Application Guide

How to Apply for Representation In MSF Visual Materials- Research Consultant

at Médecins Sans Frontières

🏢 About Médecins Sans Frontières

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a unique humanitarian organization that provides emergency medical aid in conflict zones and crises worldwide, often where others cannot go. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven team that prioritizes ethical, community-centered approaches, and this role offers a chance to reshape how MSF represents the people it serves.

About This Role

This research consultant role focuses on co-designing a study on representation in MSF's visual materials from Mozambique, aiming to decolonize and improve community engagement. You'll lead ethical research, collaborate with local researchers, and influence MSF's global visual communication practices.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve a virtual meeting with MSF's communication team in Mozambique to align on research goals, followed by reviewing archival visual materials. You'd then draft sections of the research protocol, coordinate with local researchers via WhatsApp, and prepare ethical clearance documents for submission to the Mozambican committee.

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🎯 Who Médecins Sans Frontières Is Looking For

  • A formally registered research institution or consortium with proven experience conducting qualitative research in Mozambique, particularly in humanitarian or health contexts.
  • Researchers with a PhD in Anthropology or related social sciences, and expertise in decolonization, representation, or visual studies.
  • Strong track record in qualitative research design (e.g., participatory methods) and ethical clearance processes, especially in Mozambique.
  • Fluent in both English and Portuguese (written and spoken) to liaise with MSF teams and Mozambican partners effectively.

📝 Tips for Applying to Médecins Sans Frontières

1

Tailor your proposal to show understanding of MSF's humanitarian principles and how representation impacts aid recipients.

2

Highlight any prior work in Mozambique or with Mozambican communities, including local partnerships or ethical approvals obtained.

3

Demonstrate experience with visual research methods (e.g., photo-elicitation, archival analysis) and community-based participatory research.

4

Include a brief outline of how you'd approach co-designing the study with MSF and Mozambican researchers.

5

Submit as a consortium if possible, emphasizing complementary expertise (e.g., anthropologist + local researcher).

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your commitment to ethical, decolonized research practices and how they align with MSF's values.", 'Specific examples of qualitative research in Mozambique or similar contexts, including community engagement strategies.', 'Your fluency in Portuguese and English, and ability to navigate cross-cultural collaborations.', "Your understanding of visual representation issues in humanitarian contexts and ideas for improving MSF's approach."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read MSF's public reports on community engagement and ethical guidelines for visual storytelling.
  • → Research MSF's operations in Mozambique, especially recent projects and any previous studies on representation.
  • → Look into the academic literature on decolonizing humanitarian visual culture and participatory research methods.
  • → Familiarize yourself with Mozambique's research ethics regulations and the National Bioethics Committee.
Visit Médecins Sans Frontières's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you ensure the research is participatory and ethically sound, especially with vulnerable communities in Mozambique?
2 Describe your experience with ethical clearance processes in Mozambique—what challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
3 How do you approach co-designing a research protocol with multiple stakeholders (MSF, local researchers, community members)?
4 What is your understanding of 'representation' in humanitarian visual materials, and how would you study it?
5 Can you provide an example of a qualitative research project you led that involved decolonization or community engagement?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic application without showing specific knowledge of MSF or Mozambique.
  • Overlooking the consortium requirement—applying as an individual if you're not a registered institution.
  • Ignoring the ethical clearance process; failing to mention how you'd navigate local approvals.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: June 15, 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!

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