Reduce text Enlarge textReading time: minutesShare Print Back to topBelgiumLocationFrench & Dutch & EnglishLanguage skillsNo previous MSF experience requiredMSF experience requiredFull timeTime allocation6 monthsLength of contractFixed termContract typeAdvocacyExpertiseOn siteWork modelMédecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 70 countries to populations in distress, to victims of natural or manmade disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and irrespective of origin, religion, creed or political affiliation.Belgian Public Engagement and Advocacy Strategy Advisor (m/f/x) - Brussels - MSF BelgiumCONTEXTMédecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is committed to bearing witness and advocating for populations affected by crises. While MSF has an evolving operational and communication presence in Belgium, there is also a growing need to better understand and leverage the political, institutional, academic, civil society and NGO landscape to strengthen our (bilateral) engagement and advocacy efforts at national levels.Objective of the AssignmentAs Belgian Public Engagement and Advocacy Strategy Advisor, you will provide a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities for MSF to engage and influence more proactively with different actors and layers of society in Belgium, identifying strategic entry points for the specific priority audiences. This should reinforce the positioning of MSF as a unique and strong international medical humanitarian actor in Belgium, able to influence policies and political positions where relevant.You will also propose a feasible and sustainable set-up for MSF to improve political advocacy and civil society engagement in the country, including events targeting EU-related actors based in Brussels, under the responsibility of the HRT or other MSF entities. In this role, you will report to the Deputy General Director and the Director of Communications & Fundraising.MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Conduct a landscape analysis of the Belgian public affairs environment relevant to MSF's humanitarian concerns, including the political, institutional, academic, civil society and NGO sectors
Define ways to better support and complement MSF's advocacy efforts towards the European Union including through Belgium as member state, ensuring coherence and added value between national and EU-level public affairs strategies
Identify key public affairs stakeholders, including political actors, government bodies, think tanks, academic institutions, NGOs, and civil society platforms with influence on humanitarian issues in Belgium
Assess existing public affairs and advocacy efforts by MSF and other humanitarian actors in Belgium to identify gaps, overlaps, and opportunities for collaboration or differentiation
Explore opportunities for public affairs influence, including potential coalitions, policy windows, and institutional mechanisms that MSF could engage with to advance its humanitarian priorities
Propose a strategic public affairs framework and operational set-up for MSF in Belgium, including potential roles, partnerships, and resource needs to ensure sustainable and impactful engagement.
Produce a final report and presentation with findings, strategic recommendations, and a proposed roadmap for MSF's public affairs engagement in Belgium
Priority Themes for BelgiumYou will focus on the following strategic thematic areas for MSF in Belgium:
Access to healthcare for undocumented and vulnerable populations
Belgium's role in international humanitarian aid and global health diplomacy
Pharmaceutical policy and access to medicines
Climate and health, particularly in relation to Belgium's international commitments
The role of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in protecting humanitarian principles and access
Belgium's positioning within the EU and multilateral institutions on humanitarian issues
Reduction in funding for humanitarian aid and changing humanitarian landscape
This list is not static, and migration and asylum policies are already covered through the Belgian project team.Expected Deliverables * Inception report with methodology and timeline
Stakeholder mapping and landscape analysis (internal & external)
Final report with strategic recommendations on gaps, opportunities and proposed organizational set-up
Presentation to key internal stakeholders
REQUIREMENTSEducation & Experience
Proven experience in political advocacy, public affairs, or policy analysis
Strong understanding of the Belgian political, institutional, academic, and NGO context
Competencies
Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and deliver within tight deadlines
Familiarity with humanitarian and/or health-related issues
Languages
Proficiency in French, Dutch and English (both written and spoken) is mandatory
CONDITIONSExpected starting date: As soon as possibleLocation*: Brussels (Belgium)*Due to legal administrative constraints, given the duration of the contract, candidates must already have the permanent right as Belgian or EU national, and/or valid work permit with mention of "Unlimited access to the labor market" to work in BelgiumContract type: Fixed-term contract - full-timeContract duration: 6 monthsSalary according to MSF-OCB HQ gridMeal Vouchers - Hospital Insurance (DKV) - Pension Plan - 100% reimbursement for public transportation costsAdhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment * Adhere to the MSF Behavioral CommitmentsDeadline for applications: 7 September 2025How to apply?➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button➢ Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload (preferably in PDF format)Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.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, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data. For more information, .
