About the Head of Community Engagement Role

The Head of Community Engagement reports to the Director of Operations and is a member of the Executive Management Team.

This senior leadership role is responsible for institutionalizing Community Engagement (CE) strategically and operationally across all departments including Operations, Medical, Advocacy, Communications, and HR. The position ensures people-centredness, protection, equity, empowerment, and accountability to affected populations (AAP) in all MSF Ubuntu projects.

The role leads the development and implementation of the Community Engagement Policy, Framework, and Operational Manual in collaboration with partners.

Key Responsibilities

A. Strategic Leadership

Lead development and implementation of the Ubuntu Community Engagement Framework.
Embed people-centred and protection principles across all operational departments.
Integrate Information, Education, Communication, and Health Promotion (IECHP) strategies.
Advise senior leadership on CE strategy and performance.
Promote collaboration across CE, AAP, Protection, Inclusion, Safeguarding, and IECHP.

B. Context Analysis & Access Support

Provide community-level analysis to inform security risk assessments.
Develop community networks and support acceptance-based security management.
Facilitate community dialogue to support access negotiations.
Support negotiated access processes in hard-to-reach or contested areas.

C. Technical Guidance & Project Support

Integrate CE into project planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Strengthen participatory mechanisms such as community committees and dialogue platforms.
Oversee IECHP initiatives and communication materials.
Integrate social science and qualitative research into operational design.
Ensure CE is embedded as a transversal issue across projects.

D. Safeguarding & Inclusion

Apply safeguarding and protection frameworks in CE activities.
Ensure culturally appropriate and protection-sensitive engagement.
Support engagement with diverse and marginalized groups.
Build partnerships with humanitarian protection networks and specialists.

E. Knowledge Management & Capacity Building

Develop and implement CE Learning and Knowledge Management Strategy.
Oversee training materials and learning modules.
Mentor CE focal points and program leaders.
Document and disseminate best practices and lessons learned.

F. Representation & Partnerships

Represent MSF Ubuntu in international CE technical platforms.
Build partnerships with civil society, CBOs, academic institutions, and networks.
Engage with advocacy coalitions and humanitarian coordination bodies.

Qualifications

Education

Advanced university degree in Social Sciences, Anthropology, Public Health, Development Studies, International Relations, or equivalent professional experience.

Experience

Minimum 7 years’ professional experience working with communities.
At least 2 years in senior project leadership roles in Community Engagement.
Experience implementing CE or AAP frameworks in complex humanitarian contexts.
Experience in capacity building and cross-department coordination.
MSF or similar humanitarian experience highly desirable.

Languages

Essential: English
Desirable: Swahili, Arabic, French, or other MSF working languages

Competencies

Strategic vision and leadership
Commitment to MSF principles
Results and quality orientation
Communication and influence
Cultural competency
Conflict resolution and dialogue facilitation

Conditions & Benefits

Full-time senior management position
Salary and benefits based on MSF hosting entity (Eastern Africa or Southern Africa)
Travel required (20%–50%)
Open to local and international applicants

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunity

MSF is firmly committed to safeguarding patients, community members, and staff from all forms of abuse including Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). Rigorous vetting processes apply.

MSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application or recruitment fees.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through the official MSF recruitment portal:

👉 https://www.msf.org.za/head-community-engagement.

Applicants must upload a Letter of Motivation and CV (in English). Applications missing the motivation letter will not be considered.

Deadline: 6 March 2026

To apply for this job please visit www.msf.org.za.

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