[PURPOSE OF THE POSITION]
Under the direction of the Communications Director, Media Relations Specialist will be responsible for engaging with traditional and new media outlets to expand MSF and raise visibility, principles, identity, activities, projects and eventsamong the Korean audience. S/he will garner press coverage based on the operational news received from the MSF movement and develop tailored messaging for Korean media and audiences. S/he will cultivate and manage the media network to engage and keep informed of MSF's activities and positions.
[MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES]
Under the supervision of the Communications Director,the media relations specialist will be plan and implement MSF Korea’s media activities in order to keep the public informed of MSF's operations and activities in Korea.
Media Engagement
- Develop and implement media engagement tactics to actualize communications strategy of MSF Korea in alignment with the organization’s objectives.
- Devise approaches to mass and targeted media outlets and channels to expand overall media presence to raise visibility and awareness of MSF and its activities.
- Proactively engage journalists, producers, writers, influencers, bloggers, etc. (external media) to build and sustain relationship, keep them informed of MSF’s activities, and pitch stories.
- Develop messages and angles to pitch to media outlets and increase media coverages inlcuding feature articles, interviews, op-eds, and other.
- Organize media activities such as press briefings and media visits to MSF projects in the field.
- Work closely with colleagues at the Communications department and other departments to boost media coverage for events, campaigns, and diverse activities of MSF Korea.
- Review and report on the impact of MSF media engagement activities.
General Media Relations
- Serve as a front-line media contact, respond to media inquiries, provide relevant information and materials, and connect media with appropriate MSF spokespeople.
- Produce talking points and other key messages to represent MSF Korea for media and for speaking engagement with externals.
- Act as spokesperson when requested to represent MSF Korea
- Edit, write and distribute Op-ed and press releases press releases.
- Participate or support in media interviews with MSF field workers/spokespeople – organizing, liaising with interviewer and interviewee, writing biographies and profiles, developing and briefing on key talking points, gathering audio-visual materials for media needs.
- Maintain a database of spokespeople (field workers, staff, etc.) and assist and coach on media presentation (media training).
- Expand the media network and maintain media contact database.
Media Monitoring
- Conduct a daily media monitoring and develop reports on MSF coverages and mentions in Korea.
- Monitor major Korean and international news on a daily basis to stay abreast of global events directly relevant and tangential to MSF’s work in Korea.
- Analyze Korean news media and evaluate news cycles and trends to enhance media coverage.
Partnerships
- Research and analyze effective news platforms or influencers for potential partnerships.
- Work with media outlets on branded content - identifying topics, developing angles and messages, providing materials, reviewing content, managing timeline and budget, etc.
- Review and report on the impact of media partnerships.
Crisis Management
- Handle crisis communications by triaging press inquiries, drafting and validating reactive lines, monitoring the press, and advising level of reactivity vs proactivity.
- Draft reactive messages to respond to media/public/donor inquiries in case of emergencies or potential reputational crises.
- Work under the supervision of the Communications Director, with others in Departments, Fundraising, HR, and Finance & Compliance in responding to potential reputational crises.
- Act as a media focal point in the Crises Management Team in case of critical incidents.
[QUALIFICATIONS AND JOB REQUIREMENTS]
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Genuine interest in and commitment to the medical humanitarian principles of MSF
- Minimum of 5 years relevant work experience in journalism, communications, or PR
- Insight and understanding of communications approaches and media landscape of Korea
- Experience of developing relationships with journalists, including in broadcast media, and working with them to deliver positive coverage
- Experience working in a global, diverse organisational culture
- Fluent speaker and writer in both Korean and English
- Structured approach, eye for detail and ability to manage deadlines
- Creative and proactive
- Willingness to travel overseas if and when required
DESIRABLE SKILLS
- Experience working in a nongovernmental or non-profit organization
- Knowledge of medical, technical, and humanitarian concepts and terminology
- Knowledge and interest in humanitarian issues and international affairs
- Knowledge of how to use social media and traditional media channels
- Photography and/or videography skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills, solution oriented, and a team player
- Having good verbal and non verbal communications skills with colleagues and externals (Journalists, stakeholders, etc…)
<APPLICATION PROCEDURE>
If you are interested in this position,
please send your motivation letter and CV in English to recruit@seoul.msf.org.
We will reach out to the chosen candidate, and the application process will conclude once the final candidate is confirmed.