Publishing Date: April 7, 2025 Deadline: April 15, 2025
Location: Beirut, Lebanon
| Background |
| The Middle East and North African Network for People Who Use Drugs (MENANPUD) has been actively advocating for and raising the voices of people who use drugs for the past decade in the MENA region. MENA Rosa is a regional network of women living with HIV in MENA. Its main objective is to support and empower women and girls living with or at risk of HIV, as well as their partners, through developing their leadership skills and promoting effective participation in raising awareness, advocacy and networking. The Middle East and North Africa Harm Reduction Association (MENAHRA) is also one of the pioneer entities addressing issues related to harm reduction, drug use, and HIV in the MENA region. The intersections between HIV and drug use, as well as the stigma and discrimination that both people who use drugs and people living with HIV are facing in the region, and especially women, represent an important aspect to explore. Therefore, on 27-29 February 2024, MENANPUD, along with MENA Rosa, and with the support of MENAHRA, implemented a regional preliminary consultation to identify advocacy initiatives for women living with HIV and women who use drugs in order to allow women from both networks to share experiences, and identify common grounds for which they will prioritize advocacy interventions. The consultation was also an opportunity to strengthen the relation between the focal points of the two networks and MENAHRA. Following the identification of common grounds and common topics for advocacy, MENANPUD and MENA Rosa decided to organize follow up advocacy activities targeting women who use drugs and women living with HIV. |
| Objectives of the position |
| We are looking for a passionate and dynamic Communication and Networking Officer to help us share the stories that matter. The Communication and Networking Officer role will be responsible for implementing and updating MENAHRA’s communication strategy, enhancing the organization’s visibility, strengthening engagement with key stakeholders, and advocating for harm reduction efforts across the MENA region. The officer will lead the development and dissemination of impactful content, manage media relations, oversee digital and social media engagement, and develop and dissiminate the newsletters. In addition, the officer will be responsible of managing and monitoring MENAHRA’s Website. This role also involves mapping and engaing with stakeholders and partners. By utilizing various communication tools and platforms, the coordinator will ensure that harm reduction policies, interventions, and advocacy efforts reach and influence a broad audience, including policymakers, civil society organizations, healthcare professionals, and the general public. |
| Summary of key tasks |
| Digital Creation ▪ Manage the organization’s digital presence, including website and social media platforms. ▪ Research and produce relevant, engaging, and informative content on harm reduction for various platforms. ▪ Develop and manage a content calendar, including themes, topics, and posting schedules. ▪ Create and curate written content such as blogs, articles, social media captions, and multimedia content (infographics, videos, images). ▪ Optimize content for search engine optimization (SEO) to increase visibility and engagement. ▪ Monitor content performance using analytics tools and adjust strategies as needed. Graphic Design ▪ Design visually compelling graphics for social media, promotional materials, and reports, ensuring consistency with brand guidelines. ▪ Create infographics, charts, and other visual elements to communicate key messages effectively. ▪ Collaborate with the content team to visualize concepts and enhance storytelling. ▪ Adapt designs for various platforms and formats, ensuring optimal user experience. Networking ▪ Manage and encourage membership in MENAHRA, maintaining an updated database of network members. ▪ Develop and implement a networking strategy to foster collaboration and information sharing among members. ▪ Organize events, conferences, and virtual forums to facilitate exchange among members and external stakeholders. ▪ Promote member participation in capacity-building workshops, advocacy events, and human rights initiatives. ▪ Identify and address technical assistance needs in consultation with network members. Communications Management ▪ Develop a robust communications strategy with harm-reduction messaging and innovative outreach channels. ▪ Manage the organization’s website and social media platforms, ensuring they remain up-to-date, user-friendly, and engaging. ▪ Disseminate information, education, and communication materials such as brochures, reports, and newsletters. ▪ Ensure translations of key materials into widely used regional languages (Arabic, English, and French). ▪ Maintain smooth information flow between MENAHRA and its members, ensuring accessibility to resources and updates. Partnership Development ▪ Identify, research, and map potential partners, donors, and influencers aligned with the organization’s mission. ▪ Explore opportunities for creative collaborations and partnerships to further the organization’s objectives. ▪ Regularly review and assess the impact of networking and partnership activities, updating strategies as needed. Internal & External Reporting: • Prepare regular reports on communication activities, analytics and their impact. • Ensure MENAHRA’s publications and advocacy materials align with branding and messaging guidelines. |
| Competencies |
| Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. Familiarity with harm reduction, public health, or human rights issues in the MENA region is an asset. Communication Skills • Written Communication: Ability to draft compelling content, including press releases, newsletters, reports, and promotional materials. • Verbal Communication: Proficiency in presenting information effectively in meetings, conferences, or interviews. • Digital Communication: Skilled in using social media, email marketing tools, and online platforms for communication campaigns. • Multilingual Abilities: If relevant to the role, proficiency in multiple languages to reach diverse audiences. Networking and Relationship Management • Building Relationships: Establish and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including partners, media outlets, donors, and community members. • Collaborative Skills: Foster collaboration among internal teams and external partners to achieve shared goals. • Advocacy: Represent the organization effectively in public forums to advocate for its mission and vision. Strategic Planning and Execution • Campaign Management: Develop and execute communication and outreach strategies. • Event Coordination: Plan and organize events, webinars, and workshops to enhance visibility and engagement. • Monitoring and Evaluation: Assess the impact of communication strategies and adapt them as needed. Technical Proficiency • Design Skills: Basic knowledge of graphic design tools to create visual content. • Analytics Tools: Ability to use tools like Google Analytics or social media insights to measure engagement and effectiveness. Organizational and Time Management Skills • Prioritization: Manage multiple tasks and deadlines efficiently. • Detail-Oriented: Ensure accuracy and consistency in communication materials. • Adaptability: Respond quickly to changes in priorities or unexpected challenges. Knowledge of Industry and Trends • Awareness: Stay current on trends and best practices in communication and networking. • Sector Knowledge: Understanding of the organization’s field of “Harm Reduction” Years of experience: 2 – 3 years of experience in communications, advocacy, or networking, preferably in public health or human rights sectors. |
| Languages |
| • English (Fluent) • Arabic (Fluent) • French is a plus |
Position Details:
• Start Date: Mid to end of April 2025 until October 2025, with a possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funding.
• Employment Type: Part-time.
• Work Location: The candidate will be required to work in person at MENAHRA’s office in Beirut, Sin El Fil, for two days a week from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The specific days will be agreed upon with the candidate.
How to Apply:
If interested, please fill out the form or submit a CV with a cover letter to info@menahra.org Please ensure that the subject of your email is “Communication & Networking Officer”.
For further information, you may contact the MENAHRA offices at +961 1 493 211 or visit our website at www.menahra.org
Kindly note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.