Field Communications Officer at Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)

• MSF in Kenya is looking to fill the position of an Intersectional Field Communications Officer based in Nairobi but with frequent visits to the projects in and outside Nairobi. MSF mission to Kenya has moved towards increased community engagement. With this,there is need for reinforcement of content production capabilities at the project level to engage with local communities as well as online supporters, while increasing visibility of the MSF projects, acceptance and leverage of MSF inside the country. The successful candidate reports to the Field Communications Manager.

The objective of the Position:

• The field communications officer (FCO) plays a key role to define, implement, coordinate and supervise operational audio visual content production strategy and activities according to MSF standards in the mission and during emergencies. The FCO contributes to the implementation of operational communication strategy in the mission according to MSF standards; focusing on multi-media content production, and diffusion while providing editorial support and advice on producing video and multimedia content including work on posters, brochures, testimonies, quotes, and written/printed content with the projects.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Content Production

• Under the guidance of the field communications manager (FCM), the FCO collects and supervises the production of local communication tools and products (videos, leaflets, brochures, posters, radio spots, articles, photos, soundbites) according to local strategy and budget. He/she will help identify the right content and will adapt/translate communications materials to targeted local audiences.
• Travels to MSF projects to identify stories and produce engaging digital content; provides editorial support and advice on producing video and multimedia content to the projects
• Suggests innovations for content creation and audience growth for MSF Kenya social media accounts, in collaboration with MSF and the East Africa Section digital media teams.
• Advises on which communications tools to choose according to objective, message and audience at local and national levels. He/she then produces - or supervises the production of – audiovisual content (videos, social media content, publicity materials, soundbites etc)
• Helps producing communications content by providing data, information, quotes, testimonies, pictures, videos and other means for national and international media.
• Tracks and archives communications production on the country to build institutional memory.
• Shoot, produce, and edit compelling video and multimedia content
• Commissions freelancers and external production companies to produce video/ multimedia content
• Be the technical focal point for the operation of a range AV equipment and software

Content Diffusion

• The FCO actively diffuses MSF content in the country in local languages, and among local media in collaboration with the MSF Eastern Africa Communications media and digital teams. He/ she coordinates the use of innovative digital media (twitter, blogs, Facebook) to promote this content while offering the same support to the projects. Under the supervision of the FCM, the FCO identifies communications opportunities using MSF communications network production

Internal Communication

• The FCO will help in promoting content collection from project level for MSF internal communications and conduct basic content collection training for key staff in the projects. If need be he/ she can edit the production of internal communication tools (newsletter, etc.) under the supervision of the FCM.
• Act as back-up for the FCM during field visits and holidays. Assists with the organization of communications events, and their coverage on digital/social media.
• Close liaison with MSF communications colleagues and other digital and video production teams

Requirements:

Education

• Degree/Diploma in Communication or related studies with a background in collecting audio visual content.

Knowledge & Experience

• Essential: previous working experience of at least two years in communications content production; videography, photography and digital production. Experience with editing and graphic design tools (Adobe Premier, Canva...) and mobile journalism equipment and techniques. Knowledge of AV production and video producing compressing techniques for web use. Computer literacy (word, excel and internet).
• Desirable: Experience of producing strong multimedia content that tells compelling stories, with a background in either charity, broadcast/digital journalism, or agency production, preferably within Kenya. Understands strategy, has digital content production skills, own account to show that they can produce interactive content. Have strong examples of recent work which includes producing engaging content for digital media platforms

Languages

• Proficiency in English and Swahili

Competencies

• Excellent writing skills, thorough knowledge of traditional media and good understanding of social media, Outgoing personality with a balance between initiative and working in a team.
• Applicants MUST be Kenyan nationals and have the necessary statutory documents (ID, NSSF, NHIF, and a PIN certificate).