Anthropology Unit Lead

Rationale/Objective for Position The Anthropology Unit Lead is responsible for establishing and leading the Anthropology Unit within MSF East Africa. This role is central to building trust and acceptance with the communities we serve by deg programs, tools, and approaches that deepen understanding of social and cultural dynamics. By embedding anthropological insights into operations, the Unit Lead will strengthen MSF’s commitment to a more people-centered approach, ensuring that humanitarian interventions are contextually appropriate, culturally sensitive, and ethically sound. The unit will play a transversal role to contribute to MSF becoming a more people-centered organization. This position will be hierarchically and functionally accountable to Executive Manager Tasks & Responsibilities Strategic Responsibilities Actively participate in the development and review of the overall organizational strategy. Develop, review, and implement Anthropology Unit strategy. Contribute to organization-wide strategies and processes to advance MSF’s thematic and operational priorities, its methodological approaches, and values for strong community engagement strategies. Provide socio-cultural and situational analysis to guide operational decisions, humanitarian access, and program design. Develop and implement more people-centric and community-led approach systems and activities. Build knowledge within the movement to contribute to organization learning. Technical and Operational Responsibilities Anthropology Unit Positioning, Operationalization, and Management Position the Anthropology Unit as a technical support platform for MSF operational missions in the region. Develop and implement the Anthropology Unit framework and applicable approaches in relation to MSF field operations. Establish and build the structure and the capacities of the Unit. Identify key areas of interest and develop pertinent links and partnerships with operations across other MSF entities in the region and globally. Contribute to organizational decision-making through formal and informal engagement, especially through participation in leadership meetings and cross-organizational working groups. External networking and partnerships. Program Development and Operations Support Support and advise the operations teams during the conception, implementation, and monitoring of medical and paramedical projects. Continuously consolidate information on local knowledge and practices during emergencies/crises to enable productive dialogue and accommodation between affected individuals, groups and communities, and field operation teams. Support the operations teams on context and security analysis and management. Organize, conduct, and facilitate field visits and intersectional forums wherever and whenever it is necessary across MSF units and sections. Contribute to missions and prepare mission reports for implementation and dissemination. Provide rapid social/situational analysis during emergen