Application Guide
How to Apply for Investigator (Abuse of Persons) Roster/Pool
at Médecins Sans Frontières
🏢 About Médecins Sans Frontières
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a leading independent medical humanitarian organization delivering emergency aid globally. Its commitment to creating a safe environment for patients and staff, backed by robust Behavioural Commitments, makes it a unique and principled workplace for those driven by humanitarian values.
About This Role
This needs-based investigator role focuses on abuse of persons cases within MSF, requiring remote work and occasional travel. As part of a roster pool, you will conduct impartial investigations to uphold MSF’s zero-tolerance policy, directly contributing to a safe and dignified environment for vulnerable populations and staff.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves receiving an investigation assignment from MSF, reviewing case files remotely, and planning interviews via secure video calls. You may travel to a field location for in-person evidence gathering, then draft a detailed report with findings and recommendations, all while maintaining strict confidentiality and adhering to MSF’s protocols.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Médecins Sans Frontières Is Looking For
- Experienced in conducting sensitive investigations related to abuse, with a strong understanding of trauma-informed approaches.
- Familiar with humanitarian contexts and able to navigate cross-cultural and remote work environments.
- Proficient in English (French or Arabic a plus) and skilled in writing clear, concise investigation reports.
- Flexible and available on short notice, with the ability to travel to potentially insecure locations.
📝 Tips for Applying to Médecins Sans Frontières
Tailor your CV to highlight investigation experience in abuse cases, especially in humanitarian or international settings.
In your cover letter, explicitly mention your understanding of MSF’s Behavioural Commitments and how you uphold them.
Provide specific examples of investigations you led, including challenges and outcomes, to demonstrate your competency.
If you have experience working remotely or in decentralized teams, emphasize this to show you can handle home-based work.
Double-check the application deadline (03 May 2026) and ensure all documents are in English unless otherwise specified.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your commitment to MSF’s mission and zero-tolerance policy on abuse.', 'Your relevant investigation experience, especially with abuse of persons, and ability to maintain impartiality.', 'Your adaptability to remote work and willingness to travel on short notice.', 'Your language skills, particularly if you speak French or Arabic.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review MSF’s official Behavioural Commitments and Safeguarding policies on their website.
- → Understand MSF’s organizational structure (sections, associations) and how investigators are deployed.
- → Read recent MSF reports or news on abuse prevention and response to show awareness of challenges.
- → Familiarize yourself with the role of the MSF International Office and its coordination functions.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without referencing MSF’s specific policies or mission.
- Overlooking the needs-based nature of the role—do not apply if you need a full-time, permanent position.
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of trauma-informed investigation techniques in your application.
📅 Application Timeline
⏰ Deadline: May 3, 2026
We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Médecins Sans Frontières!