Donor Acquisition and Marketing Intern
About Us
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation committed to two objectives: providing medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, natural and man-made disasters; and speaking out about the plight of the populations assisted. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. Today, MSF is present in more than 70 countries, where thousands of MSF doctors, nurses, logisticians, water-and-sanitation experts, and other medical and non-medical professionals work together to bring essential health services to people caught in humanitarian crises.
Purpose:
The Donor Acquisition and Marketing Intern supports the Donor Acquisition and Marketing Manager in the planning, development, execution, and monitoring of donor acquisition campaigns and activities. This role provides hands-on experience in fundraising strategies, marketing channels, and donor engagement, contributing to MSF's mission of sustainable donor growth while learning about humanitarian operations.
Reporting Structure:
The Donor Acquisition and Marketing Intern reports directly to the Donor Acquisition and Marketing Manager. The intern will collaborate with acquisition-based teams (e.g., Face-to-Face, Digital, DRTV, Lead Conversion) and other fundraising units, as well as departments such as communications and advocacy.
ACCOUNTABILITIES
Strategy, Planning and Organising:
Assist in the development and implementation of donor acquisition strategies, including researching target groups and marketing channels. Support the preparation of annual acquisition plans and budgets by gathering data and contributing to forecasting donor recruitment. Help integrate acquisition programs with broader organisational campaigns, including promoting regular giving to non-financial supporters. Contribute to mapping donor journeys from acquisition to retention, identifying opportunities to enhance online and offline experiences.
Marketing:
Assist in project managing advertising activities across channels such as television, radio, print, digital, and mobile. Support the development of marketing materials for donor acquisition, including press inserts, direct mail, DRTV, telemarketing, and digital campaigns. Help coordinate emergency campaigns by tracking investments and assisting in material development. Contribute to ensuring campaign materials are high-quality, timely, and aligned with MSF SA branding, including liaison with creative agencies.
Results and Quality Orientation
Reporting, Analysis, Budgeting and Planning:
Assist in budget tracking, reporting, and monitoring income sources for acquisition activities. Support program effectiveness analysis through data collection and basic testing, with guidance from the Business Intelligence Specialist. Help prepare regular reports on program objectives and performance against targets. Contribute to monthly and quarterly reforecasts, including updating models. Assist in monitoring agency performance and ensuring compliance with privacy protocols (e.g., PoPIA). Support data selections from the database for monitoring acquisition channels and campaigns. Help review attrition rates and donor lifetime value to inform strategies. Track project timelines and milestones using organisational tools.
Teamwork and Cooperation:
Collaborate with the Digital Marketing team and other fundraising sub-units to ensure integrated approaches.
Organisation and Compliance:
Assist in ensuring compliance with government regulations, MSF policies, and data protection requirements. Support privacy and security reviews for acquisition activities.
Initiative and Innovation:
Research new fundraising opportunities, including trends in marketing and donor engagement. Assist in testing new ideas and maintaining contacts with relevant networks.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE
Essential:
- Recently completed a degree in Marketing, Fundraising, Communications, Business, or a related field.
- Basic understanding of marketing channels (e.g., digital, direct mail, telemarketing) and donor engagement.
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple tasks.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work in a team.
- Passion for humanitarian causes and commitment to MSF principles. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) is a plus.
- Willingness to learn data analysis and project management basics.
Desirable:
Previous volunteering in marketing, fundraising, or non-profit sectors. Knowledge of customer relationship marketing techniques.
Competencies:
- Commitment to MSF principles (L1)
- Analytical Thinking (L1)
- Result and Quality Orientation (L2)
- Planning and Organising (L2)
- Teamwork and Cooperation (L2)
Remuneration and resources
- Resources needed such as working space, computer, internet, stationery, and other resources will be made available.
- Monthly Stipend: R 5000.
- 100% Medical aid contribution.
- Transport allowance.
- Cell Phone Allowance.
Commitment:
- Contract Length - 12 months.
Closing date: 2nd September 2025
Start date: 1st October 2025
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation and all other diversity characteristics.