Head of Communications

Place within the organisation:

• Reporting to the Head of the MENA Hub in Lebanon.

• Supervises and manages the Beirut/Cairo Communications Hub.

• Works in close collaboration with MSF missions and regional communications staff including MSF branch office in Dubai (UAE) and MSF communications hub in Amman.

 OBJECTIVES

• To lead, supervise and support the Communication Team based in Beirut and Cairo.

• To design and lead strategies aimed at  profiling MSF in the region, with the objective of increasing visibility and building credibility of MSF as an international , independent,  medical humanitarian organization.

• To oversee institutional communication efforts and to contribute toward the development of initiatives that help advocate on behalf of populations and patients in the region. 

• To work closely with the Head of Field HR in designing communication strategies aimed at boosting recruitment efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES & TASKS

Responsible for

• Establishing and maintaining MSF’s brand and identity in Lebanon in close collaboration with operational communication colleagues, recruitment teams and other internal stakeholders.

• Inspiring an adapted and locally produced communication approach in the region that takes into account adapted tone, tools, messages and vocabulary.

• Oversee the development of an overall communication strategy that highlights MSF regional and international activities and messages, as well as institutional objectives with a focus on recruitment.

• Making sure the Communications team understands the link between daily activities and overall strategies.

• The well-functioning and efficiency of the communication team.

• In collaboration with the operational communication colleagues in the region and headquarters, ensure adapted and efficient support is provided to MSF operations in the region.

Tasks

• Follow communications issues within the MSF movement by actively participating in international meetings, initiating and participating in discussions on communications and MSF messages.

• Provide input and strategic advice on MSF communications initiatives in and about the MENA region.

• Design, develop and oversee the implementation of a communications strategy aimed at raising the visibility and understanding of MSF in and from Lebanon.

• Ensure Communication activities are in line with institutional priorities of the MENA Hub in Lebanon.

• Identify opportunities for communicating on MSF activities beyond the region within Egypt and Lebanon.

• Act as a spokesperson for MSF in the media.

• In collaboration with MSF missions in Lebanon, develop and implement institutional public profiling campaigns in Lebanon in order to raise awareness of specific issues and to raise the profile of MSF as an organisation.

• Oversee the cultivation of a regional talent pool/network

• Feed operations with insights and analysis on MSF positioning in the MENA region

• Ensure MSF’s communications strategy responds to the main trends and innovations in digital communications technology.

• Oversee editorial process to ensure the accuracy and quality of external content, including the drafting of materials for external audiences such as opinion editorial articles, position papers, recruitment campaigns, for national print and online media, on-line social media, MSF and other publications.

• Oversee all department requirements in terms of human and financial resource management.

REQUIREMENTS

Essential

• 3 to 5 years’ work experience

• Fluent in Arabic (both spoken and written)

• Senior experience in media management & willingness to act as a spokesperson on complex and challenging medical humanitarian issues

• Experience in journalism, communications or public relations

• Knowledge of communications theory and best practice

• Experience and knowledge of development, implementation and management of digital strategy and tools 

• Excellent writing and communication skills

• Ability to work independently and report relevant information clearly and concisely

• Diplomatic and patient nature

• Flexibility to travel

• Analytical skills

• Strong networking ability

• Experience of working in the Middle East