Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa is looking for a Community Engagement and Advocacy Intern to join their Johannesburg office in 2025. This internship offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to MSF’s humanitarian mission by engaging with communities, conducting research, and supporting advocacy efforts in key health areas such as HIV/TB, migration, climate change, and more.

If you are passionate about healthcare, advocacy, and social impact, and you have the skills and drive to support humanitarian work, this internship could be the perfect opportunity for you.

About MSF: A Global Humanitarian Mission

MSF Southern Africa is part of the global network of Doctors Without Borders, providing medical humanitarian assistance in crisis areas worldwide. MSF teams work on the frontlines in over 70 countries, offering medical care to people affected by conflict, epidemics, and disasters.

In South Africa, MSF is committed to raising awareness of key health issues, such as HIV, TB, migration, and access to healthcare, through advocacy and community engagement. By bearing witness to the experiences of those they assist, MSF mobilizes public support to drive change and advocate for the most vulnerable populations.

Key Responsibilities of the Community Engagement and Advocacy Intern

As an intern, you will play a vital role in supporting MSF’s community engagement and advocacy initiatives. Your key responsibilities will include:

1. Research and Analysis:
   • Conduct primary research and data collection on health-related themes such as HIV/TB, migration, and the impact of climate change.
   • Analyze information and provide context-specific insights on the challenges communities face, particularly those in marginalized groups.
   • Monitor online xenophobia incidents and assist with data entry on MSF’s GIS platform.
2. Community Engagement:
   • Support MSF’s community engagement strategies, ensuring that outreach is culturally sensitive and impactful.
   • Assist in developing community engagement tools for local Community-Based Organisations (CBOs).
   • Contribute to the mapping of local and international funding opportunities for CBOs.
3. Event Management:
   • Help organise events, workshops, and webinars for community organisations, civil society groups, and key stakeholders.
   • Manage logistics for meetings and conferences, and take detailed notes during these events.
4. Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement:
   • Work alongside MSF’s advocacy team to help develop and distribute advocacy materials related to health issues.
   • Assist with media monitoring and create reports on advocacy and community engagement developments.
5. Administrative Support:
   • Assist with administrative tasks, including filing, organising stakeholder databases, and preparing materials for advocacy efforts.
   • Provide logistical support for the MSF team and engage with external partners.

Internship Requirements

To be eligible for this internship, you must meet the following criteria:

• Educational Background: Minimum university graduate or postgraduate student in Social Sciences, Public Health, Politics, International Relations, or a related field.
• Interest in Community Engagement: Demonstrable interest in working with communities at the grassroots level and addressing health disparities.
• Research Skills: Ability to conduct qualitative research and data collection, with attention to detail.
• Advocacy Understanding: Knowledge of health policy, including issues like HIV/TB, migration, and access to medicines.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; familiarity with social media platforms is a plus.
• Strong Communication: Excellent analytical, writing, and networking skills.
• Flexibility and Work Ethic: Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English; knowledge of additional languages is a bonus.

Internship Benefits

This internship offers a supportive and dynamic environment for learning and professional development, along with the following benefits:

• Monthly Stipend: R5,000 to support your living expenses during the internship.
• Medical Aid: 100% contribution to your medical aid coverage.
• Transport Allowance: To help with commuting costs.
• Cell Phone Allowance: For work-related communication.

How to Apply

If you’re passionate about making a difference and joining a leading humanitarian organization, apply for the Community Engagement and Advocacy Internship with MSF South Africa today.