At a Glance
- Tasks: Proactively seek media coverage and create impactful stories for MSF.
- Company: Join Médecins Sans Frontières, a leading humanitarian organisation making a difference worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be the voice of humanitarian issues and raise awareness on global crises.
- Qualifications: Experience in press office work or journalism with strong media connections.
The predicted salary is between 44595 - 54505 £ per year.
Company Description
MÉDECINS SANS FRONTIÈRES UK Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provides life-saving emergency relief and longer-term medical care to some of the most vulnerable and excluded communities around the world. As an independent medical humanitarian organisation, we deliver care based only on need, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religion or political affiliation. MSF relies on donations from private individuals and organisations for the majority of its income. This private funding gives MSF the freedom to respond where needs are greatest and to speak out publicly, free from any political interference. MSF has around 67,000 local and international staff working in over 70 countries, in some of the most challenging places in the world.
Our medical humanitarian projects are supported by offices in 44 countries, including the UK and Ireland. These teams recruit staff, organise fundraising, and raise awareness on the humanitarian crises our colleagues are witnessing, as well as running different and diverse support activities. MSF offices are spread across Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa and Australasia. At MSF UK/IE, we support MSF's operations by building relationships with our supporters, increasing awareness of our work, raising funds, providing specialist medical expertise, ensuring MSF staff have access to relevant higher education programmes, catalysing change on medical humanitarian issues, and recruiting field staff. MSF UK/IE personnel are dynamic, hard-working, enthusiastic and committed to MSF's values and aims.
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Position
MSF UK is looking for a Press Officer to focus on its proactive, strategic media coverage. We're looking for someone who is collaborative, innovative and has plenty of connections in the industry - be that regional, national or international media, trade or political press, podcasts or documentaries.
Hours
Full-Time (37.5 hours per week) Mon - Fri
Duration
Permanent
Location
London - hybrid, 2 days per week London Office (including Wednesdays)
Salary
£41,902.62 - £51,214.32 per annum | Salary is offered in line with our pay framework and typically starts at the entry point of the band. Salary increases are considered annually and are subject to our appraisal and performance review process.
Job Purpose
The main purpose of this role is to proactively seek coverage of MSF / create news about MSF. This role is about creating opportunities for impactful coverage and setting up good relationships externally. To raise awareness of the work and priorities of MSF with core target audiences via coverage in UK and international radio, podcasts, TV, print, online and documentaries. Maintain relationships with international colleagues e.g. the International Office (IO), Communication Advisors, other press officers in key hubs globally as well as field communications teams. While the majority of your time will be spent gaining proactive coverage, there's also an expectation that you will help with incoming enquiries or offer to assist the News team if it's busy - under instruction from the Head of Media or Senior Press Officers. You will be part of an on-call / out of hours rota, including evenings and weekends, for which you will accumulate TOIL.
Requirements
- Demonstrable experience in press office work, TV production or international journalism, including substantial understanding of, and contacts in, UK media.
- Experience in pitching stories and features to print, radio, TV, podcast and online.
- Good knowledge of world affairs and a demonstrable understanding of and commitment to humanitarian issues.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines, handle content of a sensitive nature, and be a team player.
- Project management skills.
- Industry contacts preferred.
- Experience of international development/humanitarian relief preferable.
- Experience in the practical use of personal IT equipment and Microsoft Office 365 suite.
- The ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within a hybrid working environment utilising Teams, SharePoint, One Drive and Yammer.
Other information
Recruitment timetable
- Closing date for applications: Monday 24 August 2026, 12:00pm (BST)
- First round interviews: To be advised
- Projected Start Date: ASAP
Additional Information
Accessibility
We are committed to removing barriers for people with specific accessibility needs. If you need an adjustment to the recruitment process to be considered for the role, please let us know by contacting [email protected]
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We are a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive organisation. MSF UK thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion. MSF UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from all sections of our diverse community.
