Communication officer , ARI - Arab Reform Initiative

ARI is seeking a seasoned communication officer, reporting to the Executive Director of the initiative, to conceptualize, plan and implement communication strategies to focus the attention of the public and decision makers and influencers on challenges facing the political transformation in the Arab region and the relevant ARI papers, events and publications.

Established in 2005, ARI engages Arab research centres, think tanks, social movements, decision makers and the public on issues of democratization and political transformation to help articulate “home grown visions” of reform processes. ARI seeks to combine scholarly work and advocacy, produces practical intellectual tools to influence existing political transformation. It promotes sustained exchanges and dialogues on reform across the region and with outside partners.

The communication officer will help raise public awareness about issues ARI is dealing with and raise the profile of the organization through making communication an integral part to all ARI projects and products. He or she will:

1. Turn the organization communication strategy into an annual work plan with clear and measurable deliverables and a way to assess the impact together with a clear time frame.
2. Coordinate and implement all the tasks in this plan. This work plan should include:
   1. Clear audience segmentation based on geographical targets as well as the themes and projects handled by ARI.
   2. Detailed plan for own platforms (website and social media feeds) to improve the user experience, and increase the numbers of visitors, followers, fans and re-use of posted material. Enhance and integrate multimedia and interactivity.
   3. Detailed plan for the use of external media nationally, regionally and internationally, including the building of a media list and maintaining media relationships through regular contact, briefings and interviews.
   4. Draft key messages, briefs and communication and media materials
3. Provide and help implement communication plans or media strategies for all new projects and publications including launch events.
4. Conceptualize and ensure the adoption of a standard template for publication (from reports, to papers and ending with press releases). The template will tackle both the substantive and graphic aspects to ensure quality and brand consistency.
5. Write press releases, executive summaries, edit (and/or supervise the editing) publications, write and place op-eds, write tweets and FB messages.
6. Conduct weekly media scan on issues related to Arab reform.
7. Potential travel to support meetings or events
8. Ensure the allocation and the effective and impactful utilization of communication funds in the organization including, when appropriate the hiring of temporary consultants, to implement short-term projects, and/or translators.
9. Monitor and evaluate the ARI communication and media activities maintaining both longitudinal as well as comparative indictors with peer organizations.
10. Other activities as assigned.

Duty Station:  Paris, France

Qualifications or specialized knowledge/ experience required:

• Advanced University degree in international relations, communication, journalism, or related fields or years of experience in lieu of education.
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible and relevant professional work experience in communication, journalism or outreach in the Middle East in similar organizations. Additional experience outside the region will be an asset.
• Strong ability to write and edit public outreach materials, ability to express clearly and concisely ideas and concepts in written and oral form.
• Proven skills in communication, networking, strategic thinking, and ability to relate to traditional and social media.
• Proven ability to conceptualize, plan and execute ideas as well as transfer knowledge and skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, a good understanding of democracy and reform issues and of regional affairs and current events.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and to manage complex projects.
• Fluency in Arabic and English. Strong command of French.

• Ability to handle multiple assignments with competing deadlines. Able to work under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Application: Need to be submitted via e-mail to application-communication-officer@arab-reform.net by attaching:

- Letter of Inquiry

- Updated curriculum vitae.

PS: ARI will not be able to secure a work permit. Candidates must be authorized to work in or travel regularly to France.