Humanitarian Affairs and Advocacy Advisor

CONTEXT

MSF is committed to bearing witness and advocating for populations affected by crises. MSF in Belgium intends to increase and be more strategic about its advocacy efforts to influence policy and decision makers and strengthen MSF’s operational impact. To support this ambition, MSF is creating a new position that will play a key role in shaping and driving these efforts forward. This will happen in alignment with already existing public engagement initiatives and positioning, and within the framework of the movement’s Humanitarian Representation Team network.

As Humanitarian Affairs and Advocacy Advisor, you will define, implement, and coordinate strategies that will influence decision-makers in Belgium on advocacy topics that are relevant for MSF globally and/or specifically for Belgium. You ensure that MSF’s advocacy is timely, coherent, and aligned with humanitarian principles, and coordinated with the Humanitarian Representation Team and the advocacy colleagues across the MSF movement. 

You will work under the supervision of the Deputy General Director and in close collaboration with the Head of Communications & Engagement and the Event and Partnerships Officer. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategy Development: Design, implement, and monitor advocacy strategies and priorities that leverage MSF’s positioning, and operational insights to influence targeted decisionmakers in line with organizational goals
• Context analysis and Priority setting: Monitor political, societal, humanitarian and medical developments relevant to MSF’s projects, identify and provide advice on risks, opportunities and threats and provide strategic advice to the MSF Operation Center Brussels Deputy Director with concrete priorities of advocacy and public positioning
• Lead advocacy contributions to cross-organizational initiatives or campaigns: Contribute to cross organizational initiatives and campaigns, together with the Communication & Engagement team, ensuring that advocacy objectives are fully integrated and that these efforts strategically advance MSF Belgium’s policy-influencing agenda while strengthening the organization’s visibility, legitimacy and impact in Belgium

Representation & influence: Represent MSF toward Belgian political institutions, ministries, cabinets, parliaments, and relevant administrations.

Develop and maintain strategic institutional relationships (ex. MFA, DGD, Interior, Health, Fedasil, academic institutions, think tanks).

Support spokespersons relevant to advocacy files.

• International Advocacy Coordination: Act as the focal point between MSF Belgium and the European Humanitarian Representation Team, participating in international advocacy platforms, working groups, and coordination spaces, ensuring that global MSF advocacy guidance is translated and implemented at the Belgian level while providing relevant feedback from the Belgian political context to global discussions
• Networking: Network and build relationships with allies, coalitions, and networks that will support MSF in its efforts to timely influence decision-makers, engage with civil society, NGOs, humanitarian and academic platforms, and coalitions, and conduct and regularly update a stakeholder mapping for Belgium
• Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with Communications, Public Engagement, Fundraising and other units to ensure strategic coherence and complementarity between MSF Belgium’s advocacy and public communication objectives as well as with operational realities and institutional messaging, including with the Advocacy manager for the MSF operational project in Belgium, the MSF Access Team and EU Humanitarian Representation Team
• Crisis Advocacy: Support emergency advocacy during acute or evolving crises and disseminate timely advocacy materials, including briefs, talking points, statements, and provide rapid analyses

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Academic degree in a relevant area of study e.g. political sciences, international relations and public affairs or similar education
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in political advocacy, public affairs, or policy analysis
• Strong understanding of the Belgian political, institutional, academic, and NGO context
• Previous MSF or humanitarian experience is an asset

Competencies

• Strong writing skills
• 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)
• Contract type: Open-ended contract – full-time
• Homeworking: homeworking possible as per internal policy
• Salary according to MSF-OCB Head Office salary 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:   26th of May 2026

How to apply? 

➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button     

➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position    

➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload (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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