Country: Senegal
Closing date: 10 Oct 2016
JOB DESCRIPTION & APPLICATION PROCESS
REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR (RCC)
DAKAR, SENEGAL
based in Dakar, with frequent travels to West African countries and Sahel
Deadline for applications: 10 October 2016, 9am GMT
Line manager: Communications Coordinator (based in Geneva)
Reports to: Communications Coordinators Group
Salary & benefits: This is an MSF grade 12 level role; exact contract, salary and benefits package will depend on the candidate
Duration: Two years with possibility to extend, subject to probationary period
MSF in West Africa – background information
MSF is currently running medical and humanitarian activities in 12 countries in the West and Central Africa region[1]. The volume of MSF operations fluctuates in this region affected by regular major emergencies and structural medical challenges: conflicts in Nigeria, CAR, Mali and resulting refugee crises; high instability in the Sahel region with the presence of various armed groups (AQMI, Boko Haram); recurrence of epidemics (Ebola, measles, cholera) and underlying structural health issues (malaria, malnutrition).
Main purpose of the role:
The RCC position was created three years ago. He/she is the MSF regional focal point for media, responsible for generating a better understanding of MSF’s operations and raising awareness about humanitarian crises in the region. He/she acts as a regional coordinator and advisor for MSF sections on communication strategy, advocacy and, when needed, effective management of crisis communications. In case of an emergency, the RCC is the ‘first responder’, providing support to field communications teams in the region. He/she regularly supports the field communications managers and officers present in the region.
Key responsibilities:
Media management in West and Central Africa
- Serve as the MSF media focal point in the region. Build and maintain a well-functioning, strategic network with regional and international media and correspondents in Dakar and other West Africa media hubs (Abidjan, Accra, Abuja).
- Profile MSF’s work, projects, and concerns on humanitarian crises in the region among regional and international media and audiences. Advise on media opportunities and effective dissemination strategies to ensure MSF communication is covered by correspondents.
- Facilitate and organise press briefings for international and national press.
- Facilitate journalists’ field visits to MSF projects and pitch key issues/projects to journalists.
- Act as a spokesperson for MSF communication as needed.
- Be available to act as emergency press officer and crisis info focal point during emergencies/ crises/incidents in the region. Be able to deploy and provide strategic communication support during the first days of a new emergency or a crisis situation.
Strategise and coordinate MSF communication efforts in the region
Maintain an ‘early warning system’ on regional issues and news. Monitor major media and social media trends for specific locations and provide this analysis to MSF heads of mission and communication staff.
Coordinate the development of communications strategies in the region and support communications advisers/field staff in developing and driving intersectional strategies and agreements.
Liaise with MSF field communications managers and officers in the region to provide support and enhance coherence and output of MSF communications on specific issues and themes.
Provide communications advice on regional issues and advise the field on specific communications issues relevant for the region.
Flag communications opportunities and risks, including those that require reactive support.
Advise on public positioning in relation to key issues.
Network with communications officials of UN/other agencies and NGOs based in the region and analyse how other organisations communicate on key issues and provide insight into their public agendas.
Liaise with MSF advocacy representatives in the region to increase synergy between bilateral efforts and public communications initiatives in the region.
Represent MSF in regional representation forum (related to public communication) and relay MSF concerns and priorities.
Other tasks in support of communication in the region
- Facilitate the identification and recruitment of local cameramen and photographers based in the region.
- Manage the MSF West Africa twitter account and develop digital communications and social media strategies specifically tailored for the region.
- Provide information/data to the MSF communication network related to MSF operational projects and presence in the region.
- Coach MSF spokespeople and provide media training for any field staff dealing with media in the region.
- Fill gaps in emergency and non-emergency field communications positions in the region.
- Upon request, provide support for recruitment of field communications officers in the region.
- Upon request, provide training and coaching to field communication managers and officers in the region.
Place within the organisation/set-up:
The RCC is an intersectional position responsible for facilitating public communication for all MSF sections. He/she will report to one of the Communications Coordinators on behalf of MSF’s Communications Coordinators group. The RCC is hosted in MSF’s regional office in Dakar. The RCC is responsible for the management of the annual regional c**ommunications budget.**
Person Specification:
Essential
- At least five years of previous work experience in communications, journalism or public relations.
- Previous work experience in media management, content production, and coordinating communication strategies, particularly related to emergencies/crises.
- Experience working for MSF or other international NGOs in developing countries.
- Genuine interest in, understanding of, and commitment to the humanitarian principles, social mission, operations, and challenges of MSF.
- Excellent management and communication skills, outgoing personality, and good representation skills.
- Fluency (written and spoken) in English and French.
- Social media skills.
Desirable
- Degree in journalism, communications, humanitarian affairs, political science or related field.
- Solid knowledge and understanding of the principles of humanitarian action.
- Prior experience in MSF communications would be an advantage.
- Experience working in a strategic communications role in Africa.
- Fluency in local languages would be an advantage, but is not essential.
- Photo, video and multimedia skills.
[1] Mauritania, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Cost, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, CAR.
How to apply:
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, please send your CV and a letter of motivation by email to comms.pool@msf.org
Deadline for applications: 10 October 2016, 9am GMT
Please be sure to use the subject line ‘REGIONAL COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR’. All parts of your application should be submitted in a SINGLE FILE (Word or PDF). This will ensure that no part of your application is overlooked. Only complete applications will be considered.