📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Media and Communications Intern
🔹 Company: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) South Africa
🔹 Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
🔹 Job Type: Intern
🔹 Category: Non-profit Organization Management
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-07-06
🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting MSF's mission through storytelling, media engagement, and content creation
- Monitoring and sharing MSF's impact through media tracking and reporting
- Building media connections and strengthening MSF's network
- Crafting compelling stories and creating visual content
- Supporting medical outreach and promoting MSF's work to healthcare professionals
ASSUMPTION: This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience and skill development in media and communications within a humanitarian context.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Monitoring and sharing MSF’s impact through media tracking and reporting
✅ Building media connections and mapping media beats
✅ Crafting compelling stories and creating visual content for various platforms
✅ Supporting medical outreach and promoting MSF’s work to healthcare professionals
✅ Staying organized by maintaining archives and ensuring compliance with knowledge management and GDPR guidelines
✅ Innovating and collaborating with the Communications team to drive engagement
ASSUMPTION: The intern will be expected to work independently and collaboratively, managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines with ease.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Recently attained degree or National Diploma in Communications, Media, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
Experience: No prior experience required
Required Skills:
- Knowledge of the South African media landscape, including community media
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; familiarity with online media databases is a plus
- Strong research, analytical, and time-management skills
- Interest in local/international current affairs and humanitarian issues
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with online media databases
- Experience in content creation or journalism
ASSUMPTION: While no prior experience is required, a strong passion for media and humanitarian work is essential for success in this role.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: R5,000 per month (industry standard for internships in South Africa)
Benefits:
- 100% medical aid contribution
- Transport allowance
- Cell phone allowance
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary and benefits package is competitive for internships in the non-profit sector in South Africa.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a global, independent medical humanitarian organization that delivers life-saving medical care to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, and natural or man-made disasters.
Company Size: MSF South Africa has 51-200 employees, providing a dynamic and collaborative work environment for interns.
Founded: MSF was founded in 1971, with the South African office established in 1999.
Company Description:
- MSF is a world-renowned organization that delivers hope and care to those in need
- MSF South Africa serves as a hub for recruitment, communications, and operational support
- MSF is committed to fostering an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives thrive
Company Specialties:
- Medical humanitarian assistance
- Emergency medicine
- Epidemic response
- War surgery
- Nutrition and vaccination campaigns
Company Website: http://www.msf.org.za
ASSUMPTION: MSF South Africa is a well-established organization with a strong global presence and a reputation for excellence in humanitarian work.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Entry-level (Intern)
Reporting Structure: The intern will report directly to the Media Liaison Specialists and work closely with the Communications team.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site, full-time internship with a 12-month contract.
Growth Opportunities:
- Gain hands-on experience in media and communications within a humanitarian context
- Develop skills in storytelling, media engagement, and content creation
- Build professional connections and networks within the humanitarian sector
ASSUMPTION: This internship provides a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth in a dynamic and impactful organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: MSF South Africa has an office in Johannesburg, Gauteng.
Office Location(s): 70 Fox Street, Marshalltown, Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA
Geographic Context:
- Johannesburg is the economic hub of South Africa and offers a vibrant and multicultural work environment
- The office is centrally located, with easy access to public transportation
- The city has a subtropical highland climate, with mild winters and warm summers
Work Schedule: The intern will work standard office hours, Monday to Friday.
ASSUMPTION: The work environment at MSF South Africa is inclusive, collaborative, and focused on delivering high-quality humanitarian care.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the Communications team
Key Assessment Areas:
- Passion for media and humanitarian work
- Strong communication and storytelling skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Alignment with MSF's values and principles
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences
- Demonstrate your passion for humanitarian work and your understanding of MSF's mission
- Prepare examples of your previous work, such as articles, blog posts, or multimedia content
ATS Keywords: Media, Communications, Storytelling, Humanitarian, Non-profit, Internship, Johannesburg, South Africa, MSF
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this internship is competitive, and applicants should highlight their unique qualifications and experiences.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Word and Excel
- Online media databases (e.g., Newsclip, Google Alerts)
- Prezly (for journalist contacts and media mapping)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
ASSUMPTION: The intern will be expected to learn and use various tools and technologies relevant to media and communications within a humanitarian context.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Respect
- Transparency
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Trust
- Empowerment
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and responsive to changing circumstances
- Committed to delivering high-quality humanitarian care
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you align with MSF's values and principles?
- Are you comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment?
- Can you thrive in a collaborative and inclusive work culture?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with MSF's values and work style to ensure a successful and fulfilling internship experience.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The workload may be intense and demanding at times, requiring strong time-management skills
- The intern may need to work on weekends or evenings to support media-related events
- The work environment may be emotionally challenging due to the nature of MSF's humanitarian mission
- The intern may face cultural or linguistic barriers when working with diverse teams or communities
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be aware of the potential challenges and consider how they can best navigate them in a humanitarian work context.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This internship is unique in its focus on media and communications within a humanitarian organization
- Compared to roles in for-profit media or communications agencies, this internship offers a unique opportunity to make a global impact
- Career paths within MSF may include roles in communications, advocacy, or humanitarian programming
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this internship and how it aligns with their career goals and personal values.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a media engagement strategy for an upcoming MSF campaign
- Creating a multimedia content series to raise awareness about a specific humanitarian issue
- Managing a social media campaign to support an MSF fundraising event
ASSUMPTION: The intern will have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects that align with their skills and interests, while also supporting MSF's mission.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this internship support MSF's mission and impact on a global scale?
- What are the key priorities for the Communications team in the first few months of the internship?
- How does MSF support the professional development and growth of its interns?
- What are the key challenges facing MSF in the current humanitarian landscape, and how can this internship contribute to addressing them?
- How does MSF foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment, and what role can this intern play in promoting these values?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of MSF's mission, values, and work environment, as well as the specific expectations and opportunities for growth in this internship.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the MSF South Africa careers portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences in media, communications, and humanitarian work
- Prepare examples of your previous work, such as articles, blog posts, or multimedia content, to demonstrate your creativity and technical proficiency
- Follow up with the MSF South Africa recruitment team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
