Editor – Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

Last application date January 10th, 2023

Doctors Without Borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters and exclusion from healthcare.

MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of neutrality and impartiality.

Job Description
About the job
Job location: Based anywhere in South Asia, with frequent visits to the office in New Delhi, India or/and Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Background

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We help people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to those affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care.

MSF was founded in 1971 by a group of journalists and doctors. Today, we are a worldwide movement of more than 63,000 people, implementing and managing medical projects in close to 72 countries worldwide.

We are guided by the principles of independence, neutrality and impartiality, as described in the MSF Charter. We implement our medical programs in areas where no health or sanitary systems exist, or where health structures are overwhelmed by the needs of populations. For 50 years, we have been providing medical assistance irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. We observe neutrality in situations of conflict, and impartiality in the name of medical ethics. To ensure our independence, the majority of our funding is provided by private donations from members of the public. Additional funding may come from foundations, governments and international institutions.

MSF South Asia recruits medical and non-medical staff to join our teams here in the South Asia region and abroad. All of these people bring professional abilities, practical experience, as well as a commitment to and concern for the people they help.

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.

1. JOB PURPOSE

• Ensures that MSF South Asia’s written communications materials follow our editorial guidelines that the quality of written English is in keeping with MSF’s distinct voice, tone and brand.
• Generates content that can serve multiple purposes, including translating complex medical information into conversational material, crafting short and long-form copy variations for various target audiences to be published in MSF South Asia communication tools Supports the drafting rapid response content amidst breaking news that is relevant to MSF South Asia’s work and ambitions.
• Works closely with the fundraising, and communications teams, and external agencies to ensure the quality, readability, and effectiveness of our wide range of content.

2. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Content strategy and quality control

1. Ensure that MSF South Asia messaging is aligned with and supports our broader objectives around fundraising, advocacy, brand identity and public awareness. Curate and develop compelling stories of impact across channels to inspire engagement and giving.

2. Advise Communications and Fundraising teams on industry best practices and gaps, if any, by attending dept meetings and sharing information, brainstorming solutions and coordinating priorities.

Editing, Writing and Repurposing

1. Produce powerful, engaging, and results-driving content which may include reports, press releases, web stories, brochures/leaflets, briefing documents, position papers, reflection pieces, and more to meet our fundraising, public positioning and advocacy objectives.

2. Edit with an eye for authentic storytelling, brand, voice and driving KPIs aligned with our fundraising and public communications objectives.

3. Support thought leadership initiatives at MSF South Asia by supporting with editing, research and writing that will inform and inspire our advocacy objectives and ambitions, and drive giving from supporters and prospects of all levels. This includes drafting pitches and completing writing assignments (articles, op-eds, etc.) as required.

4. Brief and debrief International Mobile Staff (IMS) (with Media Manager and Press and Research Officer) to identify potential content from the field

5.  Conceptualize and write stories of returning IMS from the field, patients and caregivers (with field visit where necessary)

6. Provide general editorial support as needed across various departments.

Management and departmental administration

1.  With the Media Manager, organize Editorial meetings with the larger Communication and Fundraising teams, to schedule key content to be pushed online and offline in accordance to the media calendar

2.   Maintain publications calendar (to track production and release of collaterals) to complement the broader media calendar

3.   Participates in planning and implementation of MSF South Asia’s communications strategies, policies and procedures.

4.  Carries out any duties that may reasonably be required by the Media Manager and/or Director of Communications in the light of the main purpose of the job

5.   Attends regularly scheduled staff meetings, in-office presentations/debates to stay informed on important MSF topics

6.   DEI focus: Ensure our content is aligned with MSF’s principles and guidelines for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Requirements

Educational Qualifications  & Functional / Technical Skills

• Master’s Degree in Social Sciences, Journalism or Communications from a reputed institute and/or a combination of relevant professional experiences in line with the responsibilities listed in this job description.
• Relevant Experience (Type of experience and minimum number of years)

§  Minimum 4-5 years of experience working as an editor or researcher in the social impact space and/or as journalist, with specifically 3+ years of directly relevant editing and copywriting experience.

§  Experience with creating compelling messages for different target demographics, and ability to edit and write powerful fundraising, marketing, communications and advocacy copy that gets results

§  Expertise in copy editing, fact-checking, researching, interviewing

§  Outstanding written, oral and interpersonal communications skills, expert grasp of English grammar, and familiarity with style guide usage

§  Crisis communications experience is a plus.

Other requirements (Behavioural, Language, Certifications etc.)

§  Interest in humanitarian issues and support for the objectives and values of MSF

§  Excellent knowledge of English grammar as well as spoken and written. Fluency in additional languages is a plus

§  Excellent writing, editing and proof reading skills

§  Substantial experience of producing written materials and adapting style to suit a wide range of audiences.

§  Capacity to take initiatives and seize opportunities

§  Proven time management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize ongoing vs. immediate needs appropriately.

§  Flexibility and ability to work under very tight deadlines and handle several projects at the same time

§  Willingness to travel within the South Asian region..

§Able to integrate into a multicultural team and cooperate with co-workers.

Benefits
We offer: Contract duration is 6 months.

A stimulating, professional environment in a reputed international organization.

Annual Salary (before all statutory deductions): INR 12,16,037 – INR 13,68,786 (Monthly: INR 85,704- INR 96,461) 33 paid leaves (prorate from date of joining) and other leaves as per MSF Internal Regulations.

Contributions for statutory benefit programs such as Provident Fund and Gratuity.

Covered under Accident Insurance

Covered under Medical Insurance

Medical: MSF provides medical reimbursement for employees and their dependents as per MSF

Health care policy

Hybrid work model

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply on the link below ( I’m Interested) by submitting a copy of your CV together with a letter of motivation (please upload as one document) by the closing date.

Application checklist: Please check that you have included the following in your application:

• An updated CV
• Letter of Motivation, which is a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the key requirements of the role

Last application date January 10th, 2023

Job location: Based anywhere in South Asia, with frequent visits to the office in New Delhi, India or/and Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Industry Communications

Remarks:

• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
• Candidates applying for this position should have the valid legal working permit to work in India/South Asia.