Public Communication for Operations for Heads of Mission

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 communication tools -including digital ones -  are effectively used. 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 Head of Mission training path.


DURATION

6h (self-paced course and webinar combined)

Learning Objectives

Upon course completion, you will be able to:

  • Identify and explain the reasons for MSF to communicate and its complex nature
  • Identify and explain the main dilemmas around MSF public communication
  • Identify challenges and benefits when comms in mission planning
  • Identify comms & HoM comms role and recognise main spokesperson techniques
  • Identify the main factors for an impactful message
  • Identify main elements and tools in digital comms environment

List of Contents

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

Module 1 Why MSF communicates

  1.1 Reasons

  • Global visibility & social mission
  • Operational tool

  1.2 Dilemmas

  • Potential risks when communicating / Risks of NOT communicating
  • Balance with advocacy
  • Management of intersectionality
  • Validation processes
  • Use of sources

Module 2 How MSF communicates

  2.1 Planning

  • Benefits of including comms in gral planning
  • Main elements to consider

  2.2 Structure

  • Structure - Roles and responsibilities in Comms
  • Field & HQ comms positions
  • Role in comms of HoM
  • Spokesperson techniques

  2.3 Impact

  • Main elements for impactful story
  • Required elements
  • Available tools

Module 3 Digital tools and monitoring

  • Main channels and features
  • Misinformation – Disinformation
  • Monitoring
  • Social media and staff-related risks
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.