Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF-OCBA) is seeking a Digital Communications Advisor to advise and support the implementation of digital communication strategies tailored to MSF-OCBA field operations.
The role aims to enhance outreach, engagement, crisis response, monitoring and digital capacity across missions.
Job Overview
The Digital Communications Advisor for Operational Communications will play a key role in strengthening MSF-OCBA’s digital presence and engagement in operational contexts.
The position includes supporting strategy development, training staff, monitoring digital environments and supporting crisis management, including travelling to countries when required.
The role bridges operational communications and digital expertise, ensuring alignment with MSF’s social mission and operational needs.
It involves close collaboration with country teams, Communications Advisors and other MSF stakeholders, including ILD, IDEU, FCLU, regional hubs and partner sections.
The Digital Communications Advisor will also serve as OCBA’s operational communications representative to the Digital Working Group and other relevant platforms.
Job Summary
- Employer: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – OCBA
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Communications
- Salary: €41,137.24 for Spain-based HQ-3B positions; regional hub compensation according to the applicable local pay scale
- Closing Date: 2026-10-07
Key Responsibilities
- Define and support digital communication strategies for operational contexts to strengthen outreach, engagement and organisational visibility.
- Advise and guide country communication teams on production, formats, message adaptation, digital tools, content formats and performance measurement.
- Assess and monitor digital environments, emerging trends and audience behaviours to inform strategic decision-making.
- Provide guidance on dissemination approaches, including paid promotion and channel management, to effectively reach target audiences.
- Lead and coordinate digital monitoring and digital crisis communication responses to mitigate reputational risks, misinformation, harmful narratives and operational impacts.
- Develop and deliver training, coaching and knowledge-sharing initiatives to strengthen digital communication capabilities across headquarters and field teams.
- Promote and ensure the application of organisational digital communication standards, guidelines and social media protocols.
- Represent and collaborate with internal and international digital communication networks, working groups and stakeholders.
- Ensure a strategic operational communications vision behind digital activities at country level.
- Support country communications teams, including travelling to capitals and projects when required.
- Act as the OCBA focal point on relevant digital platforms, including the Digital Working Group and Digital Advisors group.
- Support transversal collaboration and integration of digital tools and skills.
Requirements
- A Master’s degree in Communications, Digital Media or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- At least five years of professional experience in digital communications, social media strategy and community management.
- At least one year of professional experience in the humanitarian sector .
- Previous MSF experience is an asset.
- Advanced/proficient written and spoken English.
- French, Spanish and/or Arabic are considered assets.
- Strong knowledge of digital tools, social media platforms, SEO & GEO , digital marketing, monitoring and crisis communication.
- Good command of Microsoft Office 365.
- Basic knowledge of AI tools.
- Strong strategic vision, analytical thinking, initiative and innovation.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and adapt to changing environments.
Salary
€41,137.24 for Spain-based HQ-3B positions; regional hub compensation according to the applicable local pay scale
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: careers.msf-applications.org
About the Company
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) – OCBA (Operational Centre Barcelona-Athens) is an international medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. In Zimbabwe, MSF-OCBA has been operational for decades, responding to health crises including HIV/AIDS treatment, cholera outbreaks, and providing care in underserved communities. The organisation runs projects in locations such as Harare and Manicaland province, offering services ranging from sexual and reproductive health to mental health support and treatment for non-communicable diseases. MSF-OCBA works alongside Zimbabwe's Ministry of Health and Child Care to strengthen local health systems while maintaining independence and impartiality in its humanitarian response.
Medical care where it is needed most
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become a Digital Communications Advisor in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field. Certifications in digital marketing, social media management, or graphic design from platforms like Google, HubSpot, or local institutions such as the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Relations strengthen your profile. Practical experience managing digital campaigns or organizational social media accounts is highly valued.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Digital Communications Advisor?
You will create and schedule content for social media platforms, websites, and email newsletters while monitoring engagement metrics. The role involves producing multimedia materials, coordinating with field teams to gather stories, and ensuring brand consistency across all channels. You may also train staff on digital tools and respond to public inquiries online.
How does workplace culture differ in Zimbabwean NGOs compared to private sector communications roles?
NGO environments emphasize collaboration, community impact, and adherence to humanitarian principles over profit-driven metrics. Hierarchical structures exist but decision-making often involves consensus-building with diverse stakeholders including international headquarters. Flexibility is required as field visits to project sites and after-hours emergency communications are common.
What career progression opportunities exist for Digital Communications Advisors in Zimbabwe?
With experience, you can advance to Communications Manager, Head of Communications, or regional roles covering multiple countries. Specialization in crisis communications, multimedia production, or digital analytics opens additional pathways. Some professionals transition to consultancy or pursue master's degrees to access senior leadership positions within international organizations.
What benefits should I expect in a full-time communications role with an international NGO in Zimbabwe?
Benefits typically include medical aid coverage, pension contributions, and annual leave exceeding statutory minimums. International NGOs often provide additional allowances such as housing or hardship pay depending on location. Specific packages vary by employer and are usually detailed during the recruitment process.
How should I apply for Digital Communications positions and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize?
Submit applications through official career portals with tailored CVs highlighting measurable digital campaign results and multimedia skills. Employers prioritize demonstrated experience with content management systems, analytics tools, and crisis communication scenarios. Strong writing samples in English and local languages, plus references from previous communications roles, significantly strengthen your candidacy.
