Publications Officer

• Location: Rio de Janeiro, Dakar, Nairobi, Brussels, or Kuala Lumpur

• Contract: full time

• Duration: permanent

• Deadline to apply: 23th of May 2025

• Starting date: asap

Compensation and benefits: MSF practice is to offer the C&B package current in the MSF entity establishing the contract.

About MSF

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 24 sections, 27 associations and 18 branch offices together. Registered in Switzerland, MSF International provides coordination, information and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.

MSF Access works on creating accessibility, availability, affordability, appropriateness, and quality of products for healthcare for the populations MSF assists and their communities. MSF has been engaged in a wide variety of ways to improve this access in past decades. The relatively new MSF Access team now supports the movements access to products for healthcare agenda, and is overseen by an Executive Board.

I. POSITION BACKGROUND

The MSF Access Team produces a high volume of internal and external publications. This position will bolster the editorial and writing capacity of the existing MSF Access communications team and manage its publications, while also supporting other regular communication tasks and ongoing initiatives, projects and campaigns.

II. PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the MSF Access Head of Advocacy, the Publications Officer coordinates all stages of the process of preparing publications for the MSF Access Team, including concept, commissioning, writing and/or editing text, lay-out and design. In this, the Publications Officer works closely with experts inside the MSF Access Team and elsewhere and where needed editorial and design resources from outside the MSF Access Team.

III. PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

The Publications Officer reports to the Head of Advocacy. The Advocacy department is composed of advocacy and communication officers, responsible for developing the advocacy and the communication strategy of MSF access. The Publications Officer will collaborate closely with the other members of the Access communications team, across the MSF Access, departments and regional hubs, and with colleagues from other parts of MSF.

IV. OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

The Publications Officer supports the MSF Access advocacy objectives by creating effective communication materials, with a strong focus on managing the development and production of publications ranging from technical and policy reports to campaigning materials. The Publications Officer will write and edit both short issue briefs and longer reports bringing together the real-life impact on patients of the issue covered with technical analysis and calls to action. These productions will inform internal and external audiences and mobilise them for supporting the change objectives.

V. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

In collaboration with members of the communication team, the Publications Officer will contribute to a range of activities , with primary responsibilities as follows:

• Manage and lead on writing, editing, review, and production of a wide variety of MSF Access publications, both external and internal, including policy and technical reports, as well as shorter issue briefs, technical briefs, fact sheets, letters, statements, and talking points, among others;

• Advise the MSF Access Team on the planning, production and dissemination of research and analysis publications, including advising on (I) the most suitable publication formats to reach target audiences and achieve advocacy objectives, (II) the structure and design of publications, and (III) new formats for digital presentation of MSF access research and analysis;

• Engage with publication content leads to develop production plans, including definition of roles and responsibilities, timelines and budgets in line with the MSF Access Research and Analysis Publication (RAP) planning process; as well as engage with management team and key stakeholders to continually refine and improve the RAP planning process, including integration with annual planning process;

• Collaborate closely within the communications team on planning and strategy to ensure publications are an integral part of broader digital and media strategies and communications initiatives;

• Maintain and continuously improve editorial standards and guidelines;

• Manage production, design, and distribution of publications through relationships with external service providers, including graphic designers, photographers, expert consultants, printers and other vendors and ensure delivery of high-quality, professional communications/marketing materials;

• Work with Analysis, Advocacy and Communication teams to develop and execute targeted dissemination strategy to maximise the visibility and uptake of publications according to advocacy objectives; Work closely with Strategic Communications Advisors and the global MSF communication community to integrate the voices of MSF medical practitioners and their patients across the MSF Access Team publications.

Essential:

• A minimum of three years professional experience in writing, editing and publication across a range of productions from longer technical reports to peer-review and policy journal contributions, to materials for general audiences and/or the media, as well as writing for digital platforms;

• Demonstrated experience in the fields of access to healthcare products, global health, or the pharmaceutical industry;

• Excellence in written and spoken English, other languages an asset;

• Ability to work with subject matter experts on compiling technical content into well-structured medical and advocacy publications;

• Experience drafting, writing and editing research-based materials;

• Fastidious attention to detail, with an ability to get materials ready for external release against tight deadlines, with impeccable accuracy.

  Strategic thinking and planning ability;

• Ability to work well as part of a small, geographically diverse team, and a larger global network;

• Appreciation of cultural and gender diversity, and strong commitment to equity and inclusion

• Flexibility and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously;

• A track record of building and managing successful relationships with external parties, including relevant media;

• Experience in graphic design, lay-out and/or photo editing is a strong asset,

• Prior experience in MSF is highly valued.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

At MSF, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.