Communications Officer - MSF Johannesburg

The Communications Officer is part of MSF SA’s communications department in Johannesburg and is responsible for raising awareness about MSF and its work among target audiences by generating regular and positive coverage in South African media.
This means cultivating and maintaining close relationships with South African journalists, identifying and pitching stories about MSF’s work in different contexts and the production and dissemination of a range of communications materials for websites, publications and broadcast.

Given the role of South Africa as an international media hub in the African continent, the Communications Officer will also be expected to liaise with media in support of specific MSF messages.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Media liaison work:

- Actively build and maintain relations with leading South African journalists covering issues relevant to MSF (health, Africa, international affairs etc.)
- Relay MSF press releases, organise interviews with spokespersons and identify angles that are relevant to the South Africa media
- Pro-actively identify and pitch stories to South Africa media about MSF’s work, while proposing and coordinating visits of South African media to MSF’s international field projects
- Link South African MSF field workers, with relevant local and national media for the purpose of briefings
- Coordinate media and communications around conferences and events in South Africa
- Provide support to MSF initiatives in MSF’s communications and advocacy efforts targeting international media correspondents in Johannesburg
- Monitor and file media coverage of MSF and other relevant issues in South African media
- Working closely with MSF SA Head of Communications and Operational Communications Advisor/s to ensure synergy of communications plans and strategies in South Africa

Production of materials and providing training, briefings:

- Identify and develop communications materials: background documents, interviews, articles for MSF publications, blog entries, audio pieces, press releases and others
- Facilitate and produce multimedia material from projects in Southern Africa when requested
- Provide media training to key staff in the MSF SA office
- Organise press conferences, off-the-record briefings
- Assist emergency communication requests when needed

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

- An advanced university degree in Communication or Journalism
- Professional work experience in the communications area combined with a university degree in a related field, such as International Relations, Public Health, New Media
- 4-5 years work experience as a public information officer internationally, or 4-5 years working in national or international media industry (previous experience working in broadcast media is advantageous)
- Proven skills in effectively managing relationships with media and stakeholders
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Experience in creating, editing and managing multimedia content
- Knowledge of public health and humanitarian action
- Excellent command of English (spoken and written) is essential. French, or other languages (Spanish, Arabic) is advantageous
- Willingness to work outside of normal working hours and an ability to travel at short notice to potentially stressful environments
- Computer literacy and social media tool proficiency

How to apply

Please forward a detailed CV together with a letter of motivation explaining why you are interested in the position, what pertinent experience you have, and finally, how you would approach the key objectives of this position (700 word limit).

Please mark your application “Comms Officer MSF SA” for attention Borrie La Grange and send to borrie.lagrange@joburg.msf.org. Closing date: 29 March 2011 at 16:00.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information and any queries email borrie.lagrange@joburg.msf.org