About MSF:
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an independent international medical humanitarian organisation that delivers aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural or man- made disasters, or to people that are excluded from access to health care. The organisation has health projects in more than 70 countries. MSF South Africa is located in Johannesburg with an office in Cape Town. 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.
Purpose:
MSF Southern Africa is looking for a Climate Engagement Intern with good planning, administrative and research skills with high flexibility and the ability to work under pressure with competing priorities and deliver results. The candidate must have a passion for humanitarian work and climate action. The intern will be assisting the Climate Engagement Coordinator with advocacy planning and implementation, research and mapping in the climate change, environmental degradation and health thematic, data collection and stakeholder engagement. Working closely with operational projects in the Southern Africa region by providing support on climate adaptation and mitigation. The successful candidate will also lead and support the organising of in-person and virtual events, internal communication; and networking with organisations and teams working at the intersection of climate and health. This position is suitable for a person with a can-do attitude and the ability to work independently and autonomously.
Responsibilities and Tasks:
Research, Advocacy and Network-Building:
- Develop regional mapping, research, and analysis of the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on health outcomes of MSF beneficiaries and projects in the Southern Africa region.
- Support the development of a position and advocacy strategy for climate, environment, and health in the region.
- Organising, leading and/or supporting workshops and engagement activities that mainstream climate thinking and build capacity and knowledge on climate adaptation and mitigation within the Operations Support Unit, the Section office, operational projects in the region and the wider MSF movement.
- Support the building and engagement of a climate, environment and health stakeholder network in the region.
- Other research and advocacy tasks as needed on an ad hoc basis within the Operational Support Unit.
Climate Engagement Events and Knowledge Materials:
- Assist with identifying and planning workshops, webinars and meetings with internal and external stakeholders and teams.
- Organise and manage online and in-person meetings and events including travel arrangements, preparing necessary presentation materials and logistics packs, meeting notes and post-event outcome reports.
- Assist with the content development and dissemination of digital and print advocacy-related information, education and communication.
- Coordinate the design and printing of advocacy-related materials such as reports, briefings, booklets by liaising with external designers, printers and the MSF Southern Africa Communications department.
- Conduct regular media monitoring and reporting of latest policy developments, news and upcoming events related to climate, environment and health in Southern Africa and Africa.
Administration:
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Maintain and update working project documents, plans and trackers.
- Assist in scheduling of meetings, meeting notes, database maintenance, travel plans and other ad hoc administrative tasks.
Requirements:
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Minimum University graduate or postgraduate student, ideally in Environmental Sciences/ Management Studies or related field (preferably where Geographic Information System (GIS) is core to the qualification) with a keen interest on climate change, environmental degradation and health topic.
- Passion for maps, quantitative and qualitative data collection and demonstrable knowledge working with GIS-related software/tools.
- Knowledge and understanding of climate change and public health issues in Southern Africa and beyond.
- Strong interest in working with communities on climate action and advocacy to promote locally led climate adaptation.
- Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent creative content development, internal communications and social media skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and Abode Creative applications such as InDesign and/or Canva.
- Cross-cultural awareness.
- Analytical thinking.
- Results and quality orientation.
- Strong organisation and multi-tasking skills and ability to work under deadline pressures at specific times.
- Adhere to the MSF principles and to our values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust, and Empowerment.
- Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments.
Added Advantage:
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Training in Meteorology or Climatology.
Remuneration Details:
- 100% Medical aid contribution
- Transport allowance
- Cell Phone Allowance
Commitment:
- Contract Length - 12 months.
Closing date: 14 - March- 2024
Start date: 08 - April - 2024
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, or sexual orientation and all other diversity characteristics.
