Commincations Officer, Médecins Sans Frontières Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER –
Médecins Sans Frontières Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines

Full time, based in Geneva, Switzerland

SUMMARY:
The Campaign for Access to Essential Medicines is an international project of Médecins Sans Frontières.  The project aims to stimulate the use and development of innovative medical tools in order to improve the quality of life and health of people suffering from preventable or treatable diseases through effective advocacy and communications.
We seek a seasoned communications professional with experience working with NGOs, international organisations, universities/research institutions, or in the humanitarian aid, health, medical, or pharmaceutical sectors.

FUNCTIONS:
The Communications Officer will work with the team to enhance the Access Campaign’s visibility.  S/he will be a flexible team player, able to conduct research, draft outreach materials and make creative use of the web and other new media tools.  The individual will collaborate with members of the broader MSF movement to develop public campaigning strategies and will be confident liaising with both the media and with other stakeholders.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
·  Research and compile information relevant to the Access Campaign’s activities;
·  Coordinate the production of press and public outreach materials for use by MSF staff (e.g. press releases, backgrounders, op/eds, articles, reports, web materials and images);
·  Develop content and recommendations for updates to the Access Campaign website;
·  Develop and coordinate use of web/new media-based outreach tactics;
·  In collaboration with MSF staff, translate complex science and health issues into persuasive terms for the media and other audiences, ensuring medical and scientific accuracy;
·  Contribute to production of external newsletter, published twice per year;
·  Act as press officer for specific projects, including international conferences and events;
·  Pitch stories and opinion pieces to media;
·  Create/edit presentations on various Campaign-related topics;
·  Provide writing and editing support to communications and advocacy colleagues;
·  Contribute to maintenance of a steady flow of internal communications throughout MSF network, HQ and field, including the publication of a monthly internal newsletter.

QUALIFICATIONS:
·  Experience with public outreach/awareness-raising campaigns;
·  Experience drafting, writing and editing research-based materials;
·  A track record of building and managing successful relationships with external stakeholders and/or the media;
·  Good presentation skills;
·  Strategic thinking and planning ability;
·  Works well as part of a small team;
·  Flexibility and ability to manage many tasks simultaneously;
·  Proficiency in English to mother-tongue standard;
·  Demonstrated track record of problem-solving/seeking solutions to challenges;
·  Experience in the fields of health, medicine, the pharmaceutical industry and/or international humanitarian aid an asset;
·  Experience liaising with members of governments, pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, and/or multi-lateral organisations an asset;
·  Experience with MSF an asset;
·  Ability to read and speak Spanish, French/other languages an asset.
·  Degree in international relations, political science, communications, health/medical/science or law an asset.

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV by June 18th 2007 to: Isabelle Saussereau, MSF
Rue de Lausanne 78, P.B. 116, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland. Or by email to: isabelle.saussereau@geneva.msf.org

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