Director of Communications

JOB PURPOSEThe Director Communications is responsible for raising the profile, reputation and influence of MSF and its causes amongst audiences in India and the larger South Asia region. Through a wide range of communication tools and platforms, the Director Communications will contribute to MSF’s representation, advocacy, recruitment, fundraising and operational activities.Propose a strategy on how communication function should be set-up for future to best serve the social mission. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIESStrategy planning & execution1. Lead the development of the Communication Department’s strategic plan and the implementation to increase awareness of humanitarian crises and medical humanitarianism to position MSF among audiences and stakeholders in South Asia, serving MSF social mission, and supporting advocacy and resource mobilisation (fundraising and recruitment) objectives.2. Develop, implement and review yearly action plan with clearly defined outcomes and KPIs3. Provide strategic advice and support to MSF South Asia’s leadership [MT, and other relevant stakeholders] on MSF communication initiatives and external environment, risks and opportunities4. Shares works progress and results with fellow members of the MSF SA Management Team (MT) to create synergy and continuous internal engagement5. Identifies potential risks and opportunities in the communications field for both MSF South Asia and the wider movement, and acts to address them6. As a member of the MT Contributes to the overall strategic plan, annual plan and growth ambitions of MSF South AsiaCommunications1. Lead the development of specific public positions on issues linked to operational or advocacy priorities where the MSF SA Section is involved and coordinates the resulting collaborations with the Programmes Unit, Advocacy Lead and relevant MSF operational representatives in MSF.2. As the head of one of the MSF movement’s key global communications ‘hubs’, lead MSF South Asia Communications department in delivering effective, expert support to further the MSF movement’s operational communications objectives. Ensure that awareness is raised and accurate, transparent and timely information on MSF’s activities worldwide—as well as our humanitarian principles and concerns—are delivered to target audiences.3. Direct, in consultation with the Executive Director, MSF SA’s reputation management and public accountability to stakeholders while also ensuring emergency preparedness and capacity within the Communication Department to execute crisis communications plans, as and when required. This includes accountability for managing and protecting MSF’s brand and trademark in South Asia.4. Give strategic direction and sign off on production and dissemination of all content for public communications5. Ensure proper knowledge management and knowledge sharing of best practices and communications initiatives within the MSF South Asia office and wider movement6. Ensure standards for ethical communication related to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion guidelines are known, understood, and adhered to within the Communication, Operational Support Unit, Fundraising and HR Departments and take accountability for public communication outcomes.Internal and external representation of MSF South Asia.1. Build and maintain active working relationships with stakeholders within the larger MSF movement, including those in South Asia and beyond.2. Support the creation and establishment of the specific identity and recognition of MSF South Asia with the MSF movement.3. Represents MSF South Asia in all communications-related matters internally within the MSF movement; contributes and actively engages in the strategic communications platforms of the wider movement.4. Establish and maintains external relationships with relevant stakeholders in India and South Asia5. Represent MSF South Asia at various events and conferences.6. Establish and maintain high level external relationships with the international and national media, policy makers, influencers and in relevant networks across South Asia7. Act as a spokesperson for MSF South Asia when delegated by MSF South Asia GD, representing the organization to the public.8. Adherence to Data Protection Policy9. Contributes towards internal communicationsEffective people and resource management1. Ensure the efficient functioning of the Communications Department and its cross-functional support activities by defining and managing the budget of the Department, and assuring coherence between different units in the Department.2. Propose strategic means for the most effective and efficient usage of MSF funds for communications, brand awareness purposes3. As member of the MSF South Asia MT, review and discuss the Section’s overall budget and utilization4. Guide, support, motivate and manage Comms Managers (CMs) within the Communications Department and develop annual objectives for each, ensuring regular follow-ups on progress and support to meet challenges. Ensure professional development and quality delivery on agreed objectives. Communication Managers have responsibility to define and monitor medium term plans, budgets and they conduct people management of sub-teams within the frame of the overall departmental annual plan and budget.5. Manage CM Team as the strategic consultation and decision space for departmental choices concerning, projects/campaigns, planned and ad hoc resource allocation, as well as reflections on outputs and optimising both processes and results via quarterly departmental performance reviews and a mid-year review.Supports the strategic growth of MSF South Asia role as a humanitarian actor within the wider MSF Movement and in the region1. Review communication function to propose a future direction that contributes to MSF SA’s further support and enablement of MSF Movement social mission2. Build the operational and humanitarian experience of the MSF South Asia communications team to better support and collaborate with MSF operational missions in the region, and delivery of MSF social mission3. Support the internal promotion of MSF SA proposal for Operational Directorate4. Lead on MSF SA better understanding of the humanitarian context in the region and contribute with advice to GD and MT on ways to fill gaps and seize opportunitiesResponsible for following up major MSF international dossiers as assigned.Other DimensionsTeam Reporting – 5 Direct ReportsResponsible for Institutional Communications and support of Operational Communications in the South Asia regionKey Interactions§ General Director§ Members of the Management Team§ Medical Liaison§ Operations in India and South Asia§ International Office§ Relevant platforms in the MSF movement§ Relevant organisations in South AsiaHOW TO APPLYPlease send a copy of your updated CV together with a letter of motivation by clicking on the link below:https://msfindia.zohorecruit.in/jobs/Careers/33660000008090071/Director---Communications?source=CareerSiteApplication checklist:Please check that you have included the following in your application:- An updated CV/ profile along with the Letter of Motivation, which is a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the key requirements of the role. (both documents should be uploaded as one file - MSWords or PDF).Remarks:• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.Last application date: November 21, 2025 RequirementsEducational Qualifications & Functional / Technical SkillsMaster’s Degree in Journalism, Non-profit communications, Public affairs/relations or equivalent field from a reputed instituteRelevant Experience (Type of experience and minimum number of years)§ 10-15 years working experience, preferably internationally, in the communications sector, or in the non-profit sector in South Asia with a proven track record§ Experience in operational communications in field humanitarian settings preferably in South Asia and in other contexts as well§ At least 7 years management experience in a relevant field with at least 3 years in a nonprofit§ Good knowledge of local, regional and international media in the South Asia region, with a strong grasp of international affairs§ Proven track record of successful planning and implementation of strategic communications, branding and or awareness raising initiatives§ Demonstrable awareness of developments in new communications platforms and technologiesOther requirements§ Proven ability to lead, develop and build a team, through delegation, empowerment, and coaching.§ Strategic minded and results oriented§ Able to work under pressure and respect deadlines§ Able to develop clear, written strategic communication plans§ A good knowledge of the South Asian context (communication landscape).§ High level of integrity and sound judgement.§ Fluent in written and spoken English. Additional regional languages, a plus.§ Willingness to travel significantlyCompetencies:· People Management and Development· Strategic Vision· Planning and Organizing· Analytical Thinking· Result and Quality OrientationBenefitsWE OFFERContract duration is one year with a possibility of contract period extension.A stimulating, professional environment in a reputed international organization.Compensation gross per month range USD 3594 to USD 4167 (Final salary will depend on the scaling of the CV as per MSF criteria).13th Month bonus additional.Medical: MSF provides medical reimbursement for employees and their dependents as per MSF health care policy.This is an international vacancy with MSF South Asia and we provide MSF South Asia's international package benefits of housing allowance, schooling allowance, holiday ticket and relocation package.