Communications Advisor - Part-Time

• Doctors Without Borders (MSF-SA)
  
  

Communications Advisor - Part-Time

• Deadline:
  
  

01 May 2025

• Region:
  
  

Johannesburg or Cape Town

• Salary:
  
  

R26 687,69

• Type of employment:
  
  

Full time

Job Description

Duration: 12 Months

Start Date: Immediately

Location: Johannesburg, Cape Town or any MSF office in other countries

Remuneration And Resources

• The Salary R26 687,69
• 13th Cheque in November.
• 100% Medical aid contribution.
• 10% additional pension allowance.
• Transport allowance.
• Cell Phone Allowance.
• Resources needed, such as working space, computer, internet, stationery, and other resources, will be made available.

Purpose
To develop and execute communication strategies that enhance awareness, drive stakeholder engagement, and support advocacy efforts for PrEP and Hepatitis C, ensuring MSF’s positioning remains visible, relevant, and effective at regional and global levels.

Background
The medical department of MSF Operational Centre Brussels (OCB) plays a strategic role by defining the modalities of implementing MSF’s medical strategy to safeguard both coherence and quality. Strategical support is given along the phases of the project cycle. It has a normative role and technical support function regarding implementation and follow-up of the projects. The medical department ensures knowledge transfer to the medical workforce and stimulates research and innovation by challenging current medical practices and scanning new approaches.

It is composed of multiple specialists based across a network of units worldwide (Belgium, Brazil, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Luxembourg, and South Africa) and works in close collaboration with operations, other OCB departments, and the MSF movement. We also support the projects of MSF WACA.

This work aligns with MSF’s strategic objective of ensuring equitable access to essential medicines and diagnostics during the transition of the MSF Access Campaign to the new structure. Given OCB's leading role in HIV within MSF, a team will be set up composed of an HIV & Hepatitis C Access Advocacy Manager, a pharmacist and a communication advisor in SAMU (South African Medical Unit). Your team will make the long-acting ARVs (Antiretroviral) and Hepatitis C (Hep-C) commodities accessible to MSF patients and beyond.

Communications Advisor (CA) will lead the development and implementation of communication strategies that support Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and Hep-C advocacy initiatives. The role may be required to engage on broader HIV-related issues as needed. This role will coordinate closely with MSF Southern Africa Medical Unit (SAMU), MSF Access, MSF OCB, and MSF Southern Africa teams to ensure effective messaging, engagement, and public awareness. The role is part of the SAMU team, liaising with the MSF Southern Africa Communications Team and reporting to the SAMU Advocacy Manager, with support from the MSF Southern Africa Communications Director.

Management Lines And Interactions

• Reports to the MSF Southern Africa Director of Communications, who develops objectives and conducts evaluations.
• Has a functional reporting link with the SAMU Advocacy Manager, who serves as the functional manager.
• Works closely with SAMU and MSF Access teams to develop strategic public positioning on injectable PrEP and Hep-C advocacy priorities.
• Performance indicators are tracked by the Advocacy Manager and MSF Southern Africa Director of Communications.
• Works in close collaboration with a senior OCB Communications Advisor to ensure alignment with OCB’s operational communication agenda (technical support).
• Collaborates with Communications Advisors covering HIV and Hep-C topics within MSF.
• Works closely with all the CAs of MSF operational centres/directorates to develop communication strategies on PrEP and Hep-C.
• Works with MSF SnA and MSF OCB communications teams to develop impactful communication strategies.
• Actively participates in meetings across SAMU, APHMSF Access, MSF SnA, and MSF OCB.
• The role may be required to engage on broader HIV-related issues as needed.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the development and implement of a research-based communication strategy that supports PrEP and Hepatitis C advocacy objectives, ensuring key messages are informed by analysis and aligned with advocacy goals. Regularly review and adapt the strategy to reflect progress and evolving priorities.
• Work collaboratively with SAMU, MSF Access, MSF OCB, MSF Southern Africa, and the broader MSF movement to design and implement impactful communication and campaign strategies that align with both regional advocacy efforts where MSF plans to implement injectable PrEP and global policy objectives.
• Lead the development of communication materials for various audiences and platforms (traditional media, social media, public events) ensuring medical and scientific accuracy, and operational needs reality.
• Coordinate internal communications strategies and activities aimed at informing and mobilising the MSF network regarding the advocacy communications initiatives and campaigning activities for PrEP and Hepatitis C.
• This role requires the development and implementation of comprehensive communication plans that foster active participation and robust engagement from MSF staff, association members, and key stakeholders.
• Develop and disseminate communications packages to the MSF communications network and other internal channels to reach MSF staff and association members, including compiling and finalising relevant materials; disseminate communications materials to key external audiences, including media, event attendees, civil society networks, and other targeted audiences.
• Define and execute public engagement activities designed to enhance the impact of advocacy efforts. This position demands a high level of expertise in strategic communications and influence, leveraging both to drive forward our mission and advocacy goals.
• Coordinate with external partners, communities and other stakeholders to ensure the seamless integration and execution of communication and campaign initiatives.
• Work with the communications team to manage external vendors and creative agencies for the content development and campaign execution.
• The Communications Advisor may be required to undertake other communications-related activities in support of SAMU’s strategic objectives, as and when needed.

Knowledge/Skills/Experience
Qualifications and Requirements

• Commitment to MSF’s mission and humanitarian values.
• Degree in international relations, journalism, public health, communications, law, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in communication or journalism, with a strong understanding of media operations at national and international levels.
• Proven experience in developing and delivering campaigns with clear advocacy objectives, utilising both online and offline engagement strategies.
• Expertise in creating and managing communication tools, including written and multimedia content.
• Strong writing, editing and research-based content development skills for different audiences, including media.
• Experience in relationship-building with internal and external stakeholders, including media.
• Experience in developing & implementing communication and or advocacy strategies.
• Knowledge of public health issues in developing countries.
• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to work with various interlocutors.
• Ability to work independently in a multicultural and multinational environment.
• Flexible, solution-oriented and capable of working in transitional setups.
• Understanding of social media strategies and tools is an advantage.
• Experience in medical communication, with a strong focus on HIV, hepatitis C or related public health domains, is essential.
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust, and Empowerment.
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments.

Language

• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory.
• Fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, or French is an asset.

Competencies

• Commitment to MSF Principles [Level 3]
• Planning & Organisation [Level 3]
• Teamwork & Cooperation [Level 3]
• Results & Quality Orientation [Level 3]
• Initiative & Innovation [Level 3]
• Networking [Level 3 -4]

How to apply
Apply here

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.