Communications Officer

We speak out publicly against human rights violations and injustice. Communications Officers in our projects play a crucial role in this work: for example, they document conditions in makeshift settlements for displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) or collect eyewitness accounts on our rescue boats in the Mediterranean.

The scope of this exciting and diverse position in support of medical activities includes all or some of the following tasks:

• Handling inquiries from local media and proactively engaging these media outlets on issues relevant to Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
• Coordinating our communication on the ground in local languages and media
• Maintaining close contact with key local media and organizing events (press conferences, press briefings, etc.)
• Monitoring local media and reporting on MSF-relevant articles, trends, news, or broadcasts
• Producing strategic reports on the local media landscape (key media outlets, audiences, political affiliation, ownership structures, freedom of expression, use of social media, etc.)
• Acting as a spokesperson in emergencies to reduce intense media pressure
• Overseeing and editing the production of local communication tools and materials (flyers, brochures, posters, radio segments, articles, photos, videos)
• Raising awareness within the project team about external communications and how to maintain MSF’s reputation with patients, staff, and other key stakeholders
• Depending on the assignment and needs, the scope of responsibilities may be adjusted throughout each project

You will not face these challenges alone. Other MSF staff—both internationally and locally recruited—will support you with professional expertise, including comprehensive guidelines and protocols.

• University degree in journalism, communications, humanitarian affairs, political science, or a related field
• At least 4 years of international professional experience in communications, journalism, or public relations
• At least 1 year of work experience in developing countries or unstable contexts
• Social media skills: community management and identifying networks
• Proven expertise in audiovisual media: developing and producing communication tools
• IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Native-level English or proven experience in writing/editing English texts; knowledge of another language (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic)
• Minimum availability of 6 months
• Strong alignment with the social mission and values of Médecins Sans Frontières
• Strong negotiation and diplomatic skills
• Willingness to work in any country of assignment, including insecure contexts
• Adaptability and willingness to work in a multicultural team
• High level of flexibility and stress resilience
• Proactive and solution-oriented approach
• Ability to train others