Safeguarding
MSF UK/IE is dedicated to safeguarding everyone who comes into contact with the organisation, for whatever reason and however brief. All posts are subject to safer recruitment process which include robust reference requests, scrutiny of employment history and where applicable criminal record and barring checks. Our safeguarding commitment is underpinned by policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the organisation. On joining MSF UK/IE you will be required to attend safeguarding training to ensure responsibility for and maintaining safe working practice and to safeguard our teams, beneficiaries, and communities.
Right to work in the UK
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Employment sponsorship will NOT be offered by MSF UK for this role. For questions, issues or further information, please contact [email protected]. We look forward to receiving your application!
Press Officer - Features employer: MSF UK
Médecins Sans Frontières UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that values diversity and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee growth, MSF provides opportunities for professional development while working in a hybrid environment in London, allowing staff to balance their personal and professional lives effectively. Joining MSF means being part of a passionate team dedicated to making a meaningful impact on global humanitarian issues, supported by a robust framework of benefits and a commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Press Officer - Features
✨Get Involved in PR Events
Dive into local PR meetups and workshops. Events like these are perfect for getting your face out there, chatting with industry pros, and spotting potential job openings at companies like MSF UK. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to learn about trends and make lasting connections.
✨Showcase Your PR Skills
Start building your personal brand as a PR ace. Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share your thoughts on current events or PR campaigns you admire. Tagging companies you want to work for, like MSF UK, can catch their eye—especially if your insights resonate!
✨Leverage Your Network
Reach out to friends, family, or connections in the PR field. Even a casual chat can lead to opportunities. If you've got mutual contacts, ask for introductions when applying. Personal recommendations can give your application a nice little boost!
✨Tailor Your Approach
When applying for a full-time PR role, make sure to research MSF UK inside and out. Understanding their campaigns, values, and style allows us to directly align our application and impress during interviews. Don't hesitate to apply through our website—going direct can make a real difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Press Officer - Features
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Story Straight:In public relations, storytelling is everything! Make sure your CV highlights your experience in crafting compelling narratives and managing media relations. Share specific examples of campaigns you've worked on, and don’t forget to include any press coverage you've generated—it's impressive proof of your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since PR is all about communication, we want to see your best writing samples. Include pieces like press releases, blog posts, or social media content that you've created. This gives us a taste of your voice and your ability to convey messages clearly and effectively, which is crucial for a role in this field.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a recap of your CV; it’s your chance to shine! Emphasise why PR excites you and how your background fits with the mission of MSF UK. Show us that you’ve done your homework and speak to why you’re passionate about the work we do.
Connect the Dots:When you’re writing your application, think about how your past experiences link to the responsibilities of the role. Mention any internships, volunteer work, or projects that involved public speaking, event planning, or strategic communication. This will help us see how you can seamlessly bring your skills into a full-time position at MSF UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at MSF UK
✨Master the Art of Storytelling
In public relations, storytelling is key. We should prepare compelling narratives about past campaigns or projects we’ve worked on. Think about how we can illustrate our impact and creativity in those stories—be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase our skills in managing media relationships and crafting messages.
✨Know Your PR Tools Inside Out
Familiarity with PR tools like Cision or Meltwater is crucial. We need to be able to discuss how we’ve used these tools in past roles or projects. If we've worked on media lists, press releases, or analytics reports, let’s have those experiences ready to share along with metrics we’ve achieved to back up our claims.
✨Stay Current with Industry Trends
We’ve got to stay sharp on the latest trends and events impacting the public relations field. Having a few insights ready about recent campaigns or shifts in media landscapes can show that we’re engaged and knowledgeable. This will also help us make connections between our experiences and the current state of the industry.
✨Showcase Our Versatility
As full-time PR professionals, we need to demonstrate our adaptability. Be ready to talk about how we've handled challenging situations, managed crises, or adapted strategies on the fly. Employers will appreciate our ability to pivot and find solutions under pressure, so let’s have those scenarios at our fingertips to discuss.
