Médecins Sans Frontierès Media & Communications Internship 2024
This role supports the Media Liaison specialists with various media-related administrative tasks
Closing date: 17 September 2025
Location: South Africa
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 are 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 develop and implement activities to build 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) and information sharing.
- Maintain and update the media clippings archive in the internal server and online weekly on TEAMS.
- Set up and maintain 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:
- Map journalists use Media Manager according to their beats and update them when they leave.
- Conduct desktop research to update media contact lists on Prezly strictly every week (choose one day per week).
- To compile reports on updated Prezly lists and bounce rates.
- Provide support on specific media and communication initiatives or events when required.
- Assist the team in sourcing 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 them content, and compile coverage reports afterwards.
OUTPUT 4
- Compiling Media Reports Key Actions:
Reporting:
- Support the News Media team with compiling coverage data for weekly, monthly, and quarterly media reports.
- Compile Monthly sitreps for Ops / MSF in the Media.
- Sharing insights.
- KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE
Essential:
- Recently attained a degree or national diploma in communications, media, journalism, public relations, or related courses.
- Preferably studying media or communications-related subjects or having a demonstrable interest in working in the media/communications field.
- Knowledge of the South African media landscape, including community media.
- Interest in local/international current affairs and humanitarian work.
- Knowledge of Word and Excel is essential; knowledge of online media databases is desirable.
- Professionalism, high work ethics.
- Good telephone and email ethics.
- Able to research 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 and 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 crucial element for the media and communication intern. It is a continuous exercise, so waiting to compile the entire report at the end of the month will only overwhelm the intern, so there is a need to continuously update the reports.
Key Decisions
This role is responsible for compiling medical journal content, deciding on the content, and coordinating with the graphic designer for layout, design, and account managers at the medical journal publications. The idea is to have powerful content that helps medical professionals understand MSF work and encourages them to join the organisation.
Remuneration and resources
- We will make available the necessary resources, such as working space, computers, the internet, stationery, and other supplies.
- Monthly Stipend: R 5000.
- 100% Medical aid contribution.
- Transport allowance.
- Cell Phone Allowance.
