Strategic Communications Advisor

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) OCG Office, is looking for a: Strategic Communications Advisor / Based in Amman, Jordan

Applying for MSF

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent, neutral, impartial humanitarian organisation that provides medical assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. MSF assistance to people is based solely on their needs, irrespective of race, religion, gender, or political affiliation.

MSF is committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports its employees’ diverse voices. Individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, ability status, and other diversity characteristics are encouraged to apply.

Context

At the heart of the Department of Operations of the MSF Geneva Operational Center (OCG), the “Cell” 5 (located in Amman, Jordan) is made up of a multidisciplinary team of 9 people (Programme Responsible, Deputy Programme Responsible, Medical Polyvalent Responsible, HR Operational Partner, Operations Logistics Referent, Supply Referent, Finance Controller, Strategic Communications Advisor (SCA), Cell Executive Assistant).

The Cells are the direct interface from headquarters to the field. Each member is in charge of a specific component under the supervision (functional link) of a (Cell) Programme Responsible, with a hierarchical link with the coordinator of the corresponding service (Head of Operational Communications).

As part of the Communications and Fundraising Department based in Geneva/Dakar/Amman, the SCA position is one of the six public positioning referents to provide strategic advice, coordination and execution from a public positioning perspective including visibility and local communications.

The SCA is the referent and the first responder for a portfolio of countries and/or topics for all public positioning and communications matter (internal/external).

They initiate, develop and drive validation on PR strategies for OCG countries and topics, developing compelling messaging for public audiences as well as media plan and partnerships in line with “Telling It as It is” vision.

Under the leadership of the relevant Operational Program Managers and in collaboration with the relevant Advocacy Advisor, they have a senior role to play in providing their analysis, contributing inputs about positioning, advices on tactics as well as identifying messages and powerful tools for a portfolio of countries and themes. Positioning discussion should happen in triangular mode between Operational Programme Manager, SCA and Advocacy Advisor and with other inputs when relevant.

They validate a regular flow of information on MSF response to humanitarian crisis, both within OCG, the movement and externally, and liaises with international media, in partnership with the existing units in the department of operations and the department of communications and fundraising, with the 5 other OCs, the new entities and the hubs.

They go to the field to cover MSF emergency response, particularly but not only for the countries in their portfolio, and act as a sparring and strategic partner of our programme managers, heads of mission and field coms staff.

Objectives of the position & scope of responsibilities

Main activities:

• Under the leadership of the relevant Operational Program Managers and in collaboration with the relevant Advocacy Advisor, initiates, takes part in and contributes with strategic advice to positioning discussions on context and issues by providing his/her analysis, relevant inputs, guidance on tactics…
• Proposes and drives implementation of plans for public position and communications, engagement strategies, messaging and tools in order to communicate MSF mission and activities in consultation with the Program Managers, Heads of Mission and field communications staff.
• Gathers, develops, and checks the accuracy of information with thorough research into accessible narratives.
• Has “a nose for news” seeking to find ways to tell the story and impact through engaging articles, video scripts/narration, social media posts/plans and make decisions regarding content and offering solutions.

Main responsibilities:

1. Public Positioning referent
2. Be a first responder in case of Emergencies and Crisis Communications
3. Field Communications Management/support and Capacity building

Requirements

Education:

• University Master in a relevant discipline such as political science, international relations, journalism, communication management or public relations

Experience:

• 5-8 years’ work experience in journalism and/or communications, and/or content generation (inside or outside of MSF) in the humanitarian sector, and/or MSF ops experience
• Excellent public communications skills and sound knowledge of the media environment
• Proven capacity to work in stressful environment and to tight deadlines
• A year of MSF and/or field experience a strong asset
• An understanding of humanitarian interventions, their principles and ethics
• Track record of developing successful communications

Professional competences:

• Solid understanding of dilemmas associated with humanitarian assistance
• Strong knowledge of crisis communications and public relations skills
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills including ability to accurately synthesize complex and sensitive material to produce content for publication
• Demonstrated understanding of how media works at national, local and international level
• Ability to deliver multiple simultaneous projects

Languages:

• Highly effective oral and written communication skills in English
• Ability to understand oral and spoken French is a strong asset
• Knowledge of a local language (Arabic is an asset)

Personal abilities and qualities:

• Available to travel to the field with very short notice for a cumulative minimum of eight weeks per year
• Aligns with the core values of MSF
• A sense of humour
• Demonstrates behaviours in ways of working: Articulate, creative, strive for impact, listen deeply, collaborate openly, innovate fearlessly, tenacious.

Contract

• Full-time position 100%
• Open-ended Jordanian contract, commitment to 3-years term, renewable once and maximum 6 years assignment (mandated position)
• Position based in Amman, with regular visits to the field (15% minimum of the time in the field)
• Ideal start date: ASAP
• Gross monthly salary: JOD 3’000 (+ seniority in MSF) according to the internal regulations and salary grid of MSF in Amman
• Relocation package for staff recruited from abroad

The closing date for applications is 11th of October 2023. The applications will be treated confidentially. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

How to apply

Application

If you recognize yourself in this profile, we welcome you to send your resume (CV, 2 pages max) and a cover letter (1 page max) in English to: : https://msfamman.recruitee.com/o/strategic-communications-advisor