Anthropology Unit Lead – MSF Eastern Africa

Company: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Employment Type: Full-Time, Open-Ended Contract
Department: Anthropology & Community Engagement
Reports To: Executive Manager
Start Date: June 2027
Experience Required: Minimum 5 Years
Education Required: Master’s Degree in Anthropology

Job Overview

MSF Eastern Africa is seeking an experienced and visionary Anthropology Unit Lead to establish and lead its Anthropology Unit in Nairobi. This strategic leadership position is designed to strengthen community-centered humanitarian programming by integrating anthropological perspectives into medical and operational decision-making.

The successful candidate will drive the development of innovative approaches that enhance community trust, improve humanitarian access, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and ensure that interventions are culturally appropriate and contextually relevant. Professionals interested in leadership opportunities within the humanitarian and development sectors can also explore regional openings through humanitarian jobs in Kenya

Position Summary

The Anthropology Unit Lead will oversee the design, implementation, and management of anthropology-related programs and initiatives that support MSF’s operations across Eastern Africa. The role combines strategic leadership, research management, operational support, stakeholder engagement, and organizational learning.

Working closely with operational teams, medical departments, and community engagement specialists, the successful candidate will ensure that socio-cultural analysis informs humanitarian action and strengthens MSF’s commitment to people-centered healthcare.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the overall anthropology strategy for MSF Eastern Africa.
• Provide strategic guidance on community-centered approaches across humanitarian operations.
• Support organizational planning and contribute to long-term operational priorities.
• Strengthen integration of anthropological perspectives into healthcare programs and emergency responses.
• Promote innovative approaches that improve humanitarian effectiveness and community participation.

Program Development and Operational Support

• Provide expert social research and socio-cultural analysis to support field operations.
• Advise operational teams during project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Conduct rapid situational assessments during emergencies and humanitarian crises.
• Support security analysis, humanitarian access, and stakeholder mapping activities.
• Facilitate community engagement initiatives and local participation mechanisms.

Research and Knowledge Management

• Lead operational research initiatives focused on humanitarian and healthcare challenges.
• Develop research methodologies, protocols, and ethical review documentation.
• Coordinate data collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination activities.
• Support publication of research findings and policy recommendations.
• Build and maintain the Anthropology Unit knowledge management database.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Develop relationships with academic institutions, humanitarian organizations, and research networks.
• Represent MSF in relevant conferences, forums, and technical working groups.
• Strengthen collaboration with local communities and external stakeholders.
• Foster strategic partnerships that support humanitarian innovation and learning.

Team Leadership and Capacity Building

• Lead, mentor, coach, and supervise Anthropology Unit staff.
• Develop annual work plans, budgets, and performance objectives.
• Design and facilitate training programs related to anthropology and community engagement.
• Strengthen organizational capabilities through learning and professional development initiatives.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s Degree in Anthropology from a recognized academic institution.
• Additional qualifications in public health, social sciences, development studies, or humanitarian studies are advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in humanitarian operations, development programs, or related sectors.
• Proven experience managing complex multidisciplinary projects.
• Strong background in community engagement, research, and social analysis.
• Experience working in multicultural environments across urban and rural settings.
• Published academic or operational research work is highly desirable.

Essential Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate should possess expertise in:

• Anthropology
• Community Engagement
• Humanitarian Operations
• Operational Research
• Stakeholder Management
• Project Management
• Social Research
• Qualitative Research
• Strategic Leadership
• Knowledge Management
• Data Analysis
• Capacity Building
• Policy Development
• Cross-Cultural Communication
• Humanitarian Access
• Program Development
• Research Methodology
• Organizational Learning
• People Management
• Partnership Development

These highly sought-after competencies are essential for leadership roles within international humanitarian and development organizations.

Salary and Benefits

Annual Salary

• EUR 40,582 per annum
• Annual salary increment of 2% per year up to a maximum of 10 years

Additional Benefits

• Work-life balance financial benefit ranging from EUR 620 to EUR 1,159 per month
• Employer pension contribution of 10% of basic salary
• Comprehensive international medical and disability insurance
• Annual home leave ticket for eligible international staff and dependents
• Relocation support for qualifying non-Kenyan employees
• School fee assistance for eligible dependents
• Flexible working arrangements including remote work opportunities
• Generous maternity, paternity, sick, and special leave provisions

Training and Professional Development

MSF invests heavily in employee growth and international career development.

Training opportunities include:

• Advanced humanitarian leadership programs
• Research design and methodology workshops
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training
• Safeguarding and protection programs
• International conference participation
• Language learning opportunities
• Leadership coaching and mentorship programs
• Community-centered programming and policy development workshops

Professionals interested in humanitarian and development sector opportunities across the Horn of Africa may also find useful career resources through humanitarian jobs in Ethiopia.

Working Environment

This position offers the opportunity to work within one of the world’s most respected humanitarian organizations. The Anthropology Unit Lead will collaborate with international experts, operational teams, medical professionals, and researchers across multiple countries.

The role includes opportunities for regional and international travel, participation in humanitarian missions, and engagement with diverse communities affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, and healthcare inequalities.

Career Growth Opportunities

Successful candidates may progress into senior positions such as:

• Head of Community Engagement
• Regional Humanitarian Advisor
• Director of Research and Learning
• Humanitarian Operations Manager
• Senior Social Science Advisor
• Regional Program Director
• Global Humanitarian Strategy Lead

Individuals exploring broader international development and humanitarian leadership opportunities may also access additional career resources through humanitarian jobs in Sierra Leone while monitoring opportunities across Africa and beyond.

Why Join MSF Eastern Africa?

MSF Eastern Africa offers a unique opportunity to influence humanitarian action through innovative, community-centered approaches. Employees contribute directly to improving healthcare access and humanitarian outcomes while working alongside global experts in medicine, research, and social sciences. This role is ideal for experienced anthropologists who are passionate about combining humanitarian research, community engagement, and strategic leadership to create meaningful impact in complex humanitarian settings.