MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES / DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS (MSF) UK
Job Description
Documentary & Features Project Manager
(temporary)
Application checklist
Please check you have included the following in your application email to
recruitment.uk@london.msf.org:
CV: 
Letter of motivation (LoM): 
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (please submit it in a separate
document from your CV and LoM): 
Answers to any questions specified in the application pack, if applicable: 
Recruitment timetable:
 Closing date for applications: 9am, Monday, 4 January 2016
 Interviews: Monday, 11 January 2016
 Start date: mid-January 2016
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MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES / DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS (MSF) UK
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Documentary & Features Project Manager (temporary)
Department: Communications
Hours:
20-24 hours per week (0.5-0.6 FTE)
Reports to: Hierarchically responsible to Video and Multimedia Manager:
Functionally responsible to Head of Communications
Location:
London
Duration:
up to 12 months fixed-term contract
Salary:
£34,657 per annum pro-rated
COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT
The department’s purpose is to raise the profile of the organisation and its causes amongst
British and international audiences via increasingly diverse media to support MSF’s advocacy,
recruitment and fundraising activities.
The media has long been essential to MSF’s advocacy and fundraising, so our policy is one of
openness and cooperation with the press. Increasingly we also communicate directly with the
public through digital and public engagement activities. Communications staff are highly valued
within the organisation and are expected to contribute actively to strategic and communication
decisions. New technology involving web, audio-visual and other multimedia are central to our
strategic vision.
The UK is a hub for communications internationally and MSF UK is expected to play a significant
role in supporting communications ambitions for the whole of MSF.
JOB PURPOSE
The Features and Documentaries Project Manager aims to raise awareness of MSF’s work, values and
concerns through the development and dissemination of clear and compelling audiovisual (A/V) content,
to UK and international target audiences.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Research and develop documentary features for UK-based media outlets – liaising with
MSF colleagues around the world to identify potential stories suitable for documentary
features
Pitch, secure access, and oversee contracts to ensure MSF’s interests, patients and
medical ethics are respected throughout
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Manage and maintain existing relationships with key commissioners and documentary
producers
Project manage complex filming projects
Ensure coordination of supporting communications content within the team, working
closely with press and digital teams, as well as with the fundraising teams
Attend regularly scheduled meetings to share information, brainstorm solutions and coordinate priorities, with the Communications team and the UK office
Maintain databases and other shared systems of reporting
Source, catalogue and seek usage rights on footage featuring MSF developed by
international and UK broadcast outlets and distribution agencies
To maintain commitment to the aims and values of MSF through proactive involvement in
and attendance at ongoing MSF UK and wider movement operational activities
Please note that this list is indicative of the key responsibilities of this role but is by no means
exhaustive. MSF is an emergency organisation and a ‘Can do’ attitude and flexibility to take on
other related tasks is essential. This job description does not form part of the contract of
employment.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Knowledge, skills and expertise
Essential
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Working knowledge of TV documentary production, including solid understanding of
commissioning process and UK media landscape
Understanding and experience of managing complex and sensitive consent issues
Demonstrable experience managing overseas filming projects
Experience and understanding of legal issues related to use of footage and IP rights
Diplomatic, patient and calm approach – able to cope with chaos and ambiguity
Team player but able to manage projects on their own
Good eye for a story – ideally a background in documentary development
Good knowledge of world affairs and understanding of humanitarian issues and
challenges
Excellent written communications skills; ability to adapt style to suit a wide range of
audiences
Strong verbal communication and negotiating skills
Strong organisational skills with experience of managing multiple tasks
Demonstrable network of contacts within the broadcast arena, e.g. production companies,
TV news outlets, distribution agencies
Ability to work independently to general guidelines; capacity to take initiatives and seize
opportunities
Fluent spoken and written English
Proficient IT (e.g. MS Office, Outlook) and social media skills
Commitment to the aims and values of MSF
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Desirable
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Knowledge of project management methodology
Other languages desirable – French is particularly useful
Experience of filming in a medical setting would be particularly useful
Candidates must hold an appropriate passport or permit to work in the UK
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Thank you for your interest in working with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders
(MSF) in London as Documentary and Features Project Manager. In order to get a better sense
of your experience and aptitude for this work, we would like you to complete the questions below
and to submit them with your application. Don’t worry, there is rarely a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ answer,
but we are interested in your approach and your ideas. Brevity is encouraged – certainly do not
exceed the word limit.
1. If you were offered the position, what kind of television coverage would you seek to obtain
for MSF in the UK? (max 300 words)
2. From your research into MSF’s projects, write a short proposal pitching one aspect of our
work to the series editor of Unreported World. (max 250 words)
3. One of the major campaigns MSF is currently working on is a campaign to get Pfizer and
Glaxo Smith Klein to lower the price of the pneumonia vaccine
(http://www.afairshot.org/#petition-en-). Write a strategy of how you would seek television
coverage in the UK or internationally to support the campaign’s objectives. (max 400
words)
4. Consider this scenario: BBC 2 want to commission a three part observational
documentary following British doctors working for MSF in warzones and natural disasters.
The BBC have asked to send a camera operator to film MSF’s activities in South Sudan
and Yemen. You are project managing the series for MSF. What factors do you think you
would need to consider from MSF’s perspective? (max 400 words)
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5. Before the BBC project can be commissioned by the channel you have to obtain formal
agreement from the country management team to facilitate the filming. This will involve
considerable upheaval from their perspective, so you need to persuade them of the
benefits of such a project. Write an email to the country manager explaining the benefits
and how you would mitigate against some of the risks involved in such a project. (max
600 words)
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