Media Officer

The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in more than 40 countries and in 22 U.S. cities, IRC restores safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted by conflict or disaster. IRC leads the way from harm to home.

The Syria crisis is often described as the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Cold War. Inside Syria, 7.6 million people are internally displaced and 12.2 million are in need of humanitarian assistance, with 4.8 million in hard-to-reach areas. There are 4 million Syrian refugees in neighboring countries. This is no short-term humanitarian episode. The devastating human consequences to huge numbers of people will endure for decades. The destruction of relationships, communities, livelihoods, homes and infrastructure will take years to repair.

IRC is offering a robust humanitarian response to the Syria crisis. With an annual budget in excess of $140 million and a rapidly expanding portfolio, supported by more than 1,250 staff in the region, IRC is undertaking programs in Syria and the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan in the fields of health, child protection, education, women’s protection and empowerment, NFI and food distribution, cash assistance, water and sanitation, and livelihood programming. Our work in these challenging settings gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, security, funding and coordination.

SCOPE OF WORK:
This position offers an exciting opportunity to provide strategic, skilled and dynamic leadership to planning and execution of strategic media relations (including development of press releases, web site and social media content, facilitating media visits and interviews, pitching stories that highlight IRC’s work and humanitarian needs, etc.) to give a voice to those who are suffering from the conflict in Syria. The Media Officer reports to the Director of Public Affairs in Amman and collaborates closely with IRC’s Director of Communications in New York and external relations colleagues in the UK and Europe. S/he will also work closely with IRC Syria Response Regional Director and with SRR Public Affairs colleagues, particularly with the Syria Response Regional Content and Information Officer, as well as with Country Directors in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. This position can be based in Amman or Beirut and requires travel throughout the region and occasionally to Europe and the US, estimated at 30%.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Network with international and national media to proactively pitch stories about IRC’s programs, advocacy priorities and partnerships that results in high-quality, top-tier coverage;
• Provide stories – with accompanying photographs or video – for IRC’s website and internal and external visibility products, as well as for other external outlets including social media, blogs, magazines, journals etc;
• Develop, write and issue press releases, background information and Q&As about IRC programs and issues of concern in coordination with Amman, New York and UK leadership, policy and advocacy colleagues and Syria Response country programs;
• Respond to information requests from news media; assess and evaluate media requests, including research as necessary; give and arrange interviews; and assist journalists and photographers in coordinating coverage of IRC programs;
• Coordinate with appropriate personnel in partner NGOs for joint media/advocacy initiatives.
• Attend and/or represent IRC at press conferences and coordination meetings. Collect and disseminate information;
• Work closely with the NY-based Communications Director and other communications and advocacy colleagues in New York, Washington, London, Brussels and Geneva. Act as a liaison to and vital member of a global media team;
• Work with the SRR Director of Public Affairs to align media and advocacy strategic objectives, including contributions to global and regional communications strategies and operational plans;
• Work with SRR Regional Content and Information Officer to capitalize on her efforts to improve internal information products, seek out stories that may be appropriate for external audiences, and collaborate on grant visibility requirements;
• Work with Country Offices to arrange reporters’ field visits, and accompany as required;
• Serve as external relations resource for field staff, including to train IRC staff on media relations;
• Monitor and evaluate media coverage generated and draw lessons to improve coverage;
• Seek thought leadership and media opportunities for IRC’s CEO and other relevant senior staff.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internal: Director of Public Affairs, Regional Director, Regional Content and Information Officer and other SRR regional team; SRR Country Directors and staff; Communications Director; communications, policy and advocacy colleagues in other IRC offices
• External: Media representatives, partner organizations

Professional Standards
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in journalism, international affairs or related field
• At least five years of experience in public relations or journalism in an international context
• Must have experience working overseas in a developing country or conflict zone
• Superb English-language oral and written reporting skills; demonstrated ability to write and edit stories, articles and reports on deadline and of highest quality
• Persistent and determined drive to uncover opportunities for and to pitch stories to media
• Excellent networking, interpersonal, communication, relationship-building and negotiation skills
• Proven ability to persuade and influence colleagues not under supervisory authority
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Ability to respond to multiple priorities in a timely manner, delivering high-quality products
• Culturally sensitive; able and interested in working with a multi-ethnic team
• Strong commitment to the IRC’s mission, purpose and values
• A demonstrated keen understanding of political complexities in the Middle East
• Fluency in English is essential; Arabic language preferred
• Must be willing and able to travel frequently within the region

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Beirut and Amman are currently not assessed as high-risk environments and remain generally safe cities as long as IRC security protocols are observed. The post is fully accompanied and housing will be provided according to IRC J housing policy. Travel at approximately 30% is anticipated.