Doctors Without Borders (MSF): Media & Communications Internship Programme 2024 / 2025

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.

Responsibilities:

Include but is not limited to:

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

Requirements:

• Recently attained a Degree or National Diploma in:

1. Communications,
2. Media,
3. Journalism,
4. Public Relations,
5. or related courses.

• 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.