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 is to advance freedom of expression and the right to privacy in West Asia-North Africa 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
The Communications Officer plays a central role in shaping SMEX’s public voice and amplifying its work across the region. Collaborating closely with all the Units at SMEX, the Communications Officer is responsible for creating engaging and accurate content almost on a daily basis as well as editing and proofreading all written material, including articles, newsletters, social media content, position statements, advocacy or campaign related materials, and petitions. In addition, the Communications Officer is responsible for frequently researching and writing articles on digital rights. The role requires meticulous attention to detail, all the while upholding SMEX’s broader vision for digital rights advocacy. It necessitates an extensive understanding of the digital rights landscape in West Asia and North Africa (WANA).
With the support and guidance of the Communications Manager, this position is responsible for producing and disseminating strategic communications that engage diverse audiences, strengthen SMEX’s brand, and support programmatic and advocacy goals. The ideal candidate is a clear and compelling storyteller with a good understanding of digital rights and regional dynamics.
Responsibilities
- Develop high-quality engaging content for diverse audiences, in both Arabic and English, including press releases, blog posts, reports summaries, annual report, newsletters, social media content, and campaign materials.
- Collaborate with the different units at SMEX to support the communications team in developing and implementing communication plans that align with the organization’s overall communications strategy.
- Write and edit articles, scripts, campaign materials, statements, and petitions adhering to SMEX’s editorial guidelines.
- Edit and proofread all internal and published content to ensure it is well-written, grammatically correct, and follows the established SMEX editorial guidelines.
- Ensure alignment with SMEX’s brand identity and messaging across all communication channels.
- Stay informed about the latest developments and trends in digital rights to ensure accurate and up-to-date reporting and analysis.
- Track digital trends relevant to SMEX’s mandate and recommend content strategies accordingly.
- Monitor online engagement analytics and produce periodic performance reports.
- Support SMEX in preparing media kits, talking points, and public statements.
- Contribute to the design and execution of digital advocacy campaigns that advance SMEX’s policy positions.
- Coordinate with program teams to translate technical or research findings into catchy key messages.
- Work closely with the Bread&Net team to create compelling content including newsletters and emails, website content, social media coverage, flyers, and other written material.
- Work with designers to produce visual assets, infographics, and multimedia materials.
- Work closely with journalists, researchers, and other contributors to ensure consistent coverage of digital rights issues.
- Edit and update website content.
- Edit and proofread social media content.
- Manage and mentor the Communications Assistant and ensure timely delivery of communications tasks
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, social sciences, English language and Literature, or any related field
- Excellent writing and editing skills in both Arabic and English (fluency in both is essential)
- Minimum three years of experience in Communications (preferrably for non-profit)
- Excellent writing and editing skills (with a journalistic eye when relevant).
- Proven content writing or copywriting experience.
- Interest and experience in the digital rights field
- Effective communication skills.
- Creativity
- Flexibility and adaption to the rapid changing context in the region
- Organization skills and attention to details
- Proficiency in Content Management Software (CMS)
- Proficiency in Google Drive and open to using other task-management tools
Additional Information
Duty Station: Beirut, Lebanon
Office Presence: Hybrid/Remote
Employment Status: Full-Time
Reporting Line: Communications Manager
Supervision Line: Communications Assistant
Salary: $1500-$1800
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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