Re-advertised

 

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, humanitarian, non-governmental organisation providing assistance to people in need as a result of natural and man-made disasters, irrespective of race, religion, ideology, or politics.

We are seeking to employ a candidate for the following position:

Female – Field Communications Officer

مسؤولة إعلام وتواصل ميداني

Place of work: Erbil Governorate, regular field visits to other locations will be required. Deadline for application: 25/03/2025

 

 

Main purpose of the job:

Contributing to the implementation of MSF’s operational communication strategy in Iraq according to the MSF communications standards. Aiming at: a) building MSF’s visibility, acceptance, and leverage inside and outside the country b) sensitizing on urgent medical/humanitarian needs of the populations that MSF serves in Iraq c) raising awareness about medical/humanitarian issues in Iraq and in areas of MSF’s operations. Design and posting mission communications of the mission and monitoring social me-dia.

 

Accountabilities:

1. a) Media Management

• Under the supervision of the Field Communications Manager (FCM), the FCO establishes and maintains regular relations with key Iraqi media contacts (journalists, bloggers, photographers, and cameramen), with specific focus on MSF’s regions of operations in Iraq.
• He/ she will handle all media requests to MSF in Iraq and will contact media proactively to pitch MSF’s messages and contents.
• He/she organizes events for local media (Press conferences, Press briefings…).
• Provide briefings for MSF spokespeople ahead of interviews or any interaction with media.
• The FCO may act as a spokesperson for media, particularly in local languages not spoken by members of the field coordination team.

1. b) Media Alert

• 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).
• The FCO produces the MSF Iraq Media Review update on regular bases as assigned by FCM and according to the required frequency.
• He/she produces strategic reports on the local media landscape (key media, audience numbers, political affiliation, ownership, freedom of speech) and regularly reports on new developments.
• He/she monitors local media for any mentions of MSF and MSF activities and report to FCM.
• He/she provides guidance to operational teams on how to deal with local media at time of crisis and support PCs while dealing with media.

1. c) Content Diffusion

– The FCO actively diffuses MSF content in the country in local languages and among local media. And works jointly with the social media Officer on promoting these contents on MSF’s social media accounts and on collaborating with local influencers for enhanced reach.

1. d) Content Production

• The FCO can be in charge of the production of communication tools and products (press releases, articles, videos, photos, leaflets, brochures, posters, radio spots, etc.) according to the country communications strategy and budget.
• He/she helps identify the right communications tools and adapts/translates communications materials to targeted local audiences.

1. e) Internal Communication

• The FCO helps briefs MSF staff present in Iraq about MSF’s communications activities in the country.
• He/ she helps the FCM on sensitizing MSF staff about potential external communications risks.
• When applicable the FCO provides communication training for other staff.

1. f) Reporting

• The FCO participates in communication data-collection and reporting as required.
• The FCO train media ambassadors to collection relevant information, data and photos from the projects as required.

1. g) Monitoring

He/she is expected to be responsive during times of high need for monitoring certain topics on media and timely reporting to the FCM and/or MSF Head of missions as assigned by FCM. Under the supervision of the FCM, the FCO will coordinate with social media Officer to monitor updates on media outlets as well as on social media platforms.

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Specific requirements for the role:

 

Status:	–  Applicants in government employment or with other ministries will not be eligible unless they have a valid five-year unpaid leave.
Resume:	–  Highlight your experience in media management, content production, communications, monitoring management, and reporting, specifying your roles and responsibilities. –  Showcase your leadership and management, technical skills, and other relevant skills to demonstrate how your experience aligns with the job requirements.
Education:	–  Essential: degree in Journalism, Communications, and related university degree.
Experience:	–  Essential: previous working experience of at least 2 years in communications, journalism, or public relations in the country. –  Essential: previous working experience in dealing with media in the country. –  Desirable: Experience in MSF or other NGOs in developing countries.
Languages:	–  Essential: Proficiency in English is mandatory, proficiency in one of the local languages (Arabic, Kurdish) is a plus, proficiency in English and both local languages are a strong asset.
Knowledge:	–  Essential: 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) –  Good balance between working independently and autonomously and working in a team

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 What we offer:

 

• Legal contract and pay in accordance with MSF Salary Grid. (Level 06)
• The chance to gain professional development and to develop (career path, training, etc.) within the organisation.
• The opportunity to contribute to our objective of saving lives, alleviating suffering, and working with those most in need.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their complete application file (Updated 2 pages CV + motivation letter+ Certifications & Diploma + ID Card + References), Only applications with complete documentation will be considered.

 

By email to MSFCH-Erbil-Recruitment@geneva.msf.org

 

Please indicate “ERL- FCO” in the e-mail title.

We recommend all applicants to write a cover letter introducing yourself, explaining why you are applying for the position, and highlighting why you believe you are suitable for the role. Ensure that your Resume clearly showcases your experience in HR, including specific roles and responsibilities. It is important to demonstrate your administrative skills, understanding of HR policies and procedures, and any experience in recruitment or personnel management. This will help us assess your suitability for the role and understand how your skills align with the job requirements.

 

 

Only English CVs are considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. (Please make sure your email and phone number are updated)

Your application will not be returned to you at any stage of the recruitment process.

Female Candidates are encouraged to apply.

Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications may be screened prior to the vacancy deadline.

 

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your data will be treated confidentially. Only people part of the recruitment process has access to your data. MSF does not sell your data under any circumstances. If you have any questions or requests, you can contact msfch-erbil-recruitment@geneva.msf.org.