Community Engagement Specialist

1. About MSF

Doctors without Borders (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation committed to two objectives: 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 offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

Today, MSF is present in more than 70 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.

The MSF movement has historically been built around six operational directorates supported by MSF’s 24 sections, 24 associations and other offices together worldwide. MSF Ubuntu is MSF’s newest and seventh operational directorate, approved in June 2025 and operations expected to commence in early 2026. MSF Southern Africa is one of the founding partners of MSF Ubuntu.

2. Purpose of the Position

The Community Engagement Specialist provides technical support, capacity strengthening, and operational guidance to MSF Projects and partner organisations to ensure that community engagement is systematically integrated into project design, implementation, monitoring, and learning processes.  He/she will contribute to SUPPORTING THE Community Engagement Coordinator in the learning, analysing, pioneering of new community engagement (CE) approaches within MSF and beyond.

Working under the leadership and direction of the Community Engagement Coordinator, the Specialist supports the operationalisation of MSF’s evolving community engagement framework, contributes to organisational learning, reinforces accountability to affected people (AAP), and strengthens partnerships with community-based organisations (CBOs) and civil society actors.

Reporting to (Hierarchical): Community Engagement Coordinator
Supervision of: Community Engagement Officer
Reports to (Functional): Director, Engagement, Representation, Analysis &  Advocacy Dept. (ERAA)
Location: Johannesburg (with frequent travel to project sites)

3. Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

3.1 Technical Support for Community Engagement (CE) Activities

Lead the day-to-day technical support to projects and missions implementing CE activities, in alignment with OSU CE strategies and standards.

Plan the design and adaptation of CE tools, methodologies and guidance documents for field use.

Build project teams in integrating CE approaches into assessments, project planning, implementation and review cycles.

Support the development of strategies that enhance meaningful participation, representation, and leadership of affected communities.

Independent thinking/planning/idea development and analysis on community engagement and working with communities.

3.2 Capacity Strengthening & Mentorship

Assist the Community Engagement Coordinator in planning and delivering training, coaching and mentorship to field teams and CBO partners.

Plan capacity-building initiatives on AAP, community feedback systems, participatory approaches, and inclusion practices.

Lead in maintaining a repository of CE learning materials, training resources and case studies for the region.

3.3 Community Feedback & Accountability Mechanisms

Provide technical support in establishing or improving community feedback and response mechanisms in MSF projects.

Assist with data review, trends analysis and documentation of insights from community feedback.

Support the development of response plans and ensure feedback loops are closed in collaboration with coordination and project leadership.

3.4 Partnership Strengthening with CBOs and Local Actors

Support the coordination and facilitation of engagements with CBOs, networks, and community-based structures.

Contribute to partnership mapping, due diligence, capacity assessments and monitoring of CBO support plans.

Plan in documenting partnership impact, challenges, lessons learned, and opportunities for sustainability.

3.5 Knowledge Management, Learning & Documentation

Work with the CE Coordinator to collect, synthesise and disseminate learning from CE interventions across the region.

Drafting case studies, reports, learning briefs, and internal updates on CE progress.

Collaborate in research initiatives, operational learning cycles and documentation emerging from the CE-related initiatives.

3.6 Fundraising & Resource Mobilisation Support

Build capacity of CBOs to identify funding opportunities and develop strong, competitive proposals.

Mentor CBO partners in developing medium- and long-term fundraising strategies and organisational sustainability plans.

Map potential donors, grants, foundations, and income-generating opportunities suitable for local CBOs.

Facilitate training and coaching on proposal writing, grant management, budgeting, and resource mobilisation approaches.

3.7 Internal & Cross-Departmental Collaboration

Work closely with the Association Department to support associative CBOs, community leadership initiatives, and cross-learning opportunities.

Liaise with Communications, HR, Finance, Advocacy, and other departments to ensure CE activities align with broader organisational priorities and strategies.

Lead in planning, facilitation, and documentation of regional learning exchanges, dialogues, and events related to community leadership, partnership strengthening, and sustainability.

3.8 Support to Strategic Development

Provide input and technical support to the development and rolling-out of MSF Southern Africa’s CE strategy.

Participate in internal and external CE platforms, working groups or networks as delegated by the CE Coordinator.

Strategize and align regional CE efforts with intersectional approaches and global MSF commitments (AAP, inclusion, community leadership).

4. Job Requirements

4.1 Education 

Degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Public Health, Anthropology, or related field (or equivalent relevant experience).

4.2 Experience

Minimum 3–5 years of experience in community engagement, community-based programming, or civil society strengthening.

Experience working with CBOs, community networks and grassroots organisations.

Experience in participatory methodologies, feedback systems, and community engagement frameworks preferred.

MSF or humanitarian sector experience desirable.

4.3 Skills & Competencies

Strong facilitation, communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to collaborate in multicultural, multidisciplinary environments.

Strong analytical and documentation skills.

Demonstrated capacity to support and mentor frontline staff and partners.

Understanding of ethical and inclusive community engagement principles.

Ability to travel within the region as required.

5. Core MSF Competencies

Commitment to MSF principles

Behavioural flexibility

Results and quality orientation

Teamwork and cooperation

Service orientation

Stress management

6. Remuneration and resources:43407,46

The Salary R 43 407,46

13th Cheque in November.

100% Medical aid contribution.

10% additional pension allowance.

Transport allowance.

Cell Phone Allowance.

Work-life balance: Daily flexi-hours and 2 days working from home possible.

Diverse team composition; Collaborate with a global network of talented 
professionals, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise from around the world

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

7. Commitment/Contract Duration:

Length of commitment: Permanent role

Closing date: 20 March 2026 

Start date: ASAP

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

NB: Information

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

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.

Lately MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such MSF is by choice an association. Each individual applying for MSF roles does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

By applying, the applicant acknowledges that he/she has read, understood and accept this document.

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