CONTEXT
MSF has been working in Mozambique since 1984. For 40 years, our teams have responded to medical and humanitarian emergencies countrywide, including HIV, TB (Tuberculosis), malnutrition, malaria, cholera, natural disasters, COVID-19 as well as people displaced from their homes due to conflicts. In Cabo Delgado province, we respond to emergencies and help to fill gaps in healthcare, often working alongside health authorities and other partners.
As the Intersectional Field Communication Manager (FCM) you define, implement, coordinate and supervise all operational communication activities according to MSF standards, with focus on the operations in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
You are based in Pemba (approximately 80%), and cover 6 MSF projects in Cabo Delgado, Beira and Nampula in liaison with the Heads of Mission (HoMs) of the different sections, Communications Advisors (CAs) and Field Communications Officer (FCO).
You also support and coordinate punctual activities and travels for meetings in Maputo on a need basis. Your objective is to increase the visibility of the organisation, improving awareness of its principles and work, while reinforcing information on MSF activities among communities and to support operational priorities as well as objectives.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategy Building
- Define the communications strategy under supervision of the HoMs and in cooperation with the CA’s
- Identify key cross cutting issues across MSF operations which are relevant to communications and advise on public positioning
- Develop crisis communication guidelines, incorporate local media strategies, and ensure readiness for emergencies
- Act as a spokesperson in high media pressure emergencies to divert interview pressure from the field teams
- Identify and/or monitor needs in communication/messages at MSF locations of intervention through comms surveys
Media Management/Alert
- Maintain close contact with foreign correspondents and work with the FCO to maintain a network of key national and local media
- Liaise with communications staff from other organisations and analyse the communication lines developed by key entities for MSF (authorities, armed groups, other NGOs, etc.)
- Facilitate international media visit to MSF projects and organize media events (Press conference, Press briefing, etc.) in collaboration with MSF international communication network and under the guidance of the CAs
- Brief spokespersons, assess key staff’s media training needs, and can organize communication workshops for both international and Local staff
- Play the role of a spokesperson when seen as opportune and necessary upon agreement with the operational lines
- Work with the FCO to produce strategic reports on the local media landscape and regularly report on new developments
- Provide guidance on how to deal with local media in times of crisis and will develop guidelines for dealing with such crisis through in-country media
People Management
- Manage and supervises the FCO under your direct responsibility
- Provides guidance and technical support to the OCG FCO, in liaison with the OCG CA
Content Production
- Advise on which communications tools to choose according to objective, message and audience agreed with operations
- Produce – and/or supervise the production of - local comms contents (leaflets, brochures, posters, radio spots, articles, photos, videos.) according to the strategy and budget
- Produce international comms content, alongside the FCO, by providing data, information, quotes, testimonies, pictures, videos, etc., as well as by preparing content packages as agreed with the relevant CA/CAs
- Identify opportunities for agile communications on social media about timely developments where MSF has an added value and produces social media content in collaboration with social media teams in relevant offices
- Track and archive all produced communications within the country of intervention to establish and maintain an institutional record for future reference
- Liaises and collaborates with regional and HQ comms staff to facilitate MSF initiatives relevant to the movement and the country
Content Diffusion
- Promote the diffusion of MSF content in the country of intervention
- Identify communications opportunities using MSF comms network production (from List Press or Yammer) or returning staff to pitch content on MSF activities in the country and other countries, under the supervision of of the HoMs
- When judged opportune and strategic, the FCM uses social media MSF accounts (twitter, blogs, Facebook....) to promote MSF contents and visibility
Reporting and briefings
- Produces regular reports on achieved results, changes in the communications environment, challenges and future priorities
- Brief the key international staff arriving to the missions on communications
- Work with all MSF sections in the country and ensure that all sections are aware of planned comms initiatives and key developments in the communications environment
Budget Management
- Produce a yearly communications budget meant to support identified and agreed communications priorities. This budget will be submitted for approval to the HoM(s) and Communication Department at HQ
REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
- Degree in Journalism, Communications, Humanitarian affairs, Political Sciences or related university degree desirable
- At least 4 years of professional experience in communication, journalism or public relations
- Previous professional experience in producing communications content
- Professional experience with MSF or other international NGOs in developing countries
- Experience working in an international environment is an asset
Competencies
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Demonstrated understanding of digital and social media
- Ability to develop, implement and evaluate communications strategies
- Proven skills in the development and implementation of communications products and tactics, including relations with the digital as well as media press
- Command of photo and video skills and of the Adobe Creative Suite are an asset
- Essential computer literacy (word, excel and digital media)
- Communicating in a credible and effective way
- Demonstrated diplomatic and negotiation skills; Tact and discretion
- Flexibility in a changing environment
- Result oriented, tenacity and positive attitude
- Ability to manage emergency and crisis communications situations
- Interest and motivation to work in a humanitarian organization, and particularly with MSF
Languages
- Fluency in English and Portuguese (written and spoken) essential
- Command of local languages is an asset
CONDITIONS
- Expected starting date: 15 July 2024
- Location: Pemba (Cabo Delgado Province – Mozambique)
- Mobility of approximately 20%
- Contract type: Fixed term contract – Full time
- Contract duration: 12 months
- Salary according to MSF-OCB Field salary grid
The contractual terms, conditions and salary will be established according to the contractual MSF entity based on the candidate’s residence and in respect of MSF standard function and salary grids
- No family position
- Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
- Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments
Deadline for applications: 17th of April 2024