MSF Italy is recruiting a Director of Communication (Member of the Management Team) Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international independent medical humanitarian organization that provides aid to people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect, or catastrophe, primarily due to armed conflict, epidemics, malnutrition, exclusion from health care, or natural disasters. MSF provides independent, impartial assistance to those most in need. MSF reserves the right to speak out to bring attention to neglected crises, to challenge inadequacies or abuse of the aid system, and to advocate for improved medical treatments and protocols. The MSF movement is built around five operational directorates supported by 23 sections and offices worldwide. The MSF-Italy Rome office seeks a Director of Communication to manage and conduct the Communication Department. Hierarchical and functional position Reporting to MSF-Italy General Director, s/he is a member of the Management Team of MSF Italy, He/She is responsible for the development and implementation of the Communication Strategy of MSF Main Tasks and Responsibilities: Media Directs the strategic planning for, and collaborates in the implementation of media activities Fields, directs and selects responses to media-related inquiries. Reviews media requests and has final authority on selection of appropriate venues, specific opportunities and who is the best MSF representative for a particular message and/or outlet.
Develops contacts and relationships with domestic and international media Develops ideas and opportunities for feature articles, interviews, presentations, and other public relations activities that promote awareness of MSF, its field work and advocacy efforts. Has the responsibility of the correct perception of MSF values and overall image on Italian audience Communications Support to Field Operations and Advocacy Collaborates closely with the General Direction to design and carry out communications strategies and activities aimed at garnering public understanding on the Italian public of MSF s field activities, operational concerns and advocacy messages. Participates in defining communication strategies and policies for Italian projects that are under the management of the MSF-OCB decentralized desk Cell2, according to the Terms of references undersigned by MSF Italy and MSF OCB operations Oversees the organization of public conferences and speaking events that present MSF s field activities, explain MSF s medical-humanitarian values and principles and support field operations and Access Campaign advocacy messages, if required. Ensures a coherent and consistent to the MSF principles and operational priorities image and messages are communicated to the Italian public Web/social media Directs the strategic planning for, and collaborates in the implementation of web activities that target Italian audiences with messages that bear witness to MSF field activities and support our advocacy messages. Directs and oversees the implementation of new multimedia tools, social networking applications and all the contents published on the MSF Italy web site in accordance with the communication strategies and the identified messages. Directs and oversees architecture, implementation, visual design and functionality of the MSF Italy website
Events Directs and oversees the strategic planning, including the development of themes and selecting target audiences in Italy, for speaking events and/or special exhibits that bear witness to MSF field activities and support MSF s advocacy messages. Directs the elaboration and overseeing responsibility of main Public Communication campaigns, in accordance to the main directions and specific objectives set for MSF Italy Publications Plans, coordinates and directs editorial activities and workers engaged in selecting and preparing material for print and electronic publication in MSF newsletters, annual reports, our website and related publications. Reviews quality of final print or electronic product before release. Departmental Management Leads team in defining implementation strategies for annual goals and objectives and leads, evaluates, and manages communications staff. Holds regular departmental meetings to coordinate activities and exchange information, to gather input for MT agenda, and to report to the team regarding MT and the Board of Director decisions, and to provide ongoing support and problem resolution. Prepares and administers department budget. MSF Italy Management Participates in developing and carrying out organization-wide goals and objectives, formulating and administering organizational policies, and in making decisions with an organization-wide impact as a member of the MSF Italy Management Team.
Interdepartmental Coordination Explores opportunities and advises on communications needs of other departments, especially Fundraising, the General Direction, Operational Cell and Field HR. Works closely and continuously with Fundraising personnel to coordinate communications activities that support promotional and fundraising activities. Reviews publications produced by other departments, Works with Field HR to coordinate outreach activities and develop communication tools that support the goal of recruiting qualified field personnel. MSF International network Participates in formulating communication strategies and carrying out communications activities to increase awareness of MSF s activities and concerns, expertise and values through the media, speaking events, internal publications, via intensive contacts with other MSF sections, the field teams and via representation on the OCB and International Directors of Communication Platforms and is available for International communication field assignments in major emergencies. Profile and Qualifications University degree or equivalent At least 5 years experience in a communication role Cross functional skills in the following areas of communication: journalism, digital, advertising, events and promotion techniques. Leadership and management skills Fluent in Italian and English, written, spoken and read Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, public speaking included Ability to write speeches and articles that establish the message and correct tone for the organization, and to edit others written materials accordingly
Organisational and project management skills Stress and conflict management Availability to frequent travelling in Italy and Europe, occasionally to the field Genuine interest in and commitment to the humanitarian principles of MSF Sensitisation campaigns and media activism Furthermore: A previous MSF experience constitutes a plus A previous MSF field experience, or an experience in communication on humanitarian issues, constitutes a plus Conditions Full-time - Fixed term contract 5 years - contract level Dirigente Based in the MSF Italy Rome office. Applications containing a detailed motivation letter and CV should be submitted at selezioni.sede@rome.msf.org (subject Director of communication) together with the authorization of management of personal data (D.Lgs 196/2003). The application deadline is November 21, 2014 Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Applicants not invited for interview within 4 weeks may consider their applications unsuccessful.