Field Communications Manager

About

MSF seeks a Field Communications Manager to define, implement, coordinate and supervise operational communications activities in a mission or emergency, building the organisation's visibility, acceptance and leverage. The role covers communications strategy, media relations, team management, content production and diffusion, reporting and budget management. Applicants need a relevant degree, at least four years' communications, journalism or public-relations experience, content-production experience, and English and French proficiency.

How to apply

Apply online through the official advert page on MSF Eastern Africa HRMS.

Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the HOM(s) and in cooperation with the Communications Advisor in HQ the FCM defines the communications strategy for the mission, advising on public positioning and remaining reactive to emergencies and crisis communications.
• The FCM promotes the visibility of the organization, improving awareness of its principles and work, and reinforcing information on MSF activities among communities.
• The FCM should have the capacity to identify key cross-cutting issues across MSF operations which are relevant to communications and to advise on public positioning.
• He/she will develop guidelines for dealing with crisis communications through local media and have the capacity to remain reactive to emergencies.
• In emergencies with high media pressure the (E)FCM can act as a spokesperson to take interview pressure away from the field teams.
• The FCM maintains close contact with key local media and foreign correspondents.
• The FCM liaises with communications staff from other organizations and institutions, and will monitor and analyze the communication lines developed by actors of importance for MSF (authorities, armed groups, other NGOs…).
• The FCM facilitates international media visits to MSF projects and he/she organizes media events (Press conferences, Press briefings…) in collaboration with MSF international communication network.
• The FCO briefs spokespersons and assesses media training needs for key staff.
• He/she can play the role of a spokesperson when seen as opportune and necessary.
• The FCM produces strategic reports on the local media landscape and regularly reports on new developments.
• He/she provides guidance on how to deal with local media at times of crisis, and will develop guidelines for dealing with such crises through in-country media.
• The FCM manages, develops and supervises staff (Field Communication Officers) under his/her direct responsibility.
• The FCM advises on which communications tools to choose according to objective, message and audience at local and national levels.
• He/she then produces - or supervises the production of - local comms content (leaflets, brochures, posters, radio spots, articles, photos, videos.) according to strategy and budget.)

Qualifications

• Essential, degree in Journalism, Communications, Humanitarian affairs, Political Sciences or related university degree.
• Essential, previous working experience of at least 4 years in communications, journalism or public relations.
• Essential, previous working experience in producing communications content production.
• Desirable, experience with MSF or other international NGOs in developing countries.
• Experience working in an international environment.
• Essential, mission language/Bilingual (English & French).
• Essential, computer literacy (word, excel, internet and digital media).
• People Management.
• Commitment to MSF Principles.
• Flexibility.
• Results-oriented.
• Teamwork.