Development Outreach and Communication Specialist (DOC)

SI is seeking a Development Outreach and Communications Specialist to support USAID Lebanon in the achievement of its objectives to provide quality development and dissemination of public information, communications and outreach to Lebanese audiences, including a large and engaged Diaspora based in the US and around the world. The ultimate goal of USAID Lebanon’s development and outreach approach is to promote a better understanding, appreciation, and sustained support for USAID’s foreign assistance among all stakeholders in and outside Lebanon.

The Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Specialist reports to the PMSPL Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party. S/he serves as the Performance Management and Support Program for Lebanon’s (PMSPL’s) development outreach and communication and principal liaison with USAID/Lebanon’s DOC unit on development and execution of the USAID Mission’s overall communications strategy. The DOC Specialist also works closely with the USAID Mission’s Program Office and technical offices to support outreach and communications of USAID’s programs and activities in Lebanon.  

Support includes helping to develop, plan, and produce public and promotional information on USAID programs, activities, and events for the media, USAID Lebanon’s Facebook and other social media platforms (in the future), and for various targeted audiences.  The DOC Specialist supports the development of program publications and other publicity materials for the public, media and other targeted audiences, including fact sheets, success stories, and videos and documentaries.  The DOC Specialist supports the planning and execution of events highlighting USAID programs, activities or project achievements. This is a full-time, salaried position with the period of performance beginning March 1, 2019 and ending September 30, 2020.

**Please note: This is a local position. Only candidates with Lebanese citizenship will be considered. **

Responsibilities:

Management and Coordination

Support USAID Lebanon DOC unit in the implementation of USAID Lebanon’s communications and outreach strategy to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development efforts among Lebanese audiences. 

Assist with event management, public relations, media outreach, publication development, photography, video production, advertising, and translations, etc. 

Assist USAID Lebanon in preparing the content for briefing materials, videos on project activities, social media, brochures, booklets, handouts, signs, and other public relations materials.  Review consistency of messaging in relation to USAID and U.S. Embassy’s communications priorities, key messages, and branding requirements.

Assist USAID Lebanon in supporting implementing partners (who receive USAID funding) on addressing issues related to Mission and Agency communications and outreach priorities, messaging, dissemination methods, branding and marking plans, event planning, and communications and media policies.

Media and Public Relations

Support the planning and promotion of targeted media or outreach activities. These activities are specifically designed to disseminate accurate information about USAID programs deep into local markets, through the selective use of radio, television, newspapers, magazines, public service announcements, advertisements, billboards, social media and traditional communications.

Support the monitoring of local and international press coverage, awareness and attitudes about USAID programs, and monitor the effectiveness of messaging.

Work with USAID Lebanon’s DOC unit to expand opportunities to keep TV, radio and other media abreast of USAID Lebanon programs.  This may include arranging interviews, briefings, and site visits to USAID projects.  As appropriate, organize media tours and facilitate contacts among members of the media with USAID officials and implementing partners to encourage in-depth coverage of USAID programs in the local and/or international media.

Event Planning and Management

Support the Mission-wide calendar of USAID public events, VIP visits, and major field trips, in close coordination with the Mission DOC unit.  Events typically include inaugurations of new projects or initiatives, ribbon-cutting, and completion of major projects, often involving multi-donor and Government partners. 

Support the planning of all logistics related to events/visits as required and advise organizing partners on dealing with protocol issues, site selection, staging and logistical issues, and program schedules.

Provide support in reviewing the quality of materials (print, video, or online) for press events for USAID projects in conjunction with the Mission DOC unit, technical teams and implementing partners. 

Support the preparation of press releases planned for release by the Mission or implementing partners.  Assist in the preparation of background briefings or press avails by principals for media and press packets. 

Public Information, Briefs, Publicity Materials, and Stories

Travel to the field to support the identification and capture of success stories, photos, and videos, about USAID Lebanon programs and impact for publication and dissemination through various USAID/Washington online newsletters and other channels, including the “USAID Impact Blog,” “Transforming Lives,” or “Frontlines Magazine,” “Flickr photo essays,” “You Tube video playlist,” and the “Lebanon section of the USAID.gov website.”

Assist with the timely response to all general information requests received by the Mission.

Assist the Mission DOC unit in developing/reviewing and disseminating all outreach materials to promote USAID programs, including fact sheets, social media content, and any special campaigns for online, broadcast, or print media. ​

Online Media Tools and Outreach

Support the quality and timely updating of the Mission’s social media accounts.  As requested, assess the appropriateness of new media tools in the local context. 

Support the USAID DOC unit in ensuring any independently maintained USAID project websites comply with requirements and guidance.

Other

Contribute to the monitoring, evaluation, and compliance activities of PMSPL II as requested.

Qualifications:

This position requires a combination of leadership, expertise, analytical, technical, communication, interpersonal and managerial skills. The applicant must have excellent writing skills and be able to work under severe time pressures.  The applicant must be familiar with public relations, event planning, and media engagement/management, and be able to work with large organizations in public outreach and communications   plus have experience with local, regional and or international press.

The successful candidate should be capable of developing and supporting a strategic communication plan that includes the utilization of a broad and diverse use of communication and outreach tools and approaches including information messages in various media formats (e.g. press releases, website content, stories, tweets, blogs, presentations, etc.) targeting a variety of audiences.

Work Experience: The candidate must have at least five years’ experience as a strategic communication professional in a medium to large public or private organization. Relevant experience is defined as work in journalism, public relations or marketing, public affairs, communications, and/or outreach. Proven coordination and organizational skills are required. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are required and are critical to this position.

Language Proficiency: The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English and Arabic. Similar proficiency in French is an advantage. Effective written and oral communications are extremely critical to perform successfully in this position.

Writing and Editing Skills: Applicants must provide at least two writing samples with their application. These samples should be no less than 350 and no longer than 1,500 words (preferably 750 to 1,000 words) and should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to clearly communicate complex ideas to the public.  Samples must be by the applicant; co-written articles are not accepted.

Computer and Internet Proficiency: Computer skills in Microsoft Office, especially Word and PowerPoint, layout, photo editing, and other relevant software are necessary. Internet and social media skills in targeting specific audiences are a must (e.g. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, You Tube, Flickr, or equivalents). Familiarity with databases, website content management systems (e.g. Drupal), blog or online newsletter software, a plus.

Skills and Abilities: The candidate must have a demonstrated capacity in the following skills and abilities:

Demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent, professional judgment. Excellent organizational and critical thinking skills;

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a demonstrated ability to translate technical material into easy to understand narrative;

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to coordinate with multiple actors and influence relationships positively;

Strong and demonstrated knowledge of the principles and practices of strategic communications, public/media relations, journalistic writing and reporting techniques;

Knowledge of technical aspects involved in the production process of different public outreach products and activities, such as editing, photography, video, broadcasting, advertising, and publishing.; and,

Familiarity with using a digital camera, tablet and smartphone, and ability to plan and oversee photography, print, video production processes are an advantage.

Come join our energetic and innovative team!  We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.