Press Officer

MSF UK London United Kingdom Communications

Company Description

MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES UK


Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provides life-saving emergency relief and longer-term medical care to some of the most vulnerable and excluded communities around the world. As an independent medical humanitarian organisation, we deliver care based only on need, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religion or political affiliation.


MSF relies on donations from private individuals and organisations for the majority of its income. This private funding gives MSF the freedom to respond where needs are greatest and to speak out publicly, free from any political interference.


MSF has around 63,000 local and international staff working in over 70 countries, in some of the most challenging places in the world. Our medical humanitarian projects are supported by offices in 44 countries, including the UK and Ireland. These teams recruit staff, organise fundraising, and raise awareness on the humanitarian crises our colleagues are witnessing, as well as running different and diverse support activities. MSF offices are spread across Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa and Australasia.


At MSF UK/IE, we support MSF's operations by building relationships with our supporters, increasing awareness of our work, raising funds, providing specialist medical expertise, ensuring MSF staff have access to relevant higher education programmes, catalysing change on medical humanitarian issues, and recruiting field staff. MSF UK/IE personnel are dynamic, hard-working, enthusiastic and committed to MSF's values and aims. In addition MSF continues to build upon its presence in Ireland to become a widely recognised, accepted and respected humanitarian organisation among Irish audiences, and within the Irish humanitarian and political sector.


Position

We are seeking a dedicated individual to increase awareness of MSF's work and priorities among key audiences through coverage in UK and international radio, print, TV, and online media. This role also involves offering strategic media advice and support to our Communications and Operations teams worldwide, leveraging the UK's status as a global media hub.


HOURS: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (Mon-Fri)

LENGTH OF CONTRACT: Permanent

LOCATION: London – hybrid working

SALARY: £39,689.92 per annum.

Requirements

Essential:

  • Demonstrable experience in press office work or international journalism, including substantial understanding of, and contacts in, UK media.
  • Experience in pitching stories and features to print, radio, TV and online.
  • Good knowledge of world affairs and a demonstrable understanding of and commitment to humanitarian issues.
  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills; ability to adapt style to suit a wide range of audiences; accessible, friendly telephone manner.
  • Fluent spoken and written English.
  • Flexible, can-do attitude and good team player – this role involves working very closely and collaboratively with colleagues in the UK and overseas.
  • Ability to cope with stress, retain good humour and make sound ethical and personal judgements in order to deal with ambiguities and conflict.
  • Project management skills.

Desirable:

  • Demonstrable network of contacts within the broadcast arena, including production houses, broadcast channels, online outlets, and distribution agencies.
  • Willing to travel overseas if necessary.
  • Experience in a role which involves pitching and delivering on features and/or the production or distribution of broadcast footage.
  • Previous work experience with MSF or a similar medical or humanitarian organisation.
  • Previous work experience in developing countries or unstable environments an advantage.
  • Ability to speak other languages such as French and/or Arabic.

Other information

How to Apply:


Please apply on our website by submitting a copy of your CV together with a letter of motivation (please upload as one document) by the closing date.


Incomplete applications will not be considered.



Recruitment timetable:


  • Closing date for applications: Friday 5th July 2024, 11:59pm (BST)
  • First round interviews: w/c 15th July 2024


Right to work in the UK


Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Please click here to check whether you have the right to work in the UK. If you would like to discuss your right to work status further, please contact [email protected].


Accessibility


We are committed to removing barriers for people with specific accessibility needs. If you need an adjustment to the recruitment process to be considered for the role, please let us know by contacting [email protected]


Examples of adjustments we can make:


  • offering you an alternative if you are unable to use our online application system
  • providing necessary information, such as the job description or assessment materials, in an alternate format
  • allowing you to have someone with you during an interview for example, a Sign Language interpreter.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion


We are a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive organisation. MSF UK thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Please read our Equality & Diversity policy for more information.


MSF UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from all sections of our diverse community.



Safeguarding


MSF UK/IE is dedicated to safeguarding everyone who comes into contact with the organisation, for whatever reason and however brief. All posts are subject to safer recruitment process which include robust reference requests, scrutiny of employment history and where applicable criminal record and barring checks.


Our safeguarding commitment is underpinned by policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the organisation. On joining MSF UK/IE you will be required to attend safeguarding training to ensure responsibility for and maintaining safe working practice and to safeguard our teams, beneficiaries, and communities.



For questions, issues or further information, please contact [email protected].


We look forward to receiving your application!

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