Anthropologist at Medecins Sans Frontieres

Job Type: Indefinite

Main Objective and Responsibility of the Position

• 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.

Accountabilities

• Design, plan and organize researches (qualitative and quantitative) to understand the existing health beliefs, explanatory models and the health seeking behavior 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 (pre-testing of materials, focus groups, social data collection).

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities
General IDP context understanding/analysis in:

• Benue and Middle Belt States
• Zamfara and Northwest States
• Analyse history, identity and distribution of IDPs including their coping mechanisms in response to the impact of displacement in their lives.
• Analyse/study how IDPs seek to re-construct their own livelihoods – socially, psychologically, economically, politically and culturally.
• Analyse and understand interaction between Hausa and Fulani communities in IDP camps in Zamfara.
• Analyse the movement dynamics of IDPs across Benue/Middle Belt States and Zamfara/Northwest States.
• Understand the dynamics of IDPs in camp and non-camp settlements.
• Understand the response/attitudes of IDPs vis-à-vis humanitarian and other services.
• Understand the future perspectives of IDPs, together with how they see themselves in the long run.
• Short and long-term impact of displacement on host communities and their perceptions on humanitarian aid to IDPs.
• To have a better understanding of the farmer herder crisis in Benue and Middle Belt states.
• Analyse and understand the impact of the violence on the IDPs especially the farmers.
• Explore more on the plight of the herders since our programs are mainly focusing on the farmers.
• Impact of communal clashes on displacement.

IDP dynamics and MSF programs:

• Analyse how MSF programs designs influence and/or impact on IDP dynamics and vice versa particularly SGBV MSF activities.
• Make recommendations for more efficient, accountable and sustainable program designing.

Malnutrition:

• Understanding the underlying causes of chronic malnutrition Zamfara state in order to inform operations as well as advocacy options.

Requirements (Qualifications / Experience / Knowledge)
To apply for this role applicants MUST meet the following criteria:

Education:

• University Degree in Medical Anthropology, Social-anthropology or Sociology.

Experience:

• Previous work experience in relation with medical anthropology/socio-anthropology or qualitative research is essential
• Experience in developing countries and experience with MSF or any other organisation in public health is highly recommended.

Knowledge:

• Computer literacy

Languages:

• Essential, mission working language and local language(s)

Competences:

• Results and Quality Orientation
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Behavioural Flexibility
• Commitment to MSF Principles
• Stress Management