Communication Advisors Team Leader

CONTEXT  

Communication is integral to MSF’s humanitarian and medical operations for the purposes of leverage, security, access, or visibility. MSF also bears witness to crises through testimonies and speaking out when necessary.  

At the Brussels Operational Centre (OCB) of MSF, this communication support is provided to operations by the Com-ops Unit (also called Combo for ‘Communications - Brussels Operations’).   The COMBO team drives public positioning and supports operations with external communication expertise. The COMBO team is coordinated by the Operational Communications Coordinator (CoCo) and is composed of three units: Communication Advisors (CA) Team, Digital Team, and Multimedia Team.  Depending on the context, the team provides high-level advice, crisis response, field communication support, and production of communication materials.  

As the Communication Advisors Team Leader, you ensure the daily functioning, support, and management of the Communication Advisors Team. While the communication coordinator for OCB holds strategic responsibility for MSF-OCB’s overall public positioning and operational communication, you as the Communication Advisors Team Leader, ensure effective execution of communication advisors work and act as first-line manager for the advisors.  

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Management 

• In close coordination with the communication coordinator, oversee the implementation of OCB’s public positioning and communication vision and strategy within the CA Team, ensuring consistency between field-level outputs and the broader COMBO direction
• Manage the team of communication advisors, ensuring recruitment, onboarding, follow-up, performance reviews, coaching, and professional development
• Allocate portfolios and organize gap-filling to ensure coverage
• Provide first-line technical and mentoring support to CAs on daily challenges, escalating sensitive or high-stakes issues to the communication coordinator
• Lead CA team meetings, strengthen collaboration, and promote peer support
• Identify needs, propose improvements, and ensure reporting, learning, and knowledge-sharing
• Regularly exchange with the communication coordinator for alignment on priorities, flagging critical issues, and receiving delegation on dossiers or contexts as relevant 

Internal & Intersectional Collaboration 

• When explicitly delegated, represent OCB in internal or intersectional discussions 

• Support the communication coordinator for OCB in recruitment, validation, and management of the roster of field communication experts 

• When requested, contribute to transversal dossiers (e.g., Field HR, L&D, Knowledge Management) 

• Foster collaboration between CAs Team, the Digital Team, and the Multimedia Team for consistency in outputs 

Back-up Functions 

• Acts as back-up to the communication coordinator only in relation to CA team management and in clearly delegated dossiers or contexts 

REQUIREMENTS 

Education & Experience 

• University Degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, or a related area of study  

• Minimum 5 years of experience in humanitarian communications 

• Experience in managing and supporting teams  

• Experience as an MSF Communications Advisor is a strong asset 

• Previous experience with MSF is a strong asset 

Competencies 

• Proven capacity to mentor, coach, and manage individuals and teams 

• Strong organizational and portfolio management skills 

• Experience in field communications highly valued 

• Knowledge of humanitarian communication strategies, global and local media dynamics 

• Understanding of digital and social media tools 

• Strong negotiation and communication skills, resilience, and adaptability 

• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively across diverse teams and cultures 

Languages 

• Proficiency in English, spoken and written is mandatory 

• Proficiency in French, both spoken and written is a strong asset 

• Good knowledge of Arabic, Spanish or Portuguese is an asset 

CONDITIONS 

• Expected starting date: January 2026 

• Location: Brussels* (Belgium) 

*Due to legal administrative constraints, given the duration of the contract, candidates must already have the permanent right as Belgian or EU national, and/or valid work permit with mention of "Unlimited access to the labor market" to work in Belgium 

• Contract type: Fixed-term contract – full-time 

• Contract length: 1 year (extendable) 

• Option to work from home part-time 

• Salary according to MSF-OCB Head Office salary grid 

• Meal Vouchers - Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs 

• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment 

• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments 

Deadline for applications: 27th of November 2025 

How to apply? 

➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button     
➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position    
➢It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload (preferably in pdf format)   

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating 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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