Beirut Information Officer (Bio)

Objectives of the position: ·        To be the MSF Lebanon focal point for media in order to generate a better understanding of MSF’s operations, to raise awareness about MSF medical activities in the fields and about humanitarian crises in the Beirut Media Hub. ·        To act as a Lebanon media hub coordinator and adviser for MSF sections’ on communication strategy, advocacy when need be and effective management of crisis communications in particular related to security incidents. ·        In case of an emergency the BIO is the first responder and provides support to field coms teams in the Beirut Media Hub. The Beirut Information Officer (BIO) closely liaises with the Lebanese Field Communications manager (LFCM) based in Lebanon for OCB and OCG and with MSF communication resources in the region (the Jordan, Iraq, Palestine, Yemen, Egypt field coms positions) and the Regional Senior Communications Coordinator on Syria based in Amman to ensure coherence in MSF’s communications in the region. .The Beirut Information Officer (BIO) reports to the Communication coordinator in Geneva and has functional links with the Head of Mission (HoM) in Lebanon. Accountabilities   1.        Media management in the Beirut media Hub -        Serve as the MSF media focal point in Lebanon. Build and maintain a performant and strategic network with regional and international media and correspondents -        Profile MSF’s work, projects, and concerns on humanitarian crises in the region among regional and international media. Advise on media opportunities and flag best dissemination strategies for getting MSF communication covered. -        Support MSF press officers in correcting errors when bad reporting on MSF or/and advise in developing strategies and ways of correcting misrepresentation in media. -        Facilitate and organize press briefings for international and regional press media -        Facilitate interviews with MSF staff and journalists’ field visits to MSF projects and pitch key issues / projects to media. -        Act as a spokesperson for MSF communication if need be -        Coach MSF spokespeople and provide media training for field staff dealing with the media in the region -        Be available to act as emergency press officer and crisis info focal point during emergencies /crisis/incident in the region. Be able to deploy and provide strategic communication support during the first days of a new emergency or a crisis situation in the region either in situ or by proxy. Prepare in terms of set up for the arrival of an emergency field com officer. 2.        Strategize and coordinate MSF communication efforts in the Beirut Media Hub -        Maintain an “early warning system” on national/regional issues and news. Monitor major media trends for specific locations and provide this analysis to MSF heads of mission and communication staff. -        Coordinate the development of communications strategies in Lebanon and support communication advisers/field staff to develop and drive through intersectional strategies and agreements. -        Liaise with MSF field communications officers in the country and in the region to provide support and enhance coherence and output of MSF communications on specific issues and themes. -        Provide communications advice on national/regional issues: advise the field on specific communications issues relevant for the region. -        Timely flagging of communications opportunities and risks (that may require reactive support). -        Advise on public positioning in relation to key issues. -        Provide analysis on how other organisations communicate on key issues and provide insight into their public agendas; networking with communications officials of UN/other agencies and NGOs based in Lebanon. -        Liaise with the HAART and MSF advocacy representatives in the region to increase synergy between bilateral efforts and public comms initiatives in Lebanon. -        Represent MSF in regional representation forum (related to public communication) and relay MSF concerns, priorities. 3.        Other services in support to communication content in the region -        Facilitating the identification + recruitment of cameramen and photographers in the region. -        Provide information/data to the MSF com network related to MSF operational projects, presence in the region. 4.        Establishing Communication Unit -        The Beirut Information Officer (BIO) will be responsible for the set-up of a communication /Unit/office in the place where he/she is located. -        He/she may recruit and supervise the work of a Lebanon communication assistant (s) who will be placed under his/her responsibility (assigning tasks, overseeing quality of work, proceed with evaluation). -        The BIO is responsible for the management of the annual  Beirut media hub budget 5.        Place within the organisation / Portfolio -        The Beirut Information Officer (BIO) is an intersectional position that seeks to facilitate public communication for all MSF sections. In order to do so he/she is in permanent contact with the Communications teams in the OCs and with the Heads of Mission in Lebanon. Regular visit to the field teams will be compulsory. 6.        Management and Reporting The BIO produces a monthly sit-rep on his/her activities, results and objectives for the next period and shares it with the HoM and HQ comms. The BIO has a monthly meeting with HoM and participates to the coordination platform by attending the weekly coordination meetings.