Director of Communications

Purpose of the position

Under the direction of the General Director, the Director of Communications leads the

Communications department to define and implement communication strategies, policies and activities that raise and deepen awareness of MSF and its field activities among Japanese society.

The position holder ensures that the department's objectives and activities and team members are also able to support the recruitment, advocacy and fundraising objectives of MSF Japan.

Objectives

The Director of Communications' core objective will be to ensure the delivery of the MSF Japan annual plans aligned to the current and future strategic plan.

• Increase MSF's awareness and engagement in Japan.
• Develop a communication approach and activities that are supportive of MSF Japan fundraising and field HR objectives while ensuring coherent messaging and branding.
• All MSF Japan communications reflect and are aligned to MSF principles, unique identity and temoignage and advocacy goals are at heart of initiatives.

Requirements of the position

Based in Tokyo (Commutable to MSF Japan Office in Waseda) with occasional international travel (estimated travel 10-15%).

Qualifications and Requirements

Essential Skills and Experience

• Over three year’s department/team management experience.
• Five years’ experiences at a senior level in journalism or general Communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to think strategically as well as tactically.
• Ability to 'think clearly' analyse, synthesise and present complex information in a convincing, straightforward and clear manner to a wide range of audiences through multiple channels.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Including the ability to read, analyse, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to work independently, under tight deadlines and pressure.
• Genuine interest in and commitment to the humanitarian principles of MSF.
• Ability to travel extensively in contexts of political instability and/or extreme destitution. Including willingness to serve in the field for several weeks at a time.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Significant experience working internationally
• Fluent spoken and written English
• Deep understanding of Japanese culture, society, and media market

Desirable

• MSF field or head office experience.
• Experience of defining multi-year strategies.
• Experience in Marketing.
• Experience in Humanitarian Advocacy.
• Fluent spoken and written Japanese.

For the details of this position, please see the Job Description below:

https://www.msf.or.jp/work/staff/recruit/