Field Communication Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

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 production and diffusion.

Other tasks include, but are not limited to:
Media Management and Monitoring

• 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 etc). The FCO may act as a spokes-person for local media, particularly in local languages not spoken by members of the field coordination team.
• 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.

Content Production and Diffusion

• 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.
• The FCO 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 etc.) to promote this content.

Social Media Management

• The FCO is responsible for creating and administering content on MSF local social media platforms to build an audience and ensure community engagement. The FCO will also monitor site metrics and respond to comments.
• The FCO will organize and coordinate social media ambassador's refresher training in liaison with the FCM. He/She will also support with digital media assessments when needed. 

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 not his/her prime responsibility.
• 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 FCM.
• When applicable the FCO will provide communication training for other staff.

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.
• Experience working and traveling in Somalia and in-depth understanding of Somali culture, geography, and development issues is required

Language

• Strong written and verbal fluency in English and Somali languages is required.

Knowledge

• Excellent writing skills.
• Thorough knowledge of traditional media and good under-standing of social media.
• Good networking and media relations skills
• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet).
• Outgoing personality, good balance between initiative and working in a team.

Competencies

• Networking & Building Relationships
• Commitment to MSF Principles
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Results & Quality Orientation
• Behavioral Flexibility
• Analytical Thinking
• People Management & Development
• Cross Cultural Awareness