How to Apply: Interested and qualified candidates should apply through the MSF recruitment portal at msf-ea.odoo.com. Ensure your application highlights your relevant experience in sales, customer engagement, fundraising, or community outreach.
Mastering the Art of Ethical Storytelling and Donor Engagement
Face-to-face fundraising for MSF is not just about hitting targets; it's about being a credible voice for humanitarian action in challenging environments. The hiring team will look for your ability to connect authentically with strangers, handle tough questions about conflict zones, and uphold strict data protection and safeguarding standards.
1. Showcase Your Sales and Outreach Experience: Your CV should quantify your success in sales, customer engagement, or community outreach. Instead of saying "good communicator," write "Exceeded monthly donor sign-up targets by 20% through face-to-face engagement at malls and events." Highlight any experience with KPIs, objection handling, and working in target-driven teams. This proves you can handle the daily performance expectations of the F2F pilot.
2. Demonstrate Knowledge of MSF's Humanitarian Work: Before the interview, research MSF's current programmes in Eastern Africa, including responses to health crises, conflict zones, and disease outbreaks. Be prepared to deliver a compelling two-minute narrative about MSF's mission and recent emergency responses. The interviewer will assess your ability to accurately represent the organisation without exaggeration, so practice explaining complex humanitarian issues in simple, engaging terms.
3. Prepare for Objection Handling Scenarios: You will face tough questions and objections from the public, such as "Why should I donate when there are needs here?" or "How do I know my money reaches the field?" Practice responses that are honest, empathetic, and aligned with MSF's principles. The hiring team will likely role-play these situations, so show that you can listen, acknowledge concerns, and steer the conversation toward a monthly giving commitment without being pushy.
4. Emphasise Data Protection and Ethical Conduct: MSF takes donor data protection and safeguarding seriously. In your interview, mention your familiarity with data protection protocols, consent capture, and secure handling of personal information. Give examples of how you've maintained confidentiality in previous roles. Also, stress your commitment to never making false claims and to immediately reporting any safeguarding concerns, as these are non-negotiable for MSF.
5. Highlight Teamwork and Adaptability: The role is part of a four-person pilot team with a structured Friday-to-Sunday schedule. Share examples of how you've collaborated in small teams, supported colleagues to meet targets, and adapted to changing field conditions. Mention your willingness to participate in training, coaching, and debrief sessions. The employer wants to see that you can thrive in a target-driven yet supportive environment.
6. Prepare for Language Proficiency Checks: Fluency in English and Swahili is required, and additional languages are an asset. Be ready to switch between languages during your pitch or interview. If you speak other languages relevant to Nairobi's diverse communities, highlight them. Practice delivering your donor pitch in both English and Swahili to demonstrate your versatility and reach.
7. Show Your Understanding of KPIs and Reporting: The role requires meeting daily KPIs for donor sign-ups and quality of engagement, plus daily reporting. In your answers, reference specific metrics you've achieved in past roles, such as number of sign-ups per day or conversion rates. Explain how you use feedback to improve performance. This shows you're comfortable with accountability and can contribute to the pilot's learning objectives.
8. Align with MSF's Values and Duty of Care: MSF expects fundraisers to embody respect, transparency, and duty of care. In your interview, discuss how you've handled sensitive situations, maintained professional boundaries, and promoted a safe environment. Give an example of a time you referred a complaint appropriately or supported a colleague. This demonstrates that you prioritise ethical conduct alongside results.