COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR, MSF-OCBA

GENERAL CONTEXT

Médecins Sans Frontières is an international independent medical-humanitarian organization, which offers assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and irrespective of race, religion, creed or political affiliation.

At its core, MSF is a civil society initiative, bringing together individuals committed to assisting other human beings in crisis. Each individual working with MSF does so out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF. The global MSF movement is built around six operational directorates supported by more than 25 sections and offices worldwide.

JOB OBJECTIVE

MSF OCBA is seeking a Communications Director to lead and strengthen the organisation’s public voice across the countries where we work, internationally, and within Spanish society. This is a unique opportunity to shape the public narrative of one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organisations, ensuring that the realities of our patients and communities are heard, understood, and acted upon.

As Communications Director, you will define MSF OCBA’s communication policies and strategies, guiding a department of around 40 professionals and ensuring coherent, ethical, and impactful public communication in alignment with MSF’s principles and values. You will report directly to the General Director, sit on the MSF OCBA Management Team, and represent OCBA in the international DirCom platform—actively shaping MSF’s global communication orientations.

YOUR MISSION

You will ensure that MSF OCBA’s voice is strategic, principled, and influential. Your leadership will help enhance the organisation’s legitimacy, visibility, and contribution to humanitarian debates, while supporting advocacy and fundraising goals. Key elements of the mission include:

Strategic Leadership & Public Positioning

• Define MSF OCBA’s public communication strategy and ensure its effective implementation.
• Guarantee a clear, compelling, and coherent public identity aligned with MSF’s values, diversity and inclusion principles, and ethical storytelling standards.
• Lead MSF OCBA’s “speaking out” efforts, shaping strategic public positioning on humanitarian crises together with Operations, Advocacy, and General Direction.
• Ensure strong crisis communication preparedness and decision-making, including contingency plans and rapid response.

Operational Communications & Storytelling

• Ensure accurate, timely, and compelling communications that bear witness to the experiences of patients and communities.
• Oversee content creation and dissemination through media, digital channels, and public engagement initiatives.
• Identify and advance communication opportunities linked to MSF’s medical humanitarian operations and advocacy objectives.

Team & Department Leadership

• Lead, empower, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of 40 staff across Operational Communications, Media, Creative Content, Public Engagement, and Digital.
• Promote cross-team collaboration, audience centered thinking, and data driven decision-making.
• Coordinate annual planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation of communication impact.

Organisational Strategy & Change Management

• As part of the MSF OCBA Management Team, contribute to the organisation’s strategic direction and development.
• Within MSF OCBA’s new Strategic Orientations (2026–2031), work with the General Direction and other departments to review and adapt structures, processes, and workflows.
• Sit on and co chair key governance platforms including the Public Positioning Committee and MSF Spain’s Home Society Committee.
• Represent MSF OCBA in Spain and internationally, including occasional field visits.

WHAT YOU BRING

We are looking for a leader with excellent communication instincts, strong political awareness, and a deep understanding of humanitarian principles.

Requirements

• Background in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, advocacy, or humanitarian affairs.
• Significant experience managing teams in MSF or other international/humanitarian organisations.
• Demonstrated professional experience in public communications, including crisis communications.
• International field experience in humanitarian programmes (MSF experience is an asset).
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi stakeholder projects and organisational change.
• Excellent understanding of digital engagement strategies and tools.
• Strong political analysis, writing, and research skills.
• Experience working with agile methodologies.
• Fluency in English; Spanish is a strong asset; French, Arabic or other languages are desirable.

CONDITIONS

• Located in any OCBA Hubs, subjected to alignment with MSF OCBA Strategic Orientations.
• International travel: 20% including to MSF-OCBA Network Units, programme countries, sometimes in unstable contexts
• Mandated position: Minimum of 3-year moral commitment, with a maximum term of 6 years.
• Full-time position.
• Annual gross salary: level HQ-7A (divided into 12 monthly payments) + secondary benefits as per the MSF OCBA Compensation Policy.
• Starting date: Mid May 2026

HOW TO APPLY

• To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter.
• Closing date: March 4th, 2026, 23:59 CET (Central European Time).

All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. MSF provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo reference checks.

Médecins Sans Frontières, as a responsible employer, under the¨Ley General de la Discapacidad de 2013 (LGD)¨ invite those persons with a recognized disability and with an interest in the humanitarian area to apply for the above-mentioned position.