Digital Communication Intern - Johannesburg, Gauteng

About Us

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa is a vital part of a global network of compassionate professionals dedicated to medical humanitarian work. Guided by medical ethics and a shared commitment to humanity, our teams, both small and large, deliver critical healthcare to people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics, and exclusion from medical services. Operating in over 70 countries, MSF’s doctors, nurses, logisticians, and specialists not only provide care but also bear witness to the challenges faced by communities, raising awareness and advocating for change to address crises and healthcare inequities.

Based in Johannesburg with an office in Cape Town, MSF Southern Africa serves as a dynamic hub for recruitment, communications, and operational support. Governed by the MSF Southern Africa Association, with over 300 members from seven regional countries, we are passionate about fostering an inclusive culture where diverse voices thrive. We warmly welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, abilities, and other diversity characteristics.

The Opportunity: Digital Communications Intern

Are you passionate about leveraging digital platforms to amplify humanitarian stories and engage communities?

As a Digital Communications Intern at MSF Southern Africa, you’ll support the Digital Team in creating compelling online content, managing social media, and optimising digital strategies to raise awareness, inspire donations, and recruit talent for MSF’s global projects. This is an exciting chance to build your skills in content creation, SEO, community management, and analytics in a leading humanitarian organisation.

What You’ll Do

• Website Content and Optimisation: Update and edit website content using tools like Yoast for SEO, ensure consistent layouts, incorporate multimedia, and apply best practices for readability, keyword optimisation, and user experience to boost search rankings and engagement.
• Social Media Content Creation and Community Management: Collaborate with the Social Media Officer to develop and test content for platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram; monitor trends, respond to comments and messages, categorise queries, and flag urgent issues to nurture online communities.
• Social Media Listening to Increase Audience Engagement: Track brand mentions, hashtags, and relevant keywords across platforms; identify influential voices, respond proactively to queries, and work with the team to spot engagement opportunities and maintain active conversations.
• Reporting: Prepare weekly and quarterly reports on social media performance; retrieve data for dashboards, ad-hoc regional reports, and inputs for video and fieldworker content to inform data-driven decisions.
• Other Tasks: Support crisis management strategies, follow MSF operations updates, and assist with additional communications activities as needed to align digital efforts with organisational goals.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a creative, adaptable individual with a strong interest in humanitarian issues and digital communications, eager to contribute to a collaborative team environment.

Here’s what you bring:

Qualifications & Skills

• A recently attained degree or national Diploma in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a similar field.
• Good working knowledge of social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Experience or interest in managing social media accounts and developing online communication & marketing tactics. Proficiency in English, written and oral.
• Proficiency in website management, SEO, Adobe Creative Suite, analytics, and content optimisation.
• No prior professional experience required—just a passion for learning and growth!

Personal Qualities

• Creative & flexible: You approach work innovatively, adapt to changing needs, and balance short-term and long-term responsibilities while thriving in high-pressure or breaking-news situations.
• Team player: You collaborate effectively, work independently or interdepartmentally, and enjoy sharing knowledge with others.
• Proactive & engaged: You take initiative in monitoring trends, organizing tasks, and prioritizing resources while maintaining attention to detail.
• Values-driven: You align with MSF’s principles of respect, transparency, integrity, accountability, trust, and empowerment and adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments.
• Culturally sensitive: You handle diverse interactions with understanding, maintain confidentiality, and show determination and commitment to humanitarian work.

Why Join MSF?

Make a global impact: Support a world-renowned organisation that transforms lives through healthcare and advocacy. Launch your digital communications career: Gain practical experience in a supportive, mission-driven environment. Join a vibrant community: Work alongside passionate professionals in a diverse, inclusive workplace.

What We Offer

• Monthly Stipend: R5,000.
• Benefits: 100% medical aid contribution, transport allowance, and cell phone allowance.
• Resources: A fully equipped workspace with a computer, internet, stationery, and more.
• Contract: 12-month internship, starting January 2026.

Ready to make an impact? 

Submit your application here now.

Closing date: 23 September 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

MSF Southern Africa is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of disability, gender identity, marital status, race, colour, ethnic or national origins, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. Your personal data will be treated confidentially and used solely for recruitment purposes.