Senior Advocacy Manager

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.

Main Purpose

Reporting to the Director of ERAA, this role combines responsibilities of regional targeted advocacy objectives under specific thematics, operational technical advocacy support for humanitarian medical projects, issue-specific research and analysis, as well as representation and networking. This position will strengthen MSF’s strategic presence in Southern Africa as well as the ERAA Department, manage core advocacy initiatives, and step into Director-level functions during absences. The position is envisaged to help manage the transition for ERAA as it steps into providing a larger advocacy support role within the MSF Ubuntu Operational Directorate as well.

Key Responsibilities

1. Advocacy support to MSF operations

Primary technical referent for projects in Southern Africa on development of advocacy strategies, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and capitalisation.

Responsible for organising and running relevant advocacy training workshops, both online and in-person, as needed in the region, as well as for the Eastern Africa region/MSF Ubuntu when needed

2.  Strategic Humanitarian Analysis and Research

Consistent monitoring and analysis of political, humanitarian, and medical contexts across Southern Africa (and Eastern Africa, where needed) to inform decision-making and advocacy strategies.

Conduct actor mapping and stakeholder analysis throughout the region; advise on engagement with authorities, CSOs, regional NGOs, and donors.

Draft regular internal briefings and situation reports to support both operations and advocacy planning.

Working closely with the ERAA Director, build research networks, capacity and strategy for ERAA, through targeted research projects and partnerships with African academia and research institutions.

3. Regional Advocacy & Representation

Represent MSF Southern Africa at global, regional and local stakeholder forums such as governmental bodies, networks, civil society, consortiums, academic institutions, media and others, as delegated by the Director.

Support development and dissemination of regional advocacy messages, tailoring MSF positions for regional contexts, media, and partners.

4. ERAA Deputy, Gap-Filling and Strategic Functions

Act as deputy to the Director of ERAA: assume leadership, manage dossiers and/or staff, and oversee advocacy initiatives when required.

Take on ad‑hoc assignments as needed: emergency advocacy responses, representation in regional crises, coordination between hubs and HQ, internal capacity-building.

Line-manage Pillar Leads in ERAA (Community Engagement, Climate) with regular supervision check-ins, annual plan development and performance management.

Work closely with the ERAA Director to support the development and monitoring of ERAA strategic planning, annual planning and biannual reviews.

Form part of MSF Southern Africa’s strategic and thematic support to MSF Ubuntu by working closely with the ERAA Director to ensure capacity building, strategy development and technical support to the Advocacy, Analysis, Representation and Networking unit (AARN) of MSF Ubuntu.

5. Cross‑Departmental Collaboration

Foster alignment and transversal coordination between advocacy, communications, operations, fundraising, SAMU and Access teams to ensure coherence, knowledge sharing and collaboration across messaging and policy initiatives.

Liaise with the global MSF advocacy network and operational directorates, particularly MSF Ubuntu, to integrate regional perspectives and ERAA thematics and positions into global advocacy platforms.

Requirements

Education & Experience

Undergraduate degree in international relations, political science, humanitarian affairs, public policy, social sciences or a related field essential.

Advanced degree in international relations, political science, humanitarian affairs, public policy, public health, social sciences or a related field preferred.

Medical background is not essential but is advantageous.

Minimum 5 years of strategic experience in humanitarian affairs, advocacy, or regional representation, preferably within MSF or similar medical/humanitarian NGOs.

Minimum of 1 year qualitative and/or quantitative research experience preferred.

Proven leadership or deputy experience with demonstrated ability to manage staff, step into crises, develop strategy or lead cross-functional teams.

Language & Media Skills

Fluency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of regional languages (e.g., French, Portuguese) is an asset.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to engage with media and train staff on advocacy messaging.

Personal Attributes

Strong commitment to MSF’s humanitarian principles and values.

Team player with flexibility, strong work ethic, and cultural sensitivity.

Conditions

Fixed-term, full-time contract aligned with MSF’s standard salary grid.

Regular travel across the region required, as well as occasional further international travel.

Key Competencies

1. Strategic Vision

Demonstrates the ability to understand, integrate and translate strategic goals and operational priorities into concrete advocacy actions and plans.

2. Analytical Thinking

Ability to gather, assess, and process complex political, humanitarian, and social information to inform MSF’s positioning and influence efforts.

3. Leadership and People Management

Provides clear direction, motivates, delegates, and supports team members. Encourages professional development and ensures accountability and high performance.

4. Flexibility and Stress Management

Able to adapt and remain effective in dynamic and unpredictable environments, often with competing demands and high-pressure situations.

5. Teamwork and Cooperation

Fosters a collaborative environment by respecting and valuing different perspectives. Builds strong working relationships within the team and across departments.

6. Results and Quality Orientation

Focused on achieving high-quality results, with attention to detail and consistency. Sets clear goals and monitors progress against objectives.

7. Service Orientation

Committed to MSF’s mission, supporting internal and external stakeholders to improve the impact of humanitarian advocacy efforts.

8. Cross-cultural Awareness

Sensitive to cultural differences and committed to creating inclusive spaces and approaches across different regional and operational contexts 

9. Planning and Organising

Develops structured plans, manages priorities, and anticipates resource needs. Delivers on tasks and responsibilities efficiently and on time.

10. Communication

Communicates clearly, concisely, and persuasively in written and oral formats. Tailors messages to audiences ranging from community actors to regional institutions and global MSF networks.

Terms and Conditions of Employment:

Open-ended contract.

Position Level: 9

Monthly Salary: R61848,75

13th Cheque in November.

10% additional pension contribution.

100% Medical Aid Contribution.

Transport allowance.

Cell phone allowance.

Closing date for applications: 19 February 2025 

Expected Start date: ASAP

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, sexual orientation and all other diversity characteristics.

The protection of your 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 data will be treated confidentially. MSF will not use your personal data in any other way not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

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