Communications Director

Leger Uten Grenser, the Norwegian section of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), is hiring a new Communication Director who will contribute to the overall development of MSF Norway, lead the communication team, and work closely with colleagues across the MSF movement.
He or she takes charge of the visibility of MSF's principles, actions and concerns towards the Norwegian public. He or she also works closely with other departments in order to make communication activities support their aims. We are hoping to find someone who has a track record in non-profit communication management, is an experienced team leader, is fluent in Norwegian and English, and strongly identifies with the principles and values of MSF. The position reports to the General Director of MSF Norway.

The communication department of MSF Norway strives to: 
Ensure that MSF is seen as a reliable source of information on medical and humanitarian realities in contexts where our teams provide assistance;
Raise awareness for the plight of populations that our teams assist;
Communicate consistently about the activities of MSF`s medical and humanitarian teams in over sixty countries;
Communicate MSF's concerns regarding obstructions to delivery of assistance and large-scale abuse of the populations our teams seek to assist;
Guarantee a high level of understanding, especially among Norwegian decision makers and people of influence, regarding the principles that underpin humanitarian assistance;
Keep track of perception and understanding of MSF and its principles within the Norwegian public;
Engage in diplomatic efforts to address MSF concerns through collaborative advocacy initiatives;
Support other departments with tailored communication and communication advice;
Contribute to MSF's global communication efforts, including (but not limited to) on access to essential medicines;
In all of these activities, develop novel ways to communicate against the background of a rapidly changing communication culture

Main activities

Developing and defining the MSF Norway communication strategy and agenda, together with the Management Team, in terms of selection of topics, audiences and channels, including prioritising resources;
Shaping each communication activity in order to maximise its impact while staying true to the MSF identity and principles;
Measuring communication impact where possible;
Leading a team of (currently) eight communication professionals, as well as occasional interns;
Maintaining an environment of constant learning, in order to retain MSF's position as a leader in the ways we communicate activities and concerns;
Ensuring that MSF has very good relations with journalists and other relevant actors such as influencers, bloggers and media outlets in Norway;
Contributing to the agenda for MSF's advocacy towards the Norwegian government, NGO community and civil society;
Ensuring that MSF Norway communication contributes seamlessly in the best possible way to the objectives of other departments, especially when it comes to advocacy, fundraising and recruitment;
Being an active member of the MSF Norway Management Team, and as such also reporting on communication matters to the MSF Norway Board;
Controlling the budget of the Communication department and contributing to the regular (financial and otherwise) indicator reporting;
Contributing to MSF's global communication agenda through critical thinking and active support;
Supporting MSF Norway field workers before, during and after their missions in all their MSF related communication activities

Qualifications

Has a track record of high-level communication management, ideally in a non-profit environment;
Has a higher education degree in a relevant field of studies;
Brings excellent demonstrated personnel and team management skills;
Understands Norwegian society, politics and media very well;
Brings solid knowledge of both traditional and newer media;
Is fluent in Norwegian and English, both spoken and in writing                      

Personal requirements

Strongly identifies with the principles and values of MSF;
Brings a principled approach to communication without being dogmatic;
Balances taking initiative with being a true team player;
Has outstanding interpersonal communication and presentation skills;
Has a strong drive for innovation 

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