Digital Communication Specialist

Job title: Digital Communication Specialist
Location: Middle East and North Africa (MENA)/ Remote
Contract Duration: 12 months (With possibility of extension)

Deadline: November 22 2024 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon)

SUMMARY:

The Digital Communication Specialist will lead the project digital communication strategy and play a
crucial role in advancing LGBTQI+ rights through digital advocacy and online campaigning. Working closely with media groups and practitioners and LGBTQI+ civil society organizations (CSOs) and activists, the candidate will develop strategies to counter LGBTQI disinformation and online hate,
create impactful digital advocacy campaigns, develop and deliver training mentorship and coaching
programs to project stakeholders throughout the project.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Strategy Development:

• Assess the CSOS digital advocacy readiness and develop recommendations for capacity development;
• Collaborate with media groups and LGBTQI CSOs to create effective digital advocacy strategies;
• Identify key target audiences and tailor communication approaches accordingly;
• Monitor trends and adapt strategies as needed.

2. Campaign Management:

• Design and execute digital campaigns to raise awareness about LGBTQI rights;
• Utilize social media platforms, websites, and other digital channels;
• Measure campaign impact and adjust tactics based on performance.

3. Disinformation Mitigation:

• Develop strategies to counter LGBTQI-related disinformation online;
• Work with partners to identify false narratives and respond effectively;
• Promote accurate information and combat harmful stereotypes.

4. Training and Capacity Building:

• Provide training workshops on digital communication best practices, campaign design and delivery and assessment of campaign impact;
• Mentor LGBTQI CSOs and media professionals on effective digital engagement;
• Foster a supportive learning environment.
  5. Collaboration and Networking:
• Build partnerships with relevant stakeholders, including CSOs, activists, and influencers;
• Participate in regional and international forums related to LGBTQI rights;
• Amplify the voices of marginalized communities.

6. Reporting and Evaluation:

• Regularly assess the impact of digital initiative and project activities;
• Prepare reports on campaign performance, reach, and engagement;
• Use data-driven insights to refine strategies;
• Collect, calibrate and analyze data to support project MEL activities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE:

1. Digital Strategy and Campaign Management:

• Skill: Experience in planning, executing, and managing digital strategies campaigns and for CSOs across platforms like social media, websites, and email.
• Experience: Proven track record of creating and implementing successful digital strategies for advocacy, non-profit organizations, or social justice causes. Experience in countering online misinformation through digital campaigns is a plus.
• Knowledge: Understanding of social media algorithms, SEO, and analytics to measure impact and engagement.

2. Understanding of LGBTQI+ Issues:

• Skill: In-depth knowledge of LGBTQI+ rights, challenges, terminology, and the socio-political
  landscape.
• Experience: Previous work with LGBTQI+ organizations, advocacy groups, or involvement in
  LGBTQI+ movements.
• Sensitivity: Ability to communicate inclusively and responsibly, avoiding harmful stereotypes
  and ensuring respectful representation.

3. Content Creation and Storytelling:

• Skill: Strong writing, editing, and multimedia content creation (videos, graphics, blog posts) tailored for digital platforms;
• Experience: Portfolio of content that amplifies marginalized voices or advocacy campaigns, especially in the LGBTQI+ space;
• Storytelling: Ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, highlighting personal stories of the LGBTQI+ community.

4. Web and Social Media Management:

• Skill: Expertise in managing websites and social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, TikTok,
  Facebook, etc.) with a focus on engagement, growth, and community building;
• Experience: Running campaigns for non-profits, activism groups, or organizations, particularly around LGBTQI+ issues;
• Engagement: Experience in fostering meaningful dialogue, moderating sensitive discussions,
  and handling online harassment or backlash, often targeted at LGBTQI+ causes.

5. Crisis Communication and Conflict Management:

• Skill: Experience in handling sensitive issues, managing crises, and responding to public
  relations challenges;
• Experience: Navigating online backlash, trolling, or hate speech targeted at LGBTQI+
  campaigns while protecting the organization’s reputation;
• Empathy: Being responsive to the emotional needs of the LGBTQI+ community, especially
  when dealing with sensitive issues like discrimination or violence.

QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in digital communications, media management and development or a similar roles;

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, media or a related field preferred.

Skills:

• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey messages;
• Empathy: Understanding the unique challenges faced by LGBTQI+ individuals and the ability to communicate with sensitivity and care;
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adjust strategies and messaging based on current events, feedback, or shifts in the digital landscape;
• Knowledge and experience in graphic design and multimedia software.

Languages:

• Fluent in Arabic and English;
• Fluency in French is a plus.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Work Environment:

• This position may require occasional regional and international travel;
• Flexibility to work outside regular business hours as needed.

Benefits:

• We offer social insurance, health insurance, paid annual leave, sick leave and public holiday
  leave;
• Benefits will be determined based on the location of the candidate.

Only those who have been selected for interviews will be contacted