Medical Advocacy Support Officer

1. Background

M decins Sans Fronti res (MSF) South Asia is committed to advocating for better access to healthcare and essential medicines in the region. With increasing medical and policy challenges ranging from the impact of free trade agreements (FTAs) on access to medicines to issues of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) intellectual property (IP) and national budget allocations for health there is a growing need to embed stronger medical expertise within advocacy initiatives. This position is also crucial for supporting the MSF South Asia Training Unit s tuberculosis (TB) priorities and ensuring sustained engagement beyond training activities.

2. Purpose of the Position

The Medical Advocacy Support Officer will strengthen the technical and strategic depth of MSF South Asia s advocacy work particularly on access to healthcare products and services. The position will play a key role in influencing national and regional health policies supporting medical advocacy priorities in TB AMR Environmental Health etc. and building and maintaining strategic partnerships with civil society and health-focused stakeholders. The Officer will also ensure close coordination with the MSF South Asia Medical Team MSF Access and regional and global advocacy colleagues.

3. Key Responsibilities

3.1. National-Level Advocacy & Representation

• Lead advocacy efforts around medical access issues in alignment with MSF South Asia s priorities.
  
• Represent MSF in national platforms policy forums and with local stakeholders to advocate for improved access to essential medicines and health services.
  
• Support the follow-up and advocacy work stemming from the MSF Training Unit s TB initiatives.
  

3.2. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and sustain relationships with key actors including civil society NGOs professional medical associations and academic institutions.
  
• Participate in and contribute to policy dialogues consultations and events relevant to medical access FTAs and health financing.
  
• Facilitate collaborative actions with external partners to amplify advocacy outcomes.
  

3.3. Collaboration with the MSF South Asia Medical Team MSF Access Regional Teams Civil Society

• Work together with the MSF South Asia Medical Team to translate the medical priorities of MSF South Asia into advocacy messages and actions when relevant.
  
• Liaise closely with the MSF Access and the MSF Access Regional Coordinator Asia Pacific (based in Kuala Lumpur) to ensure strategic coherence across national regional and global levels.
  
• Support cross-border and regional initiatives on public health advocacy particularly in areas like access to hepatitis treatments diagnostics or new TB tools.
  

3.4. Monitoring Analysis and Reporting

Monitor national developments related to health systems in the region policy reforms trade negotiations and access to healthcare.

• Provide regular analysis briefings and written reports to inform MSF South Asia s advocacy positioning and response.
  
• Document advocacy outcomes and contribute to institutional learning and strategy development.
  

3.5. Internal Support and Capacity Building

• Contribute to the internal strengthening of advocacy capacities especially in relation to health policy IP and access to medicines in collaboration with the Programmes Unit.
  
• Deliver internal briefings and orientation sessions for MSF staff and partners where relevant.
  

Requirements

4. Required Qualifications and Experience

• Medical degree (MBBS/MD or equivalent) or advanced degree in public health global health or related field.
  
• Minimum 3 5 years experience in advocacy health policy or access to medicines work ideally in the Indian or South Asian context.
  
• Familiarity with the Indian healthcare system pharmaceutical landscape IP issues and trade-related barriers to access.
  
• Strong network with civil society and policy actors in India preferred.
  

• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.
  
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) including public speaking.
  
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in cross-cultural multidisciplinary environments.
  
• Solid understanding of MSF s social mission operational models and positioning on access to medicines.
  
• Fluency in English is required; working knowledge of Hindi or another regional language is an asset.
  

• An updated CV
  
• Letter of Motivation (both in one document Ex. MSWORD / PDF)
  
• The position is for Indian Nationals only