About the Course

In this course you will learn in an interactive and reflective way about the main public communication processes in MSF (reasons, dilemmas, elements, etc.) and about how to effectively use communication tools. The full course includes a self-pace course and a webinar (different dates will be available throughout the year).

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is for everyone who has been enrolled in the Field Coordinator training path.

DURATION

6h (self-paced activities, and webinar combined)

Learning Objectives

Upon course completion, you will be able to:

• Identify and explain the main reasons for MSF to communicate publicly
• Identify the main dilemmas around MSF public communication
• Identify benefits of including comms in project planning
• Identify the main communication positions and roles both in field and HQ, as well as the role of Field Coordinator in communication
• Identify the main factors for an impactful story
• Recognise the communication tools and the right choice according to objectives
• Identify main elements and tools in digital comms environment

List of Contents

The course consists of four modules and a webinar, namely:

Module 1: Why MSF communicates

1.1 Reasons

• Operational tool – Ways in which Comms can help to engage understanding and engaging with the project context
• Global visibility – Support to MSF movement and operations worldwide
• Social mission – Témoignage as essential part of MSF’s nature

1.2.  Dilemmas

• Balancing communication and possible risks - Risks of communicating and not communicating
• Balance with bilateral engagement – Coordination points with advocacy
• Patient privacy issues – Taking images and privacy & dignity protection

Module 2: How MSF communicates

2.1. Planning

• Planning – Including Comms in operational planning
• Main elements to consider in the plan

2.2. Structure

• Roles and responsibilities of field comms positions (FCO, SMO, FCM, FCC)
• Roles and responsibilities of HQ comms positions (CA, press officer, public engagement, creative unit, fundraising)
• Role in comms of field coordinators

2.3. Impact

• Elements for an impactful story: objectives, audiences, key messages, format, and timing

Module 3. Tools and modalities

• MSF communication formats and when to use

Module 4. Social media, digital contexts

• Social media channels
• Monitoring
• Misinformation / Disinformation

WEBINAR

To complement and complete the online course, participants will have to participate in a webinar to reflect around two actual cases, and discuss issues such as potential risks, balance with bilateral engagement, or intersectionality

METHODOLOGY 

This e-learning course will take around 6 hours to complete, including watching videos and doing reflective exercises, and also an online webinar to discuss some dilemmas usually linked to public communication in MSF. 

EVALUATION

Participants will have to engage with the subject matter, and complete the tasks they will encounter throughout the course.

CERTIFICATION

Upon completion of the four modules and active participation and engagement in the webinar, you will be awarded a badge and a certificate.

ENROLMENT

This course is restricted to current FieldCos and staff in the FC learning path.

RELEASE AND UPDATE

February 2023

OC VALIDATION

OCBA 

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The course is best completed on a computer, laptop or tablet. However, it can also be possible on a mobile if the screen size is large enough.

Hyperlinks or links to websites are not available if you have downloaded the course and are completing it offline. You will need to have internet access to view them.

As this course includes some virtual sessions, you will need to have access to a large screen as well as a mobile device.