Anthropologist at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Médecins sans frontières (MSF) or Doctors Without Borders, is an international humanitarian-aid non-governmental organization (NGO) and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, best known for its projects in war-torn regions and developing countries facing endemic diseases.

Main Purpose
Provide MSF project with a socio-anthropological analysis and understanding of local, socio-cultural determinants such as perception of health and illness and health seeking behavior in order to improve medical activities. Presently, the MSF Mombasa project is conducting mixed-methods research that collects diverse forms of data (qualitative, quantitative) to enhance the project’s impact on population health and wellbeing. This role will primarily support all qualitative aspects of the study with ad-hoc participation in the collection, management, and analysis of quantitative data.
Accountabilities

 Design, plan and organize research (qualitative and quantitative) to understand the existing health be-liefs, explanatory models and the health seeking behaviour related to project’s needs.
 Provide reports and tools to the project team to improve medical activities, in term of approaches and relation with the local population.
 Provide information and recommendation to the project team in order to support their understanding of local culture and perception to adapt efficiently the medical activities.
 Support Health Promotion activities (e.g., pre-testing of materials, focus groups, social data collec-tion)
 Support dissemination of research findings to diverse stakeholders
 Coordinating the execution of qualitative research in compliance with MSF protocols
 Collect, organise, and analyse qualitative data
 Ensure the reliabilty of all collected data
 Support the ad-hoc collection, management, and analysis of quantitave data
 Ensure the maintenance of the highest ethical standards in compliance with MSF protocols and procedures
 Support the formulation of research reports for dissemination to colloborators including partners from the government and community; where appropriate, lead or support the dissemination of research findings including but not limited to reports, presentations, journal manuscripts, and others

Requirements
Education: 

University degree in medical anthropology, social-anthropology, sociology, public health, social sciences, or some other related field.

Experience: 

 Previous work experience with qualitative health research is essential
 Previous experience working or conducting research with ‘key populations’ is essential
 Technical knowledge of conducting interviews and focus groups is essential
 Experience in developing countries and experience with MSF or any other public health organization is highly recommended
 Experience with mixed methods of research is desirable
 Languages: English and Kiswahili

Competencies:

 Results
 Teamwork
 Flexibility
 Commitment
 Stress Management