Médecins Sans Frontières, (MSF)
Médecins Sans Frontières is a private, non-profit international humanitarian organization dedicated to providing medical assistance to populations in crisis, without discrimination and regardless of race, religion, creed or political affiliation. In Malawi, MSF works in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the local community in integrated HIV/AIDS in Chiradzulu District and Cervical Cancer projects Blantyre districts.
MSFF is looking to recruit for its Coordination Office:
FIELD COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (FCO)
Workplace : Blantyre
Type of contract : 6 Months Fixed term contract with possible extension
Start date : January 2023
Main purpose of the position
Contributing to the implementation of operational communication strategy in the mission according to MSF standards. Aiming at building MSF visibility, acceptance, and leverage inside the country. Focusing on media alert, local media management and content diffusion.
Main responsibilities
In collaboration with the Communication Advisor and the Head of Mission, the Field Communication Officer set in place the Communication Strategic Framework (CSF) of MSF in the country.
Based on the objectives set in the CSF, the FCO identify communication opportunities, recommend Communication Initiative Frameworks (identifying context, objectives, messages, target audiences and tools) and conduct the communication initiatives.
The FCO establishes and maintains regular relations with key local media contacts. He/she maintain updated a contact list.
He/ she will handle local media requests and contact local media proactively to pitch MSF.
He/she organizes events for local media (Press conference, Press briefing, project visits…). Upon Head of Mission request, the FCO may act as a spokesperson for local media.
In case of need, the FCO can also be led to conduct these accountabilities towards regional or international media, in relation with MSF regional offices and the Communication Advisor.
The FCO monitors local media and flags significant articles, trends, news or reports of importance for MSF or on the context to Head(s) of Mission.
He/she keeps updated a strategic report 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.
The FCO actively diffuses MSF content in the country and among local media and is in touch with other MSF offices for regional and international diffusion.
The FCO produces or supervises the production of local communication tools and products (leaflets, brochures, posters, radio spots, articles, photos, videos) according to local strategy and budget and in accordance with MSF’s audiovisual quality and ethical standards.
In particular, he/she will help identify the right communications tools and will adapt/translate communications materials to targeted local audiences.
He/she will build up a network of freelancers (photographers, videographers, editors, graphic designers etc.) that can be hired for projects if needed.
He/she contributes to the training of MSF field staff to enable them to collect simple audiovisual content via their smartphones.
The FCO will help in promoting MSF external communications principles and material towards the national staff (Why does MSF communicate, what does MSF communicate about, how does MSF communicate) although it is his not his/her prime responsibilities.
The FCO will facilitate the Communication module in the context of the “Welcome to MSF training”.
When applicable the FCO will provide communication training for other staff.
The FCO will write monthly status reports on the communication activities for which he/she is responsible, the results and the objectives for the next period.
Requirements
Education:
Degree in Journalism, Communications, or any other related university degree
Experience:
Essential: previous working experience of at least four years in communications, journalism or public relations in the country, previous working experience in dealing with media in the country.
Desirable: Previous work experience with international NGOs, knowledge or previous experience in health sector including HIV, cervical cancer
Language:
Proficiency in English and Chichewa, written and spoken, is essential.
Knowledge:
Excellent writing skills
Thorough knowledge of media.
Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
Competences:
Excellent organizational skills.
Flexibility, ability to work in transverse with a team, ability to manage stress.
Strong team spirit and ability to work in a multicultural team
Autonomy, strong sense of initiative.
Good networking and media relations skills
How to apply
Documents to provide:
Cover letter, Updated CV, ID Copy and relevant certificates
Deadline for submission of application: 4th December 2022
Application should be submitted to: E-mail: msff-lilongwe-recruitment@paris.msf.org
With in subject: Field Communications Officer Full Name (Indicate only the position and full name in the subject line of the email)
NOTE: Please clearly indicate the POSITION TITLE AND YOUR FULL NAME on the application.
Letters, CVs and any documentation included in application package will not be returned.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. MSF is an equal opportunity employer: all applicants will be equally considered under the same criteria and expectations. MSF does not charge any application/recruitment or training fees: if ever you are requested to pay any amount to process your application or access employment with MSF, do not pay and please inform the MSF administration on email: msff-blantyre-recruitment@paris.msf.org as soon as possible.