Digital Communications Officer

1. About MSF

Doctors without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa is a global network of principled professionals who specialise in medical humanitarian work driven by our common humanity and guided by medical ethics. We work together in teams, small and large, to respond to the medical needs of people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics and those excluded from healthcare.

Doctors Without Borders team members are on the ground, working directly every day. We bear witness and describe what is happening, to raise awareness about the experiences of the people we assist and the situations where we work. We alert the public to emerging crises, acute emergencies and serious challenges, such as lack of access and exclusion from healthcare, and to mobilise support for MSF’s work and social mission, provoking change.

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. MSF South Africa is in Johannesburg, with an office in Cape Town too. MSF SA is governed by the MSF Southern Africa Association, which is made up of more than 300 members from seven countries in the region.

The job purpose is to enhance MSF Southern Africa’s digital presence by creating, managing, and optimising digital content across platforms, thus driving audience engagement and supporting the organisation’s communication objectives.

2. Job Summary

The Digital Communications Officer supports MSF Southern Africa’s (SnA) digital communications strategy and works collaboratively with the Social Media Officer to ensure the organisation’s online presence is strategic, coherent, and impactful. This requires strong coordination skills, sound professional judgement, and the ability to translate communication objectives into effective digital actions.

Reports to: Head of Digital and Media Relations

Position Level: 4

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1 Website management and coordination

• Work closely and proactively with the Social Media Officer to ensure that all website content within the Content Management System (CMS) is consistently accurate, relevant, and up to date. This includes publishing new articles, refining and updating existing pages, refreshing homepage features, and implementing content improvements that support strategic communication goals.
• Improve site content performance by leveraging best Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) practices like optimising headlines, content structure, adding relevant keywords, and ensuring each page is easy for both people and search engines to understand, etc.
• Upload multimedia content, staff stories, press releases, and reports in alignment with MSF’s communication priorities.
• Conduct thorough and systematic content audits that require assessing the accuracy, relevance, and quality of existing materials; identifying outdated information, broken links, and inconsistencies; and making informed recommendations to ensure the website remains reliable, up-to-date, and aligned with organisational standards.
   

3.2 Social media coordination and community engagement

• Draft, tailor, and schedule content for MSF SnA’s social media accounts (LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X, Facebook) regularly, according to the social media plan, with content provided by the MSF global movement or Section office.  Ensure all posts align with best practices, optimal posting times, and audience engagement insights to maximise reach and impact.
• Monitor MSF SA’s social media channels with a high level of attention and professional judgement, actively responding to comments and engaging with the audience in a timely and appropriate manner. Foster a constructive and respectful online community by addressing routine enquiries, using discretion to identify and escalate sensitive or problematic comments to the Social Media Officer or Head of Digital and Media Relations, and applying sound moderation practices to guide discussions responsibly.
• Regularly update the FAQs documents, which is used to maintain MSF’s online reputation.
• Use tools such as TalkWalker and Emplifi to monitor social platforms and gather insights on how the brand is being perceived across various engagements and content: making notes of themes and patterns, and making recommendations that affect engagement and making recommendations to improve it.
• Support the implementation and ongoing monitoring of paid media campaigns and influencer collaborations by applying analytical judgement, attention to detail, and strategic insight. This includes tracking performance, identifying risks or optimisation opportunities, and ensuring that all activities align with MSF SA’s communication objectives and ethical standards.

3.3 Content production and brand alignment

• Create compelling visual content and adapt to the written content, using design tools like Canva, Figma, and other tools. Apply strong creative judgement and technical design skills to ensure all visuals are fit for purpose, optimised for social media and web use, and fully aligned with MSF’s branding, editorial standards, and communication objectives.
• Provide insightful, data-driven feedback on the performance and impact of multimedia content (video, graphics, and other formats) to the multimedia team. Apply critical analysis of engagement metrics and audience behaviour to identify opportunities for stronger storytelling, improved user experience, and enhanced overall content effectiveness.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of content calendars, ensuring consistent messaging and timing across all platforms, coordinating with relevant teams to maintain coherence with broader communication priorities.

 3.4 Digital data analysis and reporting

• Monitor, analyse, and report on digital performance using analytics tools, applying rigorous data interpretation to generate meaningful insights and informed recommendations.
• Compile regular performance reports (weekly, monthly, quarterly, and campaign-specific), that highlight key metrics, emerging trends, and strategic implications for ongoing communication efforts.
• Interpret social listening data and sentiment analysis to identify audience perceptions, emerging issues, and opportunities that can shape communication strategies.
• Use data-driven insights to provide well-founded recommendations for optimising digital content, strengthening audience engagement, and enhancing overall platform performance.

3.5 Emergency and crisis communications

• Monitor emerging crises and humanitarian emergencies (e.g. cyclones, hurricanes, conflicts flare-ups) with a high level of situational awareness, and promptly escalate relevant developments to both the Social Media Officer and Head of Digital and Media Relations for assessment and action.
• Collaborate closely with the outreach team to ensure that all emergency-related online communication is timely, accurate, and sensitive, applying sound judgment to support responsible information sharing during high-pressure situations.

4. Key competencies and requirements

• Proven ability to create high-quality digital content (graphics, videos, stories) tailored to diverse audiences over various digital platforms.
• Strong grasp of digital communication principles, including social media trends and platform-specific patterns.
• Competence in using analytics tools (Meta, Emplifi, etc.) to interpret digital performance and inform decisions.
• Sound copywriting, editing, and storytelling abilities with a commitment to brand tone, DEI principles and values.
• Understanding of the humanitarian communications landscape and MSF’s mission.
• Collaborative and self-motivated approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities and activities.
• Proficiency in report writing and presenting data in a clear and compelling format.
• Ability to work autonomously within a defined strategic and operational framework.

5. Preferred qualifications & experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or relevant qualification in Communications, Digital Marketing & Journalism.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in digital communications, content creation, or social media management.
• Demonstrated experience in using social media analytics tools (e.g., Meta Insights, Twitter Analytics, Google Analytics, TalkWalker) effectively.
• Practical knowledge of SEO, paid media, and content marketing strategies.

6. The Salary Detail is as follows

• Basic Salary: R25 645,00
• 13th cheque in November
• 10% additional pension allowance
• 100% Medical Aid Contribution
• Transport allowance
• Cell phone Allowance
• Work-life balance: Daily flexi-hours and 2 days working from home are 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.

6.1 Commitment

• Length of commitment: Permanent Contract 

7. Application details:

• The vacancy closing date is: 07th of April 2026.
• Start date: 01 June 2026
• By applying to this position, the applicant confirms they have read, understood and agreed to fully comply with the MSF Charter, MSF Behavioural Commitments and Data Privacy Policy.
• In line with MSF’s Safeguarding Principles, successful candidates undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes background checks and self-declaration.
• Applicants are required to upload a Letter of Motivation and Curriculum Vitae (in English) as per the prescribed formats. Applications missing the motivation letter will not be considered.
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• People living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

APPLY HERE

Information

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MSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application/recruitment fee.

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 so out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating 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.