Charbel RAJI

Chargé de cours
Chargé de cours
Chargé de cours

Chargé de Cours - Vacataire

(+961) 1 421 000 ext charbel.raji@usj.edu.lb

Seasoned communication advisor over 20 years of experience leading high-impact communication campaigns, developing strategies, advising senior officials on media relations. Served as spokesperson and director of communication for United Nations offices with political, humanitarian, and social missions in the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Proven track record in building partnerships with influential media networks, managing stakeholder relationships, and rallying public and private institutions around critical humanitarian issues. Adept at providing guidance on crisis communications, mitigating adverse publicity, managing reputation risks and establishing effective contingency plans. Proficient in English, Arabic, French, and Italian. Specialized in corporate communication, multimedia production, project management, international affairs, partnerships and external relations. Media and Communication Advisor CoActionPro Provide strategic communication advice to companies, individuals, and governments, encompassing areas such as digital media, crisis communication, reputational risk management, resource mobilization, and partnerships. Developed comprehensive communication strategies to enhance brand visibility and engagement across multiple media platforms. Deliver workshops to enhance capacity in crisis management, corporate communications, media relations, content creation, and public speaking. Develop and manage regional and international multimedia communication campaigns, ensuring effective dissemination of key messages. Facilitate high-level conferences, press briefings, corporate trainings, and events, ensuring seamless execution and impactful outcomes. Conducted market research and analysis to identify emerging trends and opportunities for media outreach and public relations efforts. Spokesperson and Director of Communication United Nations 01/2019 – 09/2019 New York, USA Project Manager & Director of Communication United Nations Office for Counter-Terrorism Organized high-level regional conferences on Counter-Terrorism in Africa and Europe, leading all communication-related activities. Conducted political liaison work with influential bodies, heads of states, think tanks, and political parties. Mobilized resources through private sector and governmental entities. 01/2018 – 12/2018 New York, USA Director of Communication & External Affairs Officer United Nations Office of the Special Representative for International Migration 01/2013 – 09/2019 New York, United States Built and maintained solid relations with government and National Committees, providing periodic consolidated reports. Developed communication and advocacy strategy, supervising multimedia production. Organized high-level international conferences, including the Global Compact for Migration adoption event in Marrakech that gathered more than 1300 participants and 400 journalists. 10/2014 – 12/2017 New York, USA Director of Communication & Political Affairs Officer UN Office of the Special Envoy for Yemen Led the front office, cultivating strategic collaborations and fostering relationships with NatComs and other UN agencies. Executed and supervised joint advocacy initiatives in Yemen, and co-organized the UN peace-talks in Geneva and Kuwait Produced high-quality thematic reports, analytical studies, and security council briefings. Established a strong media presence for the USG on both regional and international outlets. Drafted code cables, press statements, and security council briefings with utmost precision and attention to detail. 01/2014 – 08/2014 Nicosia, Cyprus Media & Communication Manager UN-OPCW Joint Mission for the Removal of Chemical Weapons in Syria Facilitated effective communication with National Committees and delivered comprehensive updates on mission progress. Spearheaded the development of the missions communication and media strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Drafted press releases, media statements, and briefing notes to convey key messages. Elevated the mission's media presence through strategic initiatives, including the organization of thematic briefings tailored for media professionals, environmental experts, and diplomatic missions, and organized press briefings in prominent locations such as New York, Damascus, and Geneva, optimizing visibility and engagement. Regional Director of Communication and Partnerships UNICEF Provided oversight guidance to UNICEF offices in the Middle East and North Africa on media and communication. Developed regional communication strategy and emergency preparedness plans. Established a strong media contact database and built strategic partnerships. Built strategic partnerships and alliances with the private sector and initiated CSR collaborations (Royal Jordanian Airlines, Aramex, Starwood hotels, Google...). Negotiated with internal and external public and private stakeholders to partner and promote program strategies and establish evidence-based advocacy. TV Host and Producer Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International 12/1996 – 09/2008 Beirut, Lebanon Hosted and produced live social, political, and cultural talk-shows. Covered national and international events and contributed to MSNBC, NBC, and WNBC news.