GENERAL CONTEXT
Médecins Sans Frontières is an international independent medical-humanitarian organization, which offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.
The MSF movement is built around five operational directorates supported by 23 sections and offices worldwide. MSF OCBA is one of those directorates. The operations are implemented by field teams and the mission coordination teams; together with the organizational units based in Barcelona, Athens and Nairobi. The field operations are guided and supported by 4 Operational Cells, the Emergency Unit and other departments supporting operations, including the Communication Department
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
The Communication Advisor reports hierarchically to the Head of Operational Communication Unit and functionally to the Head of Operational Cell
The main objectives of the Communication Advisor are to follow up on a portfolio of missions and advise the Operations Department on communication issues; and to provide regular support to the Operational Cell in Nairobi for all communications related issues and will work closely with the missions in the field, the other Comms Advisors and other MSF sections
• Advise and support the Nairobi-based Cell and missions in the portfolio of the cell to implement communication strategies, undertake communication activities and produce communication materials based on operational and communication priorities; advise and support the East African Unit in an ad-hoc basis.
• Advise and support the Nairobi-based Cell and missions in the portfolio of the cell on public positioning and messaging;
• Propose and implement communications initiatives based on operational and communication priorities to achieve operational or communication objectives, i.e. to support the perception and acceptance of the organization in the field as well as leverage;
• Plan and manage field visits to support planning and implementation of communication strategies based on communication needs;
• Support and work with local communication officers to implement local communication strategies and help them to achieve their objectives;
• Manages media requests related to the portfolio of missions;
• Participate and collaborate in intersectional initiatives to disseminate joint messages based on operational priorities
• Works closely with MSF Press Officers and the Regional Information Officer to ensure a wide dissemination of MSF messages to national, regional and international audiences;
• Assesses media dynamics at regional level and identifies key opportunities for communication I the broader region, including in countries that are not part of his/her portfolio.
MAIN FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSABILITIES
• The Comms Advisor serves as the focal point for all communications related issues in a given portfolio of projects.
• Acts as an advisor of the Operational Cell and the field missions for all communications related issues.
• Cooperates with the East African Unit in the production of institutional material, institutional bilateral or multilateral meetings, etc. for a proper representation of MSF in the region.
• Develops together with the Head of the Operational Cell, the Heads of Mission and the Head of Information Unit, and implements communication strategies for his/her portfolio of missions, including perception and acceptance, communication/advocacy and visibility objectives and activities.
• Participates in a 24 hour on-call service for communication and media issues relating to the portfolio of missions, in conjunction with the Head of Information Unit and the Comms Advisors in Barcelona as well as the Press Officers in Madrid.
• Produces written and communication materials for internal and external use such as Press releases, briefing papers, web stories and updates, reports, articles for MSF magazines, etc.
• When in the field, produces photo and audiovisual material for external use.
• Manages media requests related to the portfolio of missions, organizing for instance interviews and field visits.
• Supports and advice MSF teams in the field and HQ when dealing with media, for instance organizing media trainings and briefing spokespeople.
• Facilitates the internal/external information flow related to the specific projects
• Works closely with the Press Officers to ensure a wide dissemination of MSF messages to national and international audiences.
• Is available to leave as an Emergency Communication Officer when needed after proper Emergency training.
• Supports the Press Officers in the organization of press activities and campaigns related to her/his portfolio.
• Contributes to and assists with the development of media relations strategy, including responsibility for formulating a media relations plan.
• Coordinates with other MSF sections to share plans, strategies and activities
• Carries out briefings/ debriefings with international staff.
• Spends around 30% of his/her annual working time in the field. He/she will be spending part of his/her time also in Barcelona for a better integration within the comms team and HQ.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Training and Experience
• Degree in Journalism or media related
• At least, three years of professional journalistic and or communication experience, preferably in developing countries
• Fluent in English, French highly desirable, other languages appreciated (specially Arabic)
• Previous experience in the development/humanitarian sector an asset
• Field experience, preferably in emergency or crisis context
• Knowledge of photography and video highly desirable;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Social media knowledge a plus.
Others
• Availability to travel to unstable contexts with short notice and for periods of at least three weeks
COMPETENCEES
• Commitment to MSF’s Principles
• Cross-cultural Awareness
• Behavioural Flexibility
• Analytical Thinking
• Strategic Vision
• Results and Quality Orientation
• Service Orientation
• Initiative and Innovation
• Teamwork and Cooperation
POST CONDITIONS
• Position based in Nairobi in Mèdecins Sans Frontieres OCBA offices.
• Minimum commitment with the post of 3 years
• Full time job
• Annual gross salary: Level HQ 4A + secondary benefits based on the MSF OCBA Reward Policy
• Starting September 2015
HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants should send their curriculum vitae and cover motivation letter by August 11th, 2015under the reference “COMMUNICATIONS ADVISOR´´to:
MSFE-RRHH-NBO@barcelona.msf.org
Or
MSF SPAIN, East Africa Unit
P.O. Box 60204-00200
Mayfair center, 4th Floor
Ralph Bunche Rd.
Nairobi.
MSF will contact only short-listed candidates.