Communications Fellow

The Ramallah Friends Meeting (RFM) is known in the region and internationally for its faithful, non-violent work in peace and justice and serves as the grounding and inspiration for other Friends’ work in the region.  Its own ministry is currently manifested through several projects including the Friends International Center in Ramallah (FICR), which seeks to enrich the broader community and the Meeting through projects, skill development and outreach.

A ministry of hospitality welcomes all who come to the Ramallah Friends Meetinghouse, whether to participate in a Meeting for Worship or to attend a program or discussion.   It is hoped that the Fellow will feel welcome and become a part of the community affiliated with the Ramallah Meeting, regardless of his or her faith tradition.


New Position

This new position is a year-long training position for a young Palestinian interested in a career in the non-profit sector.  The successful candidate will already live in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem or stay with family in the area.

The Fellow will be responsible for collecting, generating, and disseminating information about activities of the Ramallah Friends Meeting and the Friends International Center in Ramallah via the website and social media.


1-Please describe your experiences as part of a campus or community organization addressing peace, conflict resolution, community development, equality and/or sustainability.
2-Friends’ belief that there is “that of God in everyone” provides the foundation for their deep support for nonviolence and equality.  What is your perspective on nonviolence as a way of life?  How has your life experience shaped your views on peace and equality?
3-Are you familiar with the Religious Society of Friends, also known as “Quakers”?   Please briefly describe any experience you have had with Friends or a Friends’ organization.


Job Description:

Overview:

The Ramallah Friends Meeting (RFM) is known in the region and internationally for its commitment to non-violent work in peace and justice and serves as the grounding and spiritual foundation for other Friends’ work in the region.  The Meeting’s ministry is currently manifested through several projects including the Friends International Center inRamallah (FICR), and a ministry of hospitality. FICR seeks to be a vehicle through which Friends and other people of goodwill can connect with and provide support to those in the region who are striving to build a future of peace and justice.  The ministry of hospitality welcomes all who come, whether to Meeting for Worship or to a program.

New Position:

This position of Communications Fellow is part of a three-year plan, currently under development. The position, for one year with the possibility of extension, is intended for a Palestinian interested in a career in the non-profit sector.  The Communications Fellow will be primarily responsible for strengthening the community’s understanding of, and connections to, the Meeting and FICR, and provide information about the Meeting and FICR to Friends and other supporters throughout the world.   The Fellow will be supervised by the Clerk of the Ramallah Friends Meeting, Jean Zaru.

The Fellow will be welcomed into the community affiliated with the Ramallah Meeting and FICR based on our belief that success in the position is closely tied to having a feeling of compatibility and understanding of that which is being reported.  There is no expectation, however, that the Fellow will leave his or her own faith tradition

Responsibilities

Summary: The Fellow will be responsible for collecting, generating, and disseminating information about activities ofthe Ramallah Friends Meeting and the Friends International Center in Ramallah via the website and social media. The Fellow has primary responsibility for ensuring that the work described is carried out; it is expected, however, that the process of accomplishing that production includes and encourages involvement of others within the Meeting and FICR community.  This requires working collaboratively with other persons involved in the work of the Meeting and FICR.

Specifically, the Fellow will:

1-Become familiar with the content on the existing website, and shift(including archiving) it from this “old” website to the newly designed website
2-Prepare and post- to website, Facebook and Twitter as appropriate - a blog, articles, photographs, audio and/or video recordings, about visitors, events and activities held at the Meetinghouse and FICR.
3-Prepare and add contentthat reflects the deeper faith values and philosophy,whichare the basis of all the work carried out by FICR and the Meeting. Post specific Friends materials if asked to do so by the Meeting.
4-Develop strategies for using Facebook and Twitter to communicate, and post regularly to social media.
5-Work collaboratively with the Clerk of the Meeting and/or FICR’s Program Coordinator to assist with hospitality preparations, logistics and publicity, with visits by international delegations, and accompany them as appropriate.
6-Develop and implement ideas for publicizing activities of the Meeting and FICR, as well as being a conduit back to the Clerk and Program Coordinator of information and ideas gleaned from contact with the wider community.
7-In support of our goal to develop a cadre of people who feel a sense of commitment to the Meeting and FICR, in addition to simply attending events, the Fellow will work actively to engage others in activities such as reporting or filming of a specific event, preparing press releases and/or publicity for upcoming events. The work of these volunteers will always be under the guidance of the Fellow.
8-Assist with other tasks as needed.


Background/experience:

Required:

-Completion of a four-year college or equivalent skills.
-Demonstrate strong writing and speaking skills in English and Arabic, with an emphasis on writing for the web, Facebook, and other social media.
-Experience using web and social media software.
-Palestinian citizenship
-Hold a strong personal belief in the power of faith, nonviolence, integrity and equality. 

Preferred:

-Familiarity with Quaker beliefs.
-Experience in recording audio and/or video for the web.
-Strong photography skills

Salary and Hours:

$1,000+ per month, variable according to skills and experience, plus reimbursement for any out of pocket expenses incurred.

The work week, not expected to be less than 35 hours per week, is likely to be variable in times of the day. The Benefits will include sick leave, vacation time and national holidays.

Applications

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter, resume, and responses to the following questions by January 21, 2013 to: Program Coordinator at [email protected].