Working as Field Communications Manager (F/M/X)
MSF uses public communications to support its medical humanitarian action, to bear witness on the crises it works in, to make its work known to the public, and to secure and sustain public support for its social mission, including through fundraising and recruitment efforts.
The purpose of the Field Communications Manager (FCM) is to define, oversee and implement communications strategies in direct support of MSF's medical humanitarian programmes and social mission.
Responsibilities
Strategy Building
- Defines and manages communications strategies in the country, under the supervision of Heads of Mission and in collaboration with Communications Advisors (CAs) or the Field Communications Coordinator (as applicable), staying responsive to operational needs, emergencies, and crisis situations, with effective prioritization.
- Alerts on unfolding situations in MSF project areas that may require public communication by MSF.
- In emergencies, ensures timely delivery of guidance and content for journalists, the MSF communications network and for public release, as outlined in the MSF Emergency Communications Framework, in line with the Emergency Fundraising Policy as needed.
Develops, Drives and oversees dissemination and engagement strategies
- Drives and oversees all media management in the country, including national and international media, traditional media outlets and their online versions, digital channels, influencers, and citizen media. May delegate / share responsibilities with other field communications staff in the country, such as managing media relations, pitching content, coordinating media events or visits to MSF projects, depending on the team's structure.
- Collaborates with MSF digital teams (in country, in the region or other) for strategic dissemination and engagement on MSF social media channels.
- Maintaining close contact and organizing events with key local media (press conferences, briefings) and facilitating media and photographic visits to project sites for both local and international journalists.
Content production
- Decides on communication tools based on agreed objectives, messages, and target audiences.
- Transforms operational or medical information into a communications angle relevant to the humanitarian/health situation.
- Guides production, collects material, and produces timely content (AV, flash quotes, press releases, tweets, or other relevant types of content,) in accordance with the strategy and budget and in response to rapidly evolving situations of relevance.
- Follows MSF communications ethical guidelines in all materials directly collected and produced, such as on consent, on DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), and other relevant communications standards or guidelines.
Digital and media monitoring
- Uses digital and media monitoring to build, update and strengthen understanding of the media landscape, of audiences, of public narratives of relevance, and to track MSF coverage, and identify misinformation or reputational challenges.
Global MSF communications network
- Provides the MSF communications network with firsthand updates and guidance on the operational and humanitarian situations, advising on communications opportunities and messaging.
- Responds to the MSF communications network's requests by providing content for international use, facilitating journalist visits, or contributing to specific campaigns or fundraising efforts, when possible.
Team management and budget
- Manages, supports and supervises staff under their direct responsibility.
- Produces an annual communications budget for approval to the Head of Mission (s) and communications department at HQ.
Requirements
- University degree in a relevant field, such as in journalism, communication Development, Political science or International Relations
- Previous working experience of at least 4 years in communication, journalism or public relations
- Experience in MSF or other international NGOs working in humanitarian contexts
- At least one year of experience in unstable contexts
- Proficiency minimum C1 in English
- Social media skills, including community management and network identification.
- Knowledge of audio-visual tools (creation and production of materials
- Analytical thinking and strategic vision (definition & linking of objectives, audiences, channels & formats)
- Track record in media management, social media/community engagement and disinformation
- Robust expertise in crisis and public relations
- Media monitoring, ability to be a spokesperson and train other spokespersons
- Strong organizational and public communications skills
General skills
- Commitment to MSF’s work and values
- Strong team player
- Ability to train others
- IT skills / computer literacy
- Awareness of climate footprint while organizing working travels
Assets
- Experience in people management
- Strong negotiation skills and a diplomatic approach
- Willingness to work in all types of contexts worldwide, including unstable areas
- Adaptable and able to work in a multicultural team.
- Flexible and able to manage high levels of stress
- Self-driven with a solution-oriented approach
Depending on our activities and needs, your responsibilities may be adapted and evolve. You will not face these challenges alone; other MSF team members (both international and locally hired staff) will support you.
We encourage applications from people of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, abilities and all other characteristics of diversity.
MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo reference and criminal record checks.
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