OS01600
FIELD COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Level 7
Reports to (Hierarchical)
Field Communications Manager
Reports to (Functional)
Communications Advisor at HQ level
Job Family
Operations
Main Purpose
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.
Accountabilities
a) Media Management
- Under the supervision of the Field Communications Manager, the FCO establishes and maintains regular relations with key local media contacts (journalists, bloggers, photographers, and cameramen).
- 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…). The FCO may act as a spokesperson for local media, particularly in local languages not spoken by members of the field coordination team. b) Media Alert
- 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 and Field Communications Manager (FCM).
- He/she produces strategic reports on the local media landscape (key media, audience numbers, political affiliation, ownership, freedom of speech, use of social media) and regularly reports on new developments.
- He/she provides guidance on how to deal with local media at time of crisis. c) Content Diffusion
- The FC actively diffuses MSF content in the country in local languages and among local media. If judged applicable, he/ she uses social media (twitter, blogs, Facebook....) to promote this content. d) Content Production
- The FCO supervises the production of local communication tools and products (leaflets, brochures, posters, radio spots, articles, photos, videos) according to local strategy and budget.
- In particular, he/she will help identify the right communications tools and will adapt/translate communications materials to targeted local audiences. e) Internal Communication
- 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 communicates) although it is his not his/her prime responsibilities.
- He/ she will sensitize national staff about potential external communications risks.
- If need be he/ she can edit the production of internal communication tools (newsletter, etc.) under the supervision of the FCO.
- When applicable the FCO will provide communication training for other staff. f) Reporting
- The FCO will participate in communication data-collection and reporting as required
Education
Essential: degree in Journalism, Communications or related university degree.
Experience
Essential: previous working experience of at least two years in communications, journalism or public relations in the country. Essential: previous working experience in dealing with media in the country.
Language Level Description
B1 Independent User
Threshold or intermediate
- Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
- Can deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
- Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
- Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Technical Skills
This job doesn't have technical skills.
Transversal Competencies
Commitment to MSF’s Principles
Demonstrates loyalty, awareness and respect for MSF’s values
- Expresses his/her interest by talking/asking/giving informed opinions about MSF’s activities.
- Expresses he/she wants to work with MSF because of its principles and mission.
- Overtly expresses his/her satisfaction at belonging to MSF and defends MSF’s social mission.
- Refers to beneficiaries* when speaking about his/her own work.
- Always transmits a positive image of MSF in front of both colleagues and external people.
- Translates the principles of MSF into actions.
Behavioural Flexibility
Adapts behaviour to the needs of the situation
- Accepts decisions which are not completely in line with his/her personal opinions.
- Is flexible in applying and adapting procedures.
- Adapts his/her behaviour to the characteristics of the interlocutor and/or situation.
- Learns from problems and difficulties, becoming more competent at resolving similar situations in the future.
- Looks for adaptable solutions in order to achieve objectives.
- Reassesses priorities when circumstances change, focusing on objectives.
Stress Management
Understands other people’ s stress
- Has an understanding attitude towards other people’s mistakes and shortcomings.
- Gives calm and polite answers and repeats them patiently if necessary.
- Uses techniques or plans activities to manage his/her own stress.
- Responds and acts constructively in conflictive situations.
Results and Quality Orientation
Works towards objectives, preserving established standards
- Perseveres until the objectives of the job and the team have been met.
- Complies with the procedures, processes and rules set by MSF.
- Is aware that the purpose of his/her job is to meet the specified objectives.
- Is autonomous.
- Mobilizes resources.
- Analyses problems and constraints.
Teamwork and Cooperation
Shares information and coordinates with team and/or others
- Shares significant information in a timely manner and actively seeks the opinion of team members or others through empathetic communication.
- Allows others to question work/input if this leads to improvement.
- Coordinates with other team members to ensure that common objectives are achieved.
- Shows interest in and empathy with team members.