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The Access Campaign supports MSF operations in reducing mortality and morbidity through its expertise in problem analysis, position development, public advocacy and campaigning/communications. The Access Campaign challenges medical political actors and aims to influence international policies to improve access and stimulate innovation. In addition, the project feeds and challenges MSF by pointing to new developments, tools and experiences outside MSF that can improve MSF’s medical practice.

Since its inception in 1999, communications has always been a core competency of the Access Campaign.

The Access Campaign is now looking for a Communications Officer with experience in media relations and campaigning/advocacy communications. The Communications Officer will be part of a team of five and have extensive contact with members of the other campaign disciplines: medical, pharmaceutical, and policy advocacy. There will also be extensive contact with MSF colleagues internationally both at the headquarters and (to a lesser extent) field level.

The successful candidate will have extensive media relations experience and will have the capacity to translate technical political objectives into communications / campaigning outreach and advocacy.

Mission

The Communications Officer will work with a team of four communications colleagues to deliver the Access Campaign messages both internally and externally. The team is responsible for all written and web materials and is integrated in the malnutrition, TB, AIDS and intellectual property & innovation teams. 

S/he will be responsible for:
· Acting as lead press liaison for the Access Campaign’s communications team; foster relations with journalists both in Geneva and at international events.
· Collaborating with press officers throughout the 19 MSF headquarters countries and in a few field countries.
· Writing and editing communications and advocacy materials, including press releases, for use by the Campaign and MSF.
· Working with teams on malnutrition, TB, AIDS, and intellectual property & innovation to create and execute press, advocacy and events efforts.
· Developing activism tools, events, and/or media and new media communications that help raise awareness of Access Campaign issues
· Contributing material to internal and external newsletters, backgrounders, op/eds, articles, reports, etc.

The Communications Officer is accountable to the Communications Coordinator.

Qualifications and experience

Core competencies:
· At least three years communications experience in an NGO, company or international institution or as a journalist in a relevant field.
· Ability to write press materials and foster relationships with journalists as well as effectively meet and manage journalists requests.
· Creative thinking and ability to “sell” ideas or approaches.
· Ideal candidate would have advocacy and/or campaigning experience; proven ability to translate campaign objectives into events, and/or media and new media communications.
· Experience in the fields of health, medicine, the pharmaceutical industry and/or international humanitarian aid an asset.
· Works well as part of a small team.
· Flexibility and ability to manage many tasks simultaneously.
· Degree in international relations, political science, communications, health/medical/science or law.
· Proficiency in English to mother-tongue standard.
· Ability to read and speak Spanish, French or other languages an asset.

Additional information about the position:

Location:    Geneva
Type of contract: full time, indefinite contract

To apply, please send your CV with cover letter by 1 September 2008 to:
Jess Williams, jess.williams(at)geneva.msf.org in the Access Campaign or +41 22 849 8902. On request, Jess can send interested candidates the 2008-2009 Campaign Action Plan.