Our vision is for everyone living in West Asia-North Africa and the diaspora to be able to access and engage with the internet, mobile services, and other networked spaces safely and without fear of censorship, surveillance, or repercussion.
Our mission SMEX advances freedom of expression and the right to privacy in WANA through research and reporting, monitoring state and tech companies’ policies, protecting the safety and security of online users, and collaborating with regional advocates to sustain a safer digital space.
Job Overview
As SMEX’s Communications Manager, you will lead the strategic development and execution of all communications efforts to amplify the organization’s mission, programs, and impact. Your role will be pivotal in shaping SMEX’s public image, crafting compelling narratives, and driving engagement across various platforms. You’ll oversee content creation, media relations, social media strategy, and guiding the communications team—ensuring cohesive messaging that strengthens SMEX’s voice as a digital rights advocate. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and skilled storyteller with a strong understanding of digital rights, fluency in Arabic and English, and proven experience in managing communications for advocacy and civil society organizations.
Responsibilities
- Plan, execute, and refine comprehensive internal and external communication strategies that elevate SMEX’s programs, projects, advocacy initiatives, and our flagship event Bread&Net aligning them with SMEX’s mission and programmatic goals.
- Continuously update and enhance the communication strategy of SMEX presence to adapt to changing trends and emerging platforms, ensuring a forward-looking approach. (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky and Tiktok)
- Develop, implement, and continuously refine integrated communication strategies for SMEX’s key campaigns.
- Lead the development and execution of Bread&Net’s comprehensive messaging strategy, driving impactful audience engagement across digital rights communities.
- Develop and implement brand guidelines to unify messaging and visual identity over the website and all platforms.
- Define SMEX’s tone and voice to strengthen its public presence as a leader in the digital space.
- Develop high-impact communications including press releases, blog posts, newsletters, white papers, policy briefs, press releases and reports.
- Collaborate with researchers, advocates, and program/project leads to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives.
- Collaborate with internal teams to design and launch collaborative campaigns that translate advocacy goals into measurable impact.
- Encourage the exploration of novel formats, storytelling techniques, and visual elements to maintain the organization’s freshness and appeal.
- Collaborate on the creation of campaign-specific messaging, content calendars, and multimedia materials.
- Guide the production of multimedia content (e.g., videos, graphics, infographics, live event coverage) that amplifies SMEX’s work.
- Monitor digital rights conversations and regional/global trends to inform proactive and responsive communications.
- Manage and mentor the communications team, including assistants, interns, and external consultants.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators for digital engagement, audience growth, and brand consistency, in collaboration with the MEAL.
- Utilize analytics to generate actionable reports, monitor performance, uncover trends, and translate insights into data-driven optimizations for content strategy and audience engagement.
- Lead the development of monthly reports for the MEAL Unit, including both quantitative metrics (e.g., reach, engagement) and qualitative analysis (e.g., sentiment, feedback).
- Oversee all existing online communities, including employee and business partner forums, social media groups, and online discussion boards.
- Build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, stakeholders, policymakers, and the public and strategic partners.
- Organize and support in organizing press conferences when needed.
- Monitor media coverage and compile regular press clippings to track SMEX’s visibility and media impact.
- Collaborate with the Development Officer and MEAL to develop impact reports, annual reviews, and donor briefs
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English.
- Minimum of 5 years experience in strategic communications, media, or digital content production—preferably within civil society, advocacy, or human rights organizations.
- Familiarity with SMEX’s core work and a shared commitment to human rights values, including privacy, users’ rights, digital surveillance, data protection, freedom of expression, accessibility, and open culture.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communications strategies that drive engagement and visibility.
- Strong editorial judgment and experience writing, editing, and proofreading across formats (e.g., reports, blogs, press releases, social content).
- Ability to distill complex topics into accessible, audience-friendly content.
- Proficiency in managing social media platforms (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn,BlueSky and Tiktok) with knowledge of platform-specific strategies and analytics.
- Familiarity with CMS tools (e.g., WordPress) and newsletter platforms (e.g., Mailchimp).
- Basic experience with design and multimedia tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Suite, video editing apps) is a plus.
- Experience with social media analytics, audience insights, and reporting tools.
- Ability to use data and feedback to improve content performance and refine strategies.
- Comfortable producing both quantitative and qualitative reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Creativity, adaptability, and a collaborative mindset.
Behavioral Competencies
- Attention to detail
- Time Management
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Effective Communication
- Leadership skills
- Strategic thinking
Additional Information
Duty Station: Beirut, Lebanon
Office Presence: Hybrid/remote within +/- 3 hours of Lebanon time (UTC+3)
Employment status: Full-time
Reporting Line: Executive Director
Supervision Line: Communications Team
Salary: $2,000-$2,500/ month
Application
The applicant should fill in this form.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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