This position has been created in the context of an organisational restructuring aimed at reinforcing MSF Belgium as an autonomous entity into its Operational Centre/Directorate (OCB), with strengthened leadership, management capacity and institutional positioning.
Within this framework, MSF OCB is seeking a Communications Director to lead and advance the organisation’s public positioning and internal communication. You will strengthen and safeguard MSF’s public voice, central to its speaking‑out mandate, and ensure that its public narrative supports humanitarian action, reflects the realities and voices of patients and communities, and remains ethical, impactful, and supportive of the organisation’s legitimacy and fundraising.
Guided by the Strategic Ambitions 2026‑2031, you will lead a department of more than twenty professionals covering operational, institutional, and crisis communication, internal communication, audiovisual production, and digital strategies. Across a global workforce of over 15,000 people, you will help strengthen collective ownership of MSF, support exchange, foster collaboration across departments, and contribute to the evolution of MSF OCB’s organisational culture.
Reporting to the General Director, you will sit on the MSF OCB Committee of Directors and the MSF Directors of Communications Platform, contributing to the implementation of OCB’s Strategic Ambitions and to the development of MSF’s global communication strategy.
Main Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
* Define and steer an impactful and prioritised MSF OCB communications strategy: to shape public narrative, advance bearing witness and advocacy, sustain public trust, support fundraising, and inform executive and operational decision‑making
* Lead the development of a communications roadmap that acknowledges connections between internal and external communications, fosters shared ownership of our organisational identity, and supports the shaping and delivery of Strategic Ambitions 2026–2031
* Strengthen partnerships and crisis readiness, evolving strategic collaborations across the OCB network and beyond to mutualise resources, and ensuring robust, timely, and aligned communication in sensitive or high‑risk contexts
Public Positioning & Communication
* Lead the development of strong, timely, and credible public positioning in support of MSF’s speaking‑out mandate, in coordination with operational ambitions and advocacy objectives
* Ensure communication outputs uphold humanitarian principles, ethical standards, diversity, equity, and inclusion, while strengthening MSF’s credibility, visibility, and fundraising efforts
* Support operations in defining and delivering communication strategies in medical and humanitarian crises, including in sensitive and complex contexts
Internal, Institutional & Crisis Communication
* Lead and integrate internal, institutional, and crisis communication to ensure coherence, transparency, and alignment across the organisation
* Provide strategic communication advice to senior leadership, anticipating risks and opportunities and safeguarding MSF’s credibility and operational space
* Shape institutional communication that strengthens OCB’s global narrative in close coordination with fundraising leadership
* Guide and coordinate audiovisual and digital strategies to protect MSF’s credibility, counter mis‑and disinformation, enhance reach and influence, and promote responsible digital practices
* Manage and develop a multidisciplinary communication department, fostering a proactive, inclusive, innovative, and high‑performing collaborative culture
* Strengthen collaboration and synergies across the OCB network and with communication and fundraising colleagues
* Oversee departmental planning, budgeting, and resource allocation
Requirements
Education and Experience
* Minimum 10 years’ professional experience in communication, media, or public affairs roles, preferably in humanitarian, medical, NGO, or international environments, combined with a relevant degree
* Minimum 5 years’ leadership experience in managing multidisciplinary and international teams
* Experience working in complex, fast‑changing environments including crisis contexts
* Excellent understanding of humanitarian principles
* Strategic leadership and decision‑making, strong strategic thinking, analytical capabilities, and crisis communication skills
* Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
* Strong editorial judgment and ethical awareness
* Ability to manage sensitive information and complex crises
* Ability to work collaboratively across departments and levels
* Commitment to MSF’s principles and social purpose
Languages
* Excellent command of English both written & spoken is mandatory
* Proficiency in French, Arabic, Spanish, or Portuguese is a strong asset
Conditions
* Expected starting date: 1st of October 2026
* Location: Brussels (Belgium)
* Mobility: flexibility in working hours and availability for travel (to the MSF projects and other MSF entities)
* Contract type: Open‑ended contract with a 4‑year mandate (extendable for max. 2 more years) – Full‑time
* Homeworking possible as per MSF policy
* Salary according to MSF‑OCB HQ grid
* Meal vouchers – Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs
MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
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