Communications Intern (Media) at Médecins Sans… · Colombo

Internship Details:

Provides support to the MSF South Asia Communications Department, with a specific focus on media relations, media monitoring, research and media engagement across the South Asian region. The intern will assist in identifying relevant media opportunities, tracking humanitarian and operational developments, maintaining media databases, preparing media materials and analysing media coverage to strengthen MSF's visibility and voice on humanitarian issues.

The role offers practical exposure to regional and international media engagement within a medical humanitarian organisation, contributing to efforts to communicate MSF's work, operational challenges and humanitarian concerns to relevant media audiences.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain hands-on experience in media relations, press outreach and communications within an international medical humanitarian organisation.
• Understand regional media landscapes, news cycles and coverage of humanitarian issues across South Asia.
• Learn media monitoring, intelligence gathering, news analysis and media coverage reporting.
• Develop skills in researching humanitarian and operational issues, identifying media opportunities and supporting proactive media engagement.
• Gain exposure to the preparation of press releases, media pitches, briefing documents, spokesperson materials and other media communications.
• Understand how media engagement supports humanitarian advocacy, public positioning and the communication of MSF's operational work.
• Learn how to identify emerging narratives, misinformation and disinformation relevant to humanitarian crises and public health issues.
• Gain exposure to regional communications coordination, journalist engagement and the development of media opportunities involving MSF representatives and field teams.

Responsibilities

• Monitor regional media across South Asia, tracking MSF coverage, humanitarian emergencies, public health issues and relevant operational developments.
• Research media outlets, journalists and emerging news trends to identify opportunities for proactive media engagement.
• Support the preparation and dissemination of press releases, media pitches, alerts and journalist correspondence.
• Maintain regional media contact lists, journalist profiles, media trackers and coverage records.
• Compile and analyse media coverage, contributing to regional media reports, summaries and communications updates.
• Assist in coordinating media interviews and preparing background research, briefing notes and relevant media materials.
• Support media initiatives, journalist engagement, media visits and events across South Asia.
• Contribute to the overall work of the Communications Department and provide support for other communications activities and requirements, including campaigns, events, content development and administrative tasks, as needed.

Location: MSF South Asia HQ, Colombo, Office, M2M VERANDA Offices, 34, W A D Ramanayake Mawatha, Colombo 02

Work Timing: Monday - Friday, 9 am – 5.30 pm

Requirements

· Completed or currently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, International Relations or a related field.

· Demonstrated interest in humanitarian issues, current affairs and media reporting.

· Strong research, writing, editing and analytical skills, with excellent attention to detail.

· Familiarity with media monitoring, digital news platforms and social media; experience with media research or media databases would be an advantage.

· Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines and work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

· Adaptable, proactive and willing to learn, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; familiarity with media monitoring tools and digital content creation platforms would be an advantage.

· Fluency in English is required.

Benefits

• Internship allowance of LKR 2,500/- per day worked
• The intern will be covered for accident insurance.
• Free lunch
• 25% Work From Home (WFH)
• Additional expenses reimbursed upon approval and submission of bills

How to Apply:

Submit a CV and cover letter (in one PDF/Word file) to https://msfindia.zohorecruit.in/jobs/Careers

Application Deadline: 4 November 2026

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. This internship opportunity is open to Sri Lankan nationals only.

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MSFSA Safeguarding Commitment

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) South Asia is committed tocreating and maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for thecommunities we serve, our staff, partners, volunteers and everyone we workwith. MSF has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment,discrimination, abuse of power, or any other form of abusive or inappropriateconduct. All staff are expected to uphold MSF South Asia Code of Conduct,Behavioural Commitments and applicable safeguarding policies, and to contributeto a culture of dignity, accountability and respect. As part of its commitmentto safeguarding and safe recruitment, MSF South Asia may conduct referencechecks and other appropriate pre-employment checks, in accordance withapplicable requirements. Candidates may also be asked to discuss safeguardingand ethical behaviour during the recruitment process. Successful candidateswill be required to adhere to MSF’s applicable safeguarding policies andbehavioural standards.

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