Media & Communications Internship

About MSF

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation committed to providing medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, natural and man-made disasters, and speaking out about the plight of the populations assisted. MSF assists people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. Today, MSF is present in more than 73 countries, where thousands of MSF doctors, nurses, logisticians, water-and-sanitation experts, and other medical and non-medical professionals work together to bring essential health services to people caught in humanitarian crises.

Purpose

This role supports the Media Liaison specialists with various media-related administrative tasks. These include but not limited to archiving media clips from interviews done by MSF spokespeople, researching, and updating media contacts, recording media requests, media monitoring, compiling various media reports on a daily, weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, compiling MSF media mentions, as well as assisting with information sharing within the office.

She/he also helps to develop and implement activities aimed at developing MSF’s relationships with medical audiences, promoting medical activism, visibility, and engagement communications.

Report to: Communication Specialists Media Liaison 

ACCOUNTABILITIES (OUTPUTS AND KEY ACTIONS)

OUTPUT 1

MSF in the Media Report, Daily Digest, and Operational Updates Key Actions:

• Conduct regular media monitoring of print, online and broadcast outlets through online content monitoring service (Newsclip), newspaper subscriptions and online media alerts (e.g., Google Alerts) – but not limited to only these.


• Compile and circulate regular media monitoring reports for internal circulation (MSF in the Media, Coverage Reports and Operational Updates) / Information sharing.


• Maintain and update the media clippings archive in internal server and online weekly on TEAMS.


• Setting up and maintaining information storage and sharing systems in line with knowledge management and GDPR guidelines (incl. online and offline filing).


• Tracking news developments in the media on the organisation. 

OUTPUT 2:

Updated Media Lists on Prezly (Through Research And Media Support) Key Actions:

• Mapping journalists according to their beats and updating when they leave – also use media Manager. 


• Conduct desktop research to update media contact lists on Prezly strictly on a weekly basis (choose one day per week).

• To compile report on updated Prezly lists and bounce rates. 


• Provide support on specific media and communication related initiatives or events when required. Assist the team to source MSF stories and images to develop content for specific audiences as and when requested.

OUTPUT 3

Media Pitching Key Actions:

• Independently develop story pitches to be shared with the media, send content to them and compiling coverage reports thereafter.

OUTPUT 4

Compiling Media Reports Key Actions; 

Reporting:

• Support the News Media team with compiling coverage data for weekly, monthly, and quarterly media reports.


• Compiling Monthly sitreps for Ops / MSF in the Media. 


• Sharing insights. 

OUTPUT 5

Medical Journals Key Actions:

To provide mainly administrative, content selection, account management support for medical journals.

Admin support:

• Maintain records of all payments made, including copies of invoices, proof of payment, booking forms and deadline schedules for all medical journals.


• Maintain updated plans or schedules for content dissemination to medical journals and ensuring these are strictly adhered to.


• Artwork submissions to various medical journals for publication.


• Arrange meetings and outreach with various medical channels for new partnerships.


• Producing quarterly reports for medical journals content. 

Content support:

• Assist in sourcing content for medical journals from various MSF platforms including MSF blog sites, content from CWA, MSF SA website among others.


• Curating content g., editorials and adverts which includes editing and selection of images.


• Maintaining key information of various publications g., circulation figures, audiences.


• Attending quarterly brainstorming sessions to discuss upcoming content for all medical journals.


• Work with Coordinator to brief, liaise and follow up with freelance content producers and designers if required/ necessary.

• Ensure that prepared content is sent to the relevant medical journals for publication.


• Compilation of Medical Journals report. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• Recently attained a degree in Communications, Media, Journalism, Public Relations, or related courses.


• Preferably studying media or communications-related subject, or with demonstrable interest in working in the media/communications field.


• Knowledge of South African media landscape, including community media.


• Interest in local/international current affairs and humanitarian work.


• Knowledge of Word, Excel essential; knowledge of online media database desirable.


• Professionalism, high work ethics.


• Good telephone and email ethics.


• Able to conduct research on different topics.


• Analytical, creative, and flexible approach to work.


• Attention to detail.


• Have a curious mind.


• Time management: ability to manage multiple tasks at a time, ability to meet deadlines. 


• Great sense of proactivity.

Character Traits:

• Honest.


• Punctual.


• Accountable.


• Flexible.


• Team player.


• Self-aware.


• Self-starter.

Working Relationships (Internal and External)

The Media & Communications Intern works closely with the two Media Liaison Specialists, the entire Comms team and other Communication teams within the organisation, journalists, and account executives at the different medical journal publications.

Key Challenges

Reporting is a key element for the media and communication intern. Reporting is a continuous exercise therefore if waiting to compile the entire report at the end of the month, will only overwhelm the intern, so there is need to continuously update the reports.

Key Decisions

This role is responsible for compilation of medical journals content, deciding on the content and coordinating with the graphic designer for layout and designing as well as account managers at the medical journal publications. The idea is to have powerful content that will help medical professionals understand MSF work as well as encourage them to join the organisation.

Remuneration and resources

• Resources needed such as working space, computer, internet, stationery, and other resources will be made available.


• Monthly Stipend: R 5000.


• 100% Medical aid contribution.


• Transport allowance.


• Cell Phone Allowance.

Commitment

• Length of commitment: 12 months

Closing date: 26 June 2026

Start Date: As soon as possible

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation and all other diversity characteristics.

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. 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 will not use your personal data in any other way not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.