MSF-OCBA is looking for a Field Communications Manager (temporary position based in Bamako) 140 views0 applications

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.

MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such MSF is by choice an association. Each individual working with MSF does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

The MSF movement is built around five operational directorates supported by MSF’s 21 sections, 24 associations and other offices together 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 decentralised in Nairobi, Dakar and Amman. The field operations are guided and supported by 5 Operational Cells, the Emergency Unit and other departments supporting operations, including the Communication Department.

MAIN PURPOSE

To define, implement, coordinate and supervise all operational communication activities according to MSF standards in the mission/ or during an emergency. The FCM aims at building MSF visibility, acceptance and leverage inside the mission country. For any large scale emergencies, an Emergency Field Communications Manager EFCM with the same responsibilities as the FCM may be sent to the mission.

ACCOUNTABILITY

· Under 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 organisation, improving awareness of its principles and work, 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 is able to act as a spokesperson to take interview pressure away from the field teams.

Media Management/ Alert

· The FCM maintains close contact with key local media and foreign correspondents.

· The FCM liaises with communications staff from other organisations and institutions, and will monitor and analyse the communication lines developed by actors of importance for MSF (authorities, armed groups, other NGOs…).

· The FCM facilitates international media visit to MSF projects and he/she organizes media events (Press conference, Press briefing…) 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 time of crisis, and will develop guidelines for dealing with such crises through in-country media.

Team Management

· The FCM manages, develops and supervises staff (Field Communication Officers) under his/her direct responsibility.

Content Production

· 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 contents (leaflets, brochures, posters, radio spots, articles, photos, videos.) according to strategy and budget.)

· The FCM helps producing international comms content by providing data, information, quotes, testimonies, pictures, videos and other means to the CA or the com person in charge of writing international comms contents at headquarter level.

· The FCM tracks and archives communications production on the country to build institutional memory.

Content Diffusion

· The FCM actively promotes the diffusion of MSF content in the country. Under the supervision of the Head(s) of Mission, the FCM identifies communications opportunities using MSF comms network production (from List_Press) or returning staff to pitch content on MSF activities in the country and other countries.

· When judged opportune and strategic, he/ she uses social media (twitter, blogs, Facebook….) to promote MSF contents and visibility.

Reporting

• The FCM produces regular reports on achieved results and future priorities.

Budget Management

• The FCM will produce a yearly communications budget meant to support identified and agreed com priorities. This budget will be submitted for approval to the Head of Mission(s) and coms department at HQ.

SELECTION CRITERIA

· Degree in Journalism, Communications, Humanitarian affairs, Political Sciences or related university degree.

· Languages skills; Proven high command of French is mandatory. High level of English will be considered.

· Previous working experience of at least 4 years in communications, journalism or public relations.

· Previous working experience in producing communications content production.

· Experience international NGOs in developing countries. Experience working in an international environment

POST CONDITIONS

· Position based in Mali, Bamako, in Médecins Sans Frontières OCBA office.

· Duration: from 9 to 12 months

· Full time job

· Annual gross salary: According to the proven experience and the MSF-OCBA salary grid (divided in 12 monthly payments) + secondary benefits based on the MSF OCBA Reward Policy

· Starting: Immediately

MSF is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. We are committed to achieving a balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

MSF provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo reference checks.