Field Communications Manager- 100% - Beirut

Main purpose:

In coordination with the operational and medical teams, the Lebanon Communications Manager (LFCM) defines, implements, coordinates and supervises all operational communication activities according to MSF standards in the mission/ or during an emergency. The LFCM is one of the key positions that aim at building MSF visibility, acceptance and leverage in Lebanon. In addition, s/he leads the communications initiatives highlighting MSF’s activities in Lebanon to regional and international audiences.

S/he reports to the Head of Missions in Lebanon and has functional links with the Communications Departments in headquarters (Geneva, Brussels and Paris). The LFCM will also work in collaboration with other operational communication staff in the region, as well as with MSF representatives and offices in the Middle East region and around the world.

The LFCM manages the Lebanon Field Communications Officer (LFCO), based in Beirut, and closely liaises with the Lebanon Advocacy manager, and the Communications department of the Lebanon Branch office (Beirut Communications Hub) that is responsible for institutional communications and that co-manage the MSF Lebanon social media platforms. 

The LFCM will be expected to focus on the following tasks:

• Developing operational communications strategies
• Managing media & social media activities related to MSF’s projects in Lebanon
• Managing content production and diffusion, including health promotion and visibility materials for MSF projects and activities.
• Managing the Lebanon Field Communications Officer
• Building capacity of field staff in communications
• Evaluation & reporting

Accountabilities:

1. Communications Strategy

• The LFCM is responsible for identifying the communications stakes in Lebanon through an analysis of opportunities and risks related to the context, but also MSF visibility, acceptance and leverage locally and nationally. The LFCM will advise the Head of Missions, Project Coordinators, Medical team and other colleagues in Lebanon on specific communications issues and how to address them, in line with MSF principles.
• The LFCM will be pro-active in staying up to date on MSF operational activities, contextual developments and the national media narrative in Lebanon, and advise the HoMs and Project Coordinators as necessary. 
• The LFCM will be responsible for designing and executing the Country communications strategy in partnership with the Head of Missions (HoMs) and with the HQ-based Communications Advisers (CAs).
• The LFCM will ensure the strategy is aligned with MSF principles, core messages, advocacy objectives and overarching strategic priorities.

The strategy will specify key messages for the country programme, and promote the organization’s values and principles, while increasing the organization’s visibility, promoting our patients’ voices, and increasing leverage with local and national stakeholders.

2. Media & Social Media Management

• The LFCM will oversee the production and dissemination of media and social media content in Lebanon to ensure it is tied to the messages and objectives listed in the country’s communications strategy.
• S/he analyses media coverage on the relevant issues, and coordinates responses to national & international media requests. With the support of the LFCO, and in collaboration with the press officer of the Beirut Communications Hub, s/he will establish contacts with the national media for the Lebanon mission, propose ideas and facilitate field visits for national, regional and international media, and ensures the monitoring of national media and social media. 

• The LFCM develops a mapping of key local media (journalists, bloggers, photographers, and cameramen) and maintains regular relations with them under the direction of the HoMs. S/he is responsible to deliver report and analysis of online interactions related to MSF Lebanon’s operations and medical activities to relevant teams.

• The LFCM flags media & social media opportunities and supports the LFCO to develop best strategies for getting the Lebanon mission messages across. S/he regularly reports on new developments and provides guidance on how to deal with media at time of crisis with the HoM, the LFCO and the CAs.
• If need be, with the HoMs and CAs, s/he organises media events (Press conference, Press briefing…).
• Upon request, the LFCM identifies and briefs spokespersons.
• Upon request, s/he assesses media training needs and is able to provide basic media training to key staff.
• The LFCM acts as a spokesperson, when needed.

3. Content Production and Diffusion

• The LFCM identifies communications tools according to objective, message and audience at local and national levels.
• Based on the strategy, the LFCM supports the production of audio-visual content and written content for local communications (such as radio spots, articles, photos, videos), to highlight issues of concern for MSF and its patients, and in line with MSF’s advocacy strategy for Lebanon.  
• The LFCM oversees the production of information products for patients and members of the community where MSF works: (leaflets, brochures, posters, others….)
• In collaborations with the CAs, the LFCM ensures the production of international/regional communications products about Lebanon’s operations. These products include medical data, operational information, quotes, testimonies, pictures, videos and other tools as needed.
• The LFCM tracks and archives communications production on the country to build institutional memory.
• The LFCM actively promotes the diffusion of MSF content in the country and liaises with MSF communications network for the dissemination on regional and international levels. 
• In collaboration with LFCO and the digital engagement officer of the Beirut Communications Hub, He/ she manages MSF Lebanon social media channels (Facebook, twitter, Instagram) to promote MSF contents.

4.  Team Management

• The LFCM manages, develops and supervises the Lebanon Field Communication Officers under his/her direct responsibility. This includes setting objectives and evaluates his/her performance on regular basis.
• The LFCM also manages the budget for the implementation of the communication’s strategy and regularly reviews results and expenses with the HoMs and the CAs.

5. Capacity Building

• With the support of the CAs and the HoMs, the LFCM will ensure MSF communications and visibility guidelines are followed in areas of operation in Lebanon.
• The LFCM will ensure new staff receives the necessary induction in communications,
• The LFCM will identify a proper understanding of communications and media and design trainings as needed.  build the capacity of field staff in social media to ensure a steady stream of quality content from areas of operation.
• The LFCM promotes MSF external communications with the staff (why does MSF communicate, what does MSF communicate about, how does MSF communicate etc). S/he promotes MSF guidelines on photography, video, blogs or social media and informs staff about potential external communications risks. However, the LCM should not be seen at field level as the person in charge for internal communication related tasks.

6.  Evaluation & reporting

• The LFCM ensures regular evaluation of communications activities, including analysis of media and social media results.
• S/he produces the quarterly report covering all communications activities, results and objectives for the next period and sends it to the CAs and HoMs.

7. Others

• In close collaboration with the HoM and the CAs at HQ level, s/he takes up specific communications related projects: organising events, supporting regional and international fundraising projects etc…
• S/he supports advocacy and networking activities in the country.

Requirements:

• Availability to travel inside and outside the country including to insecure areas and to be on calls 24hrs during emergencies.

Education:

• Essential:  degree in Journalism, Communications, Humanitarian affairs, Political Sciences or related university degree.

Experience:

• Essential:  previous working experience of at least 3 years in communications, journalism or public relations.
• Essential:  ability to coordinate with various internal and external stakeholders and report relevant information clearly and concisely
• Essential: strong networking and media relations skills
• Essential: previous working experience in the humanitarian field and with local communities
• Essential: experience working with international and pan Arab media
• Essential: understanding of the importance of community acceptance and perception
• MSF experience is an asset
• Team management experience is an asset

Languages:

• Proficiency in English and Arabic
• French a strong asset

Competencies:

• Strategic vision

• Capacity to work autonomously
• Strong knowledge of communications strategies and techniques.
• Content production skills: written, video, photo, etc.
• Knowledge of social media and digital strategies
• Excellent writing and communications skills
• Event organisation skills
• Excellent computer skills ( Microsoft 365, Adobe Acrobat, internet)
• Ability to represent MSF vis-à-vis external media
• Ability to work under stress
• Strong organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Diplomatic and patient nature
• Flexibility to travel