Application Guide

How to Apply for GIS Data Governance Specialist

at Médecins Sans Frontières en Suisse

🏢 About Médecins Sans Frontières en Suisse

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent, international medical humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from healthcare. Working at MSF OCG means contributing directly to life-saving missions in some of the world's most challenging environments, with a strong commitment to inclusivity and diversity.

About This Role

As a GIS Data Governance Specialist, you will ensure the integrity, security, and ethical use of geospatial data across MSF's operations. This role is critical for enabling data-driven decision-making in humanitarian contexts, from outbreak mapping to logistics planning, while upholding data privacy standards.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing new spatial data submissions for quality and compliance, updating metadata standards, and collaborating with field teams via video call to troubleshoot data governance issues. You might also draft a policy brief on data sharing for a new emergency response, then analyze data usage logs to ensure adherence to privacy protocols.

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🎯 Who Médecins Sans Frontières en Suisse Is Looking For

  • Expert in GIS data management with 3+ years experience in data governance frameworks, metadata standards, and spatial data quality assurance.
  • Proficient in tools like ArcGIS, QGIS, and experience with database systems (PostgreSQL/PostGIS) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
  • Strong understanding of data ethics, privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR), and experience applying them to sensitive humanitarian data.
  • Excellent communication skills to translate technical data governance concepts to non-technical stakeholders in a multicultural environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to Médecins Sans Frontières en Suisse

1

Highlight any experience with humanitarian or NGO data governance, especially in conflict zones or resource-limited settings.

2

Demonstrate your knowledge of data protection frameworks like the ICRC Data Protection Handbook or MSF's own data policies.

3

Provide concrete examples of how you've implemented data quality standards or metadata schemas in a GIS context.

4

Mention any remote collaboration tools you've used (e.g., Slack, Teams, Trello) and your ability to work asynchronously across time zones.

5

Tailor your CV to emphasize data governance projects over pure GIS analysis; use keywords like 'data lineage', 'data stewardship', and 'compliance'.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your commitment to MSF's humanitarian mission and how your skills directly support ethical data use in crisis response.", 'Specific examples of implementing data governance in a GIS environment, including challenges overcome.', 'Your understanding of the unique data privacy risks in humanitarian settings (e.g., protecting beneficiary locations).', 'Your ability to work autonomously and communicate effectively in a remote, multicultural team.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read MSF's Data Protection and Privacy Policy (available on their website) to understand their specific ethical guidelines.
  • → Familiarize yourself with MSF OCG's current GIS projects and how data governance supports their operational goals.
  • → Research the ICRC's Data Protection Handbook, as it is often referenced in humanitarian data governance.
  • → Look into MSF's use of tools like ONA or KoboToolbox for data collection and how GIS integrates with these.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you had to enforce data quality standards across a distributed team. How did you handle resistance?
2 How would you balance data sharing for operational needs with strict privacy requirements in a humanitarian context?
3 Explain your approach to developing a metadata standard for spatial data in an organization with diverse data sources.
4 How do you stay updated on GIS data governance best practices and regulations? Give an example.
5 Given MSF's remote setup, how would you ensure consistent data governance practices across different field locations?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid focusing solely on technical GIS skills without linking them to data governance or ethical considerations.
  • Do not submit a generic cover letter; it must explicitly connect your experience to MSF's humanitarian mission.
  • Avoid downplaying the importance of data privacy; emphasize your proactive approach to compliance and ethics.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: April 26, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

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Good luck with your application to Médecins Sans Frontières en Suisse!

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