Proposal submission requirement

Proposals will be assessed based on the extent to which they demonstrate a clear understanding of the brief and the requirements outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP).

Please note that resumes and cover letters are not required and will not be reviewed. Upload your proposal via the below 'Apply' button.

For full details, please refer to the attached Request for Proposal in the below green link.

Proposal overview

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation providing emergency assistance to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, and exclusion from healthcare. To strengthen its engagement and visibility in Aotearoa New Zealand, MSF seeks to deepen its understanding of the New Zealand public, political, and policy environment; identify opportunities for independent and collaborative medical humanitarian advocacy; and evaluate potential models for a sustained advocacy presence.

MSF Australia is commissioning a consultant to map medical humanitarian issues and stakeholders in New Zealand, develop targeted pilot advocacy strategies, and recommend resourcing models for establishing a long-term MSF advocacy presence.

The scope of this consultancy is New Zealand and realm territories/countries, the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau.

The expected contract duration is nine (9) months. The consultant will determine the time and work pattern required to deliver agreed deliverables within this timeframe.

Proposals will be assessed on the extent to which the submission demonstrates a clear understanding of the brief and the scope of requirements outlined in this RFP.

For further details, please see via this link the full Request for Proposal

Dates 

RFP Issue Date - 20/02/2026

RFP Response Due Date - 06/03/2026

Interviews - Between 19/03/2026 – 26/03/2026

Contract Award - 1st April 2026

 Purpose of the Consultancy

• Generate a comprehensive and practical understanding of New Zealand’s political, policy, and stakeholder landscape related to MSF’s medical humanitarian priorities.
• Explore opportunities for MSF to coordinate and collaborate on advocacy with like-minded NGO/NFP organisations and identify advocacy coordination expectations from key government and civil society stakeholders.
• Develop evidence-based advocacy strategies that are suitable for piloting and testing by MSF in the context of the 2026 elections in New Zealand.
• Assess and provide recommendations for long-term advocacy resourcing, including feasibility and requirements for a New Zealand–based Advocacy Coordinator (full-time or part-time).

Reporting

The consultant will work under the strategic direction of MSF Australia and liaise with the nominated MSF Australia representatives for briefing, feedback, and sign-off of agreed deliverables. This engagement is advisory in nature. The consultant will not act as an operational MSF advocacy representative beyond the scope of the agreed deliverables.

Essential Criteria

• Must have strong contextual knowledge of, and professional networks within, New Zealand.
• Limited domestic travel within New Zealand and periodic travel to Australia may be required, to be agreed in advance with MSFA.
• A valid ABN or NZBN, and hold appropriate insurances for the duration of the contract.
• Strong experience in New Zealand public policy, politics, advocacy, or international relations.
• Knowledge of humanitarian action and global health, including of the role, principles and values of MSF.
• Experience working with Parliament, government ministries, Māori and Pacific stakeholders, and civil society.
• Understanding of Pacific regional dynamics and New Zealand’s constitutional relationships with Tokelau, the Cook Islands, and Niue.
• Demonstrated ability to design evidence-based advocacy strategies.
• Excellent analytical, interviewing, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel within New Zealand and to Australia as required.
• Individual/Consultant membership of the Council for International Development (CID) in New Zealand.