Strategic Communications Advisor Emergencies

Strategic Communications Advisor for Emergencies

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Join MSF OCG as a Strategic Communications Advisor for Emergencies!

We are looking for passionate candidates ready to contribute to our humanitarian mission.

Below, you will find the job details and the qualifications we are looking for.

Inclusivity and Diversity at MSF

Do your qualifications and experience not exactly match all requirements of the job?

At MSF OCG, we are committed to an inclusive culture that supports and amplifies the diverse voices of our staff members. We strive to create workplaces where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together to advance MSF's social mission and create better outcomes for our patients and the communities we work with.

We understand that some people may hesitate to apply for employment if they don't meet all listed job requirements. Research shows that this is especially true for women. If you believe your profile is a good match for this position, we invite you to apply even if you don’t fulfil every listed qualification.

We encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, background, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.

MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment. All selected candidates will undergo reference checks.

Context & mission

Based in Geneva within the Communications and Fundraising Department, the Strategic Communication Advisor (SCA) is one of six public positioning focal points, providing strategic advice, coordination, and implementation from a public positioning perspective—at local, regional, and global levels—during emergencies and crises.

The SCA acts as the main referent and first point of contact for public positioning and communications (internal and external) for a portfolio of countries and/or themes, within either the emergency cell or a regular operational cell.

The SCA leads on public relations strategies for OCG countries and themes, developing compelling messaging for public audiences as well as media strategies and partnerships, in line with MSF’s Telling It as It Is vision.

Under the leadership of the Program Manager (PM) and in close collaboration with the Advocacy Advisor, the SCA plays a senior role in providing analysis, positioning inputs, and strategic advice on communications approaches. Positioning discussions primarily take place between the PM, SCA, and Advocacy Advisor, with additional contributions from other functions as relevant.

The SCA ensures the timely validation and dissemination of information on MSF’s humanitarian responses, both internally within the Movement and externally. They liaise with international media in partnership with relevant units in Operations and Communications and Fundraising, as well as with other operational cells and hubs.

The SCA undertakes field visits to cover MSF emergency responses in assigned countries and acts as a strategic sparring partner to Program Managers, Heads of Mission, and field communications staff.

The emergency cell is a multidisciplinary team composed of a Program Manager, Deputy Program Manager, Medical Program Manager, and specialists in Human Resources, Finance, Logistics and Supply, as well as an Emergency Strategic Communication Advisor.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Under the leadership of the relevant Program Managers and in close collaboration with the Advocacy Advisor, initiate, develop, advise on, and drive timely operational communications strategies and tactics.
• Define, propose, and lead the implementation of public positioning and communications plans, engagement strategies (local, regional, and global), key messages, and tools from an emergency perspective, in consultation with Program Managers, Heads of Mission, and field communications staff, to maximize impact.
• Gather, develop, and verify accurate information…