External Engagement Director

PURPOSE OF POSITION The purpose of the position is to manage the external engagement unit consisting of Communications and Advocacy. Responsibilities include: To lead in developing and implementing external engagement strategies in order to strengthen WV Lebanon’s position in the local market and increase its brand recognition. To ensure communications and its products are developed strategically, with timeliness and effectively. To contribute to the development and implementation of the national and international Advocacy action plan for World Vision Lebanon in alignment with the office strategy. To re-enforce WVL’s ability to credibly engage with donors and decision makers from the local to global levels, helping WV leverage its presence and results, communicating its identity and values, and supporting its efforts to promote justice and speak to the needs of children. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES % Time Major Activities End Results Expected 15% Strategic Engagement Develop, implement and monitor WVL’s external Engagement strategy in alignment to WVL’s National Strategy, the Syria External Engagement Plan, and Global Communications Strategy. It includes target shifts from where WVL is now to where WVL wants to be positioned externally amongst donors, peers, partners (including government) and the media. Actively engage and contribute in core team meetings with the view to streamlining external engagement across relevant functions. Establish, lead and coordinate an active external Engagement group in consultation with grant teams and functions. 25% Local and International Brand Trust and Goodwill In partnership with other relevant functions, build WV Brand trust and goodwill in local markets to include donors, general public, peers and civil society in order to increase WV's Income, Impact and Influence Manage a targeted media and social media campaign for WVL with the view to achieving improved external positioning and brand awareness. Oversee social media platforms, resource production and publication activities to ensure brand alignment Build the capacity of WVL to communicate and advocate in a way that strengthens its position in the local market and increases its brand recognition 15% External Engagement, including Government Influence Identify critical external engagement opportunities and support senior leaders to prepare for these events. Ensure WVL is represented in critical external and public engagement opportunities through participation by his/herself, the National Director, a senior technical specialist or another senior member of the WVL core team. Backstop representation when ND is not available. Ensure active participation of WVL in humanitarian advocacy initiatives of Lebanon Humanitarian INGO Forum, which are strategic to WV Partner with senior technical leads in the Program Quality & Development team to identify critical points of local and national policy influence and work with the team to deliver and engage in appropriate external messaging and government engagement. Support in building bilateral, multi-lateral strategic relationships with aligned policy and advocacy NGOs and civil society 11% Reputation Risk Management Develop internal capacities and preparedness for reputation risk management and communications in adherence to established internal protocols. Includes ongoing capacity building for identified spokespeople. Develop strategies to counteract areas of weak reputation 20% Lobbying, Networking and Coordination Lead the “It Takes a World” campaign in communication and coordination with other ministry teams and local peer partners as part of WVL’s overall advocacy and communication plan Convene internal stakeholders to organize and coordinate ITAW campaign efforts (all-office enterprise, requiring actions from all), and help generate a culture of external activities and relationships. Work with the grants team and the Evaluation, Learning and Accountability team to communicate evidence of effectiveness and help position WVL for grants Influence national level policy and its implementation in consultation with Programme Quality & Development unit and Field Operations 10% Manage staff performance Oversee the work of the external engagement team members (comms and advocacy) and ensure that their tasks are delivered based on the integrated business plan. Ensure optimization of subordinates’ potentials through coaching, on-the-job training, and capacity building Effectively manage the performance of direct reports ensuring performance agreements, regular performance discussions, and annual appraisal are done. 2% Safety and security responsibilities Abide by the security policies and procedures and report any incidents or breaches to line manager and / or security manager Actively contribute to a positive security culture. 2% Other tasks Assist with administrative tasks including financial reports, purchasing and organizing events/trainings as necessary Undertake duty travels and participate in meetings as required Attend and participate in capacity building events locally and internationally Attend and participate in WVL’s spiritual nurture events KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Bachelor degree and a Master degree in journalism, PR, multimedia studies, development, social science, law, international relations or related fields. A combination of academic studies and work experience may be accepted. Demonstrated experience in handling areas of risk Former experience in campaign management and roll out Former experience in External Engagement strategy development Good understanding of the role of the UN in humanitarian emergencies, its agencies and ways of working Good research, policy analysis and report writing skills Good technical capacity to coach staff on advocacy and on various legal processes for policy development and implementation Experience in external engagement with donors, NGOs, UN agencies, ministries etc A good understanding of development and relief programming A full commitment to World Vision’s humanitarian mandate. Full adherence to World Vision Lebanon Child Protection, Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest policies. Must be able to represent World Vision to major program donors in a highly professional manner, in person and in writing. Ability to travel extensively within Lebanon, and to work effectively with refugee communities. Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Excellent organizational and time management skills. Strong interpersonal skills Excellent English skills, in particular writing and editing skills. At least five years of professional experience in senior management positions Experience in campaign planning and implementation A minimum of three years of previous experience working in relief or advocacy field, developing policy papers and networking at the national level. Clear understanding of the workings of major donor perspectives, requirements and standards. Experience in designing questionnaires, conducting surveys and analyzing data. Arabic language skills. Interpersonal, communication, training and facilitation skills. Must be a collaborator and team builder committed to the transfer of knowledge. Ability to work effectively under pressure. Computer literate with a high degree of proficiency and productivity. Experience in developing systems to capture and measure impact of advocacy activities Experience or academic engagement in advocacy or policy work and child rights initiatives