Climate Engagement Internship at Mdecins Sans Frontires (MSF)

Purpose:

• MSF Southern Africa is looking for a Climate Engagement Intern to support the Engagement, Representation, Analysis and Advocacy (ERAA) department. The role requires strong planning, research and writing and administrative skills, as well as the ability to manage competing priorities under pressure while delivering results. The candidate must have a passion for humanitarian work and climate action. Working closely with the Climate Engagement Coordinator, the intern will support advocacy planning and implementation, stakeholder engagement, qualitative and quantitative research, data collection and writing on the climate change, environmental degradation and health thematic. In addition, the intern will play a key role in organising both in-person and virtual events, supporting internal communications and building networks with organisations and teams working at the intersection of climate and health. This opportunity is suitable for a person with a can-do attitude who is able to work independently and autonomously.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

Research, Advocacy and Network-Building:

• Support regional mapping, research and analysis of the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation on health outcomes on MSF patients, communities and operations in the Southern Africa region.
• Support the development of a position and advocacy strategy for climate engagement.
• Organising, leading and/or supporting workshops and engagement activities that advance knowledge and build capacity on climate adaptation and mitigation within the ERAA department, the Section office, operational projects in the region and the wider MSF movement.
• Lead the collection and reporting of MSF Southern Africa Section’s carbon emissions, working closely with various departments such as Procurement and Office Management as well as the International Office Climate and Environment team.
• Contribute actively to joint initiatives across MSF climate working groups and platforms, including the Floods and Climate, Conflict and Migration groups
• Represent ERAA Climate team at relevant conferences, forums, and events when required.
• Support the building and engagement of a climate, environment and health stakeholder network.
• Participate and contribute to joint work done in various MSF climate working groups and platforms such as the Floods and Climate, Conflict and Migration working groups.
• Undertaking a representation role at relevant conferences, forums and events when necessary.
• Other research and advocacy tasks as needed on an ad hoc basis within the ERAA department.

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 Africa and globally for the ERAA department.

Administration:

• 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:

• Minimum University graduate or postgraduate student, ideally in Environmental Sciences/ Management Studies or related field (preferably where Geographic Information System (GIS), climate modelling and/or carbon accounting or 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, written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent creative content development, internal communications and social media skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and Adobe 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:

• Training in Meteorology or Climatology.