Operational Contexts

MSF has been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1977. We run some of our largest programmes in the country, working in 17 of 26 provinces. We respond to disease outbreaks, the health and humanitarian consequences of conflict and displacement, and specific medical issues, including HIV/AIDS. In 2018 the budget for MSF’s activities in DRC exceeded €100 million.

Communicating about our work, the people we assist and the crises we witness is a core element of MSF’s identity. Considering the high volume of activities we undertake in DRC, and to reflect that work in a transparent and accountable way, we have reviewed the setup of the communication team in the country.

As a result, we have completely overhauled the way we organise the field communications team in DRC and created a new position: the Field Communications Coordinator (FCC) will manage a team of communication professionals based in several places in DRC and ensure that operational teams have the support they need regarding communications. The role is also responsible for providing streamlined communication materials and messages to the MSF movement.

The new Communications team will be under the responsibility of the MSF International representation office (BALI) which is the primary interlocutor towards all national-level authorities, civil society and international stakeholders, including the diplomatic corps and soon towards the Congolese public and media. The FCC will be in direct contact with Heads of Missions (HoMs) and Emergency Coordinators of the different MSF sections across the country, working closely with them to define comms priorities and messages.

Some of the key initial tasks for this new position will be to undertake a communications needs assessment with each of the five MSF Operational Centres present in DRC; set up the new Communications Bureau; and define the ways of working and the processes between the various stakeholders involved.

Main objectives

The FCC will oversee all communication initiatives about DRC, manage the DRC communications team (up to 7 national and international staff based around the country) and lead this team in defining and ensuring relevance, quality and coherence in the communications initiatives undertaken.

The FCC will guide and drive national and international communication initiatives from the field, raising awareness of medical and humanitarian issues affecting people we assist across the country.

The FCC coordinates with the Heads of Missions (HoMs) and BALI to identify key communications priorities and messaging, and how to best allocate resources and budget to match those priorities for the Operational Centers in the country.

Place within the organisation

The FCC liaises closely with other MSF communications staff across the movement. The FCC reports to the BALI representative, has strong functional links with the Head of Missions in the country and receives support from the DRC Communications Advisors based in respective headquarters of Operational Centres through the assigned focal point.

Main responsibilities

1/ Strategy, lead and coordination of MSF communications efforts in DRC

In collaboration with the HoMs, the FCC leads the definition of the communications strategy for the missions, advises on public positioning, and remains responsive to emergencies and crisis communication needs.

The FCC ensures that an ‘early warning system’ on national issues and news is in place, that major media/social media trends are monitored and analysed, and that this information is shared with the Head(s) of Missions, medical coordinators, humanitarian affairs officers, and other communications staff in the country and headquarters.

The FCC produces, disseminates and implements the annual Country Communications Framework (CCF – the country-wide communication strategy/guidance on priorities), and develops and drives ad hoc strategies in collaboration with field communications team:

– Ensures coherent planning for MSF communications initiatives to maximise interest and impact at national and international level;

– Identifies communication opportunities and risks, and suggests an appropriate course of action;

– Advises headquarters, HoMs and BALI on public positioning in support of national advocacy efforts;

– Networks with communications officials from a variety of stakeholders including national and international NGOs, Ministry of Health, UN, or others based in the country;

– Provides analysis on how other national/international/faith-based, NGOs/civil society organisations publicly position themselves on key issues and provides insight into their public agendas;

– If required, the FCC can act as an MSF representative in national forums or spokesperson for the media.

2/ Content production

The FCC is responsible for the quality and validation of written/AV content produced and published by their DRC team and will determine with desks, CAs, HoMs and Medical Coordinators from each Operational Centre the best way for quick validation of communications initiatives.

The FCC is ultimately responsible for the management of dedicated social media channels and ensures the application of MSF social media guidelines for all staff.

They ensure that timely information/data/updates on MSF’s operational projects and presence in the region are produced and shared to the wider MSF communications network.

3/ Management and reporting

The FCC attends the intersectional HoMs platform meetings and, when possible and relevant, attends regular coordination meetings held by the MSF Operational Centres present in the country.

He/she manages the communications team and provides them with technical support through regular project visits, ensuring consistency in the way the team works and promoting collective learning. The FCC sets the team members’ objectives and evaluates their work on at least a yearly basis or at the end of their mission.

The role is responsible for the production of a monthly report on the activities carried out by the field communications team, reflecting on the results of the previous month and adapting the objectives for the month to come.

The FCC is responsible for flagging potential gaps in communications resources, leads recruitment at country level, and establishes development plans for field communication staff.

He/she manages the workload and priorities for their team and establishes a weekly communications activities plan (division of tasks), to be shared with the Head(s) of Mission and Communications Advisors from the Operational Centres.

4/ Budget

The FCC is responsible for establishing, presenting and updating the country’s communications budget.

They manage and allocate the communications budget at country level according to identified priorities.

They coordinate with the Financial Coordinators that the budget is reflected in individual missions budgets or in the BALI budget.

Experience required: At least 5 years’ professional experience in communications, journalism or public relations

Experience managing a communications team

Experience identifying priorities and defining, implementing and reviewing a communications strategy (including during emergencies/crises and coordinating content production)

Experience with media management

Proven experience working with social media and developing and implementing digital communication strategies

Field experience with MSF or with another organisation.

Languages:  Excellent command of French (native or functioning at that level), excellent command of written and spoken English, regional language(s) an asset

Skills and aptitudes: Strategic thinking, leadership, capacity to work autonomously, strong people management and coaching skills, planning & organizing, teamwork & cooperation, excellent communication skills, outgoing personality and good representation skills, a demonstrable interest in the region and in humanitarian issues.

Expected starting date: Dec 1^st 2019