Job Description

Communication Specialist: Media Liaison, Special Projects at Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa

About Us

Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) Southern Africa is a vital part of a global network of compassionate professionals dedicated to medical humanitarian work. Guided by medical ethics and a shared commitment to humanity, our teams-both small and large-deliver critical healthcare to people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics, and exclusion from medical services. Operating in over 70 countries, MSF's doctors, nurses, logisticians, and specialists not only provide care but also bear witness to the challenges faced by communities, raising awareness and advocating for change to address crises and healthcare inequities.





Based in Johannesburg with an office in Cape Town, MSF Southern Africa serves as a dynamic hub for recruitment, communications, and operational support. Governed by the MSF Southern Africa Association, with over 300 members from seven regional countries, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture where diverse voices thrive. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, abilities, and other diversity characteristics.

The Opportunity: Communication Specialist: Media Liaison, Special Projects

Are you a dynamic communicator with a flair for media relations and a passion for humanitarian storytelling? As a Communication Specialist: Media Liaison, Special Projects at MSF Southern Africa, you'll drive high-impact media strategies to amplify our work, build key relationships with journalists, and support recruitment efforts. This role offers the chance to shape public discourse on medical humanitarian issues, innovate creative campaigns, and contribute to mobilizing resources and influence for life-saving missions across Africa and beyond.

What You'll Do

Media Liaison:

Actively build and maintain networks with journalists, producers, and editors focused on health, Africa, and international affairs; implement content selection and adaptation tactics aligned with MSF's positioning; relay press releases, briefings, and multimedia content to media, pitching stories and arranging interviews; source insights from media professionals to inform pitches; supervise interns on media database updates; coordinate journalist visits to field projects; arrange background briefings on priority topics.

Regular Responsibilities

Media Relations:

Develop and implement bi-weekly media pitch schedules; handle bi-weekly media on-call duties, coordinating responses and interviews; produce reports on media coverage achieved.

HR Recruitment Support:

Develop annual targeted digital recruitment and paid media strategies for medical journals, defining KPIs and delivering progress reports; collaborate on content creation for visibility and engagement with medical audiences.

Coordination, Collaborations, Synergies & Support:

Lead efforts to elevate MSF's media profile for awareness and recruitment, including material dissemination and pitching; proactively pitch MSF international staff to niche media; coordinate outreach with regional press officers; accept delegated tasks and provide ad hoc field support as needed.

Messaging, Briefings, Training & Public Engagement:

Collaborate on cohesive messaging and spokespeople briefings; develop training materials for media sessions with key staff; support staff preparation for public engagements.

Monitoring, Analysis & Strategic Insight:

Alternate monthly compilation of media reports against KPIs, supervising intern monitoring; collaborate on quarterly analyses of media strategy progress.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced, strategic communicator with strong media savvy, a commitment to humanitarian values, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Here's what you bring:

Qualifications & Skills

Bachelor's degree or post-graduate qualification in Public Relations, Journalism, or Corporate Communication.

A minimum of 5 years in media as a journalist or communication professional in corporate or NGO settings. Proven strategy development and writing abilities across formats (e.g., social copy, reports, press releases). Experience in digital media, mobile journalism, or marketing; basic to intermediate proficiency in LinkedIn Campaign Manager and Figma/Canva/Adobe Creative Suite. Demonstrable oral and written communication, storytelling, and ethical judgment skills. Fluency in written and spoken English; high computer literacy in MS Office. Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects.

Desirable:

Established South African media networks; good digital development literacy; availability for 1-2 months international travel annually.

Personal Qualities

Committed & passionate: You align with MSF's principles and have a deep interest in humanitarian issues, world news, and international affairs. Results-oriented: You focus on quality outcomes, analyzing landscapes to craft compelling pitches. Team player: You collaborate effectively, nurturing networks and probing for clarity on objectives. Innovative & proactive: You bring initiative, creativity, and networking skills to build relationships. Organized: You excel in planning, managing deadlines, and multitasking. Values-driven: You embody MSF's principles of respect, transparency, integrity, accountability, trust, and empowerment and adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments.

Why Join MSF?

Make a global impact: Support a world-renowned organization that transforms lives through healthcare and advocacy. Advance your communications career: Gain meaningful experience in a supportive, mission-driven environment. Join a vibrant community: Work alongside passionate professionals in a diverse, inclusive workplace.

What We Offer

Basic Salary: R43 407,46

Position Level: 7

Benefits

: 13th Cheque in November, 10% additional pension allowance, 100% medical aid contribution, transport allowance, and cellphone allowance.

Resources:

A fully equipped workspace with necessary tools and support.

Contract:

Permanent/Full time role.

Ready to amplify humanitarian voices through strategic media engagement? Apply now!

Closing date:

30

July 2025

Start date: 1 December 2025 [Dependent on Notice Period]

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

NB: Information


The protection of your personal data is important to MSF SnA. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. MSF SnA will not use your personal data in any other way not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

MSF Southern Africa is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of disability, gender identity, marital status, race, color, ethnic or national origins, religion, belief, or sexual orientation, and all other diversity characteristics.

By applying, the applicant acknowledges that he/she has read, understood and accept this document.

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