability and conflict in the target areas. The Programme supports Lebanese communities, Palestinian and Syrian refugees in Central and West Bekaa, Chouf, Jezzine and Saida to address their economic needs through employment, increased income for small businesses, and focused improvements to Public and Private TVET centers.

Learning Objectives: The internship will provide an opportunity to learn more about how communications plays a key role in the development and humanitarian sector, as well as hands-on experience of working with an NGO to develop visibility materials to support Mercy Corps internal and external communication strategy. This will provide the intern with the opportunity to gain more experience in managing the entire process of design for visibility materials– from reception of a brief, to development of a concept and gaining approvals, to development of the material and ensuring adequate review, as well as experience working with external graphic design contractors and ensuring they produce the materials responding to MC branding and programmatic requirements.

ACTIVITIES:

• Collaborate with FORSA team and with Mercy Corps Communication Coordinator to support communication strategies to engage key target audiences;

• Work closely with the FORSA team and Mercy Corps Communication Coordinator to produce communication material including but not limited to, leaflets, infographics, roll up banners, posters, flyers, etc.

• Create monthly calendars that include specific FORSA related communications activities, including events, campaigns, etc.;

• Build up and maintain database of all visual materials produced by FORSA such as photos, videos, infographics, logos and etc.;

• Monitor, document and disseminate as appropriate FORSA media coverage;

• Coordinate with external stakeholders as appropriate for the organisation of FORSA events;

• Work with graphic design companies to coordinate the process of development of visibility materials, where Mercy Corps has outsourced this, including participation in the initial brief meetings, follow up with the company, coordination of the review process with communications coordinator and program team, and ensuring production of materials on time and responding to the brief provided.

• Respect Mercy Corps’ Brand guidelines and ensure brand representation and interpretation

OTHER

• Ensure all activities are gender sensitive and follow Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity Policy

• Apply Do No Harm standards to ensure activities do not have detrimental effects on vulnerable communities;

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: FORSA Program Manager

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: FORSA Field and MEL teams, Mercy Corps Communication Coordinator, and Operations Teams.

IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING SKILLS:

• A minimum of 3 year communication student or graduate;

• Knowledge of Photoshop, illustrator, InDesign are an asset;

• Ability to capture good photos with high end camera is a plus 

• Previous experience in communications and media work, ideally with a development or humanitarian NGO;

• Good understanding of Lebanon’s current refugee and host community context;

• Excellent written and verbal English and Arabic skills, including the ability to craft documentation for different key audiences;

• Skills in multimedia production, including audiovisual work and graphic design and proven ability to design effective communication products, lead formulation of communication messages and strategies;

• Strong organizational skills, and ability to work independently and take initiative under pressure in a rapidly changing, multi-cultural context, whilst adhering to strict deadlines;

• Must work well as a member of a team;

• Ability and willingness to travel to the field as needed.