Communications Manager
About MSF USA | Doctors Without Borders
Communications Managers
Our communications managers draw attention to the areas where we work. They document the conditions in locations such as a camp for internally displaced people in the Democratic Republic of Congo and collect testimonies aboard MSF's lifeboats in the Mediterranean. Our communications staff play a crucial role in enabling MSF to witness injustices and human rights violations.
Responsibilities
As a communications manager working with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), you will help bring the world’s attention to the communities we work with and the medical humanitarian needs of the people we assist. To do so, you will develop and implement operational communication strategies and materials, while building MSF visibility and acceptance. You will identify communication opportunities and objectives that assist the project’s goal, construct relevant content, identify audiences and utilize effective communication tools.
You will convey MSF communications and advocacy messages to local and international audiences through relevant communications channels. You will help MSF’s project teams manage MSF communications and reputation with communities, patients, colleagues and other key stakeholders; maintain close contact with key local and foreign media; facilitate media visits to projects and act as a spokesperson; produce reports on the local media landscape; manage, develop and supervise locally hired colleagues.
Requirements
- Previous working experience of at least four years in communications or journalism
- One year of experience in lower-income countries and/or unstable contexts
- Previous working experience in producing communications content
- Experience with MSF or other international NGOs in lower-income countries
- Experience working in an international environment
- Social media knowledge and skills (including community management)
- Basic audiovisual skills (photo, video, editing)
- Fluent in English and French (MSF working languages)
- Self-driven with the ability to take initiative
- People management skills
- Commitment to MSF’s guiding principles and values
- A flexible approach
- Able to cope with high levels of stress/able to work in stressful environments
- Strong team player
- Negotiation skills and a diplomatic approach
- Ability to work within a diverse team
Assets
- Degree in journalism, communications, humanitarian affairs, political sciences, or related university degree.
Before you apply
As you consider applying to undertake an MSF assignment, it is essential that you have a well-informed and realistic personal reflection. Assignments often mean long hours with a heavy workload, basic living conditions, and working and living in often chaotic and volatile environments.
Security and Safety
Because Doctors Without Borders’ purpose is to bring medical assistance to people in distress, the work may occur in settings of active conflict, or in post-conflict environments, in which there are inherent risks, potential danger and ongoing threats to safety and security. MSF acknowledges that it is impossible to exclude all risks, but it does its utmost as an organization to mitigate and manage these risks through strict and comprehensive security protocols.
International staff will be fully informed of the risk associated with a potential assignment before accepting a particular posting. Working for MSF is a deeply personal choice; individuals must determine for themselves the level of risk and the circumstances in which they feel comfortable, based on a full and transparent understanding of the possibilities they may face. Once in the assignment, all MSF staff must strictly observe security rules and regulations; failure to do so may result in dismissal.
Terms of Employment
MSF staff are employees with a salary and benefits.
MSF encourages the completion of multiple assignments. There are many possibilities for professional growth within the organization, into the medical, non-medical and coordination streams.
Final Thoughts
As you consider applying to undertake an MSF assignment, is it essential that you have a well-informed and realistic personal reflection. Assignments often mean long hours with a heavy workload, basic living conditions, and working and living in often chaotic and volatile environments.
Despite such challenges, thousands of people have worked with MSF over the years and found their experiences on assignment to be deeply rewarding, even life-changing. More than anything else, being an MSF international worker means acting in solidarity with people facing unimaginable medical challenges. Your presence alongside people in times of need sends a profoundly meaningful and human message: “You are not forgotten.”
Equal Opportunity and Accommodations Statement:
MSF-USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences protected by applicable laws.
We seek a diversity of experience and skills for our workplace and encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our openings.
We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at recruitment@newyork.msf.org.
We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the Humanitarian Aid sector to apply.
Safeguarding Statement
All Employees and Representatives of MSF USA have a duty to treat the individuals, families, and communities with whom we interact and serve with dignity and respect, and to ensure their safety and protection. We are committed to fostering a workplace and organizational culture that is safe, inclusive, and free from harassment, abuse, exploitation, and discrimination. This commitment is supported by policies and procedures that promote an environment where misconduct and abuse are not tolerated.
Employment may be contingent upon satisfactory reference checks and/or background screening appropriate to the responsibilities of the role.