Belgian Public Engagement and Advocacy Strategy Advisor

CONTEXT 

Médecins 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 Assignment

As 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 Belgium

 You 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

1. Inception report with methodology and timeline
2. Stakeholder mapping and landscape analysis (internal & external)
3. Final report with strategic recommendations on gaps, opportunities and proposed organizational set-up
4. Presentation to key internal stakeholders

REQUIREMENTS

Education & 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

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: As soon as possible

• Location*: 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 Belgium

• Contract type: Fixed-term contract – full-time

• Contract duration: 6 months

• Salary according to MSF-OCB HQ grid

• Meal Vouchers - Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs

• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment

• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments

Deadline for applications: 7 September 2025

How 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.

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