Working as Geographical Information Systems Specialist in the field

MSF Switzerland is not currently looking for this type of profile.

Etre Spécialiste en Système d’information géographique sur le terrain

As a Geographical Information Systems Specialist, you will ensure the monitoring of the mission's systems and produce cartographic tools.

1
Job description

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2
Testimonials

Read about experiences from the field.

3
Questions

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4
Apply

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1. Job description

Responsabilities :

  • Define procedures and ensure the implementation and correct functioning of the mission's GIS
  • Manage technical activities to support to the epidemiologists, medical and logistics teams
  • Manage response and prioritization requests for map products and services and support all medico-operational activities such as logistics, supply, outreach, water sanitation and hygiene, security, communication, health promotion
  • Manage the development, quality control and reproduction of products in appropriate formats for clients. Use and advocate for data and mapping standards
  • Identify, gather and incorporate external datasets into the MSF repository. Manage the geographical data base of the mission and work with the data to create thematic maps and analytical products
  • Carry out assessment and feasibility studies to provide the mission with alternatives and possible solutions to challenges concerning GIS
  • Where standard protocols are not available or appropriate, develop a protocol to ensure its functioning
  • Provide technical advice and oversight of quality and strengthening knowledge of the team. Manage training and skills development support to staff with e.g. simple mapping, Google Earth or use of GPS.

Depending on our activities and needs, your responsibilities may be adapted and evolve according to the specificities of each project.

You will not be facing these challenges alone—other MSF team members, both international and locally hired staff, will provide technical support, including extensive guidelines and protocols. You will also benefit from the support of the technical GIS unit in Geneva.

Requirements:

  • University Diploma in Geographical Information System, Engineering or Geography with a focus in GIS or equivalent experience
  • At least two years’ relevant professional experience in the GIS field
  • Essential experience in managing data collection, entry and maintenance and in managing or developing databases mandatory
  • Strong practical experience in using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as Kobo, Osmand, Arcgis collector, ODK, Mapsme or other
  • IT skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Fluency in English and/or French; any other languages are an asset (Arabic, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian)
  • Available for a minimum of six months
  • Commitment to MSF’s work and values 
  • Strong team player
  • Willingness to work in all kinds of contexts worldwide, including unstable areas
  • Adaptable and able to work in a multicultural team
  • Flexible and able to manage stress
  • Self-driven with a solution-orientated approach
  • Ability to train others

Assets:

  • People management experience
  • Experience working in developing countries


We encourage applications from people of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, abilities and all other characteristics of diversity.

MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo reference checks.

2. Testimonials

Jean-Guy, Cartographer

03:18 min

msf.related_videos.all_videos

3. Questions

What to expect

Malawi, 28.06.2017

We need you to be able to quickly adapt to different cultures...

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What MSF offers

Malawi, 05.02.2015

MSF is an organisation driven by strong values...

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How to apply

République démocratique du Congo, 21.08.2016

Find out more about our recruitment criteria and the next...

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It is rare that MSF advertises job openings for specific countries or projects.

Instead, in order to be able to respond to medical emergencies, MSF recruits applicants into different professional reserve lists, (also referred to as “pools”) throughout the year. Candidates within the pool will be matched to a specific position in a specific country based on their skill set, competencies, technical experience and background.

When applying to join our pool, you can indicate any geographic preferences you may have. However, in accordance with the MSF Charter, providing assistance to populations in distress must take priority over geographical preferences. As a candidate, you must be flexible and willing to work wherever your skills are most needed. Therefore, it is not always possible to fulfil specific country requests. MSF expects candidates to be flexible about where they work so that we can meet the needs of the field. However, if you have special skills, speak additional languages or have restrictions, those will be taken into consideration for each placement.

The standard duration of a first posting is six months. Medical specialists such as anaesthetists, gynaecologists and surgeons are placed in projects from six weeks to three months. This is not the case for general practitioners, paramedical or non-medical profiles.

For subsequent postings, depending on the needs of the country, the duration may be shorter for emergencies (several weeks to three months) or longer (perhaps six to 12 months) in more stable contexts. Coordinator positions are opened for a longer period, from one to two years.

We are mainly looking for candidates who are prepared to make a long-term commitment and work with MSF over several years. We therefore ask you to engage with MSF for more than one mission, or at least 12 months. This will probably include one or more breaks, as it is important to rest between assignments. You are invited to discuss the timing of your break with your career manager when you return from the first posting.

For all non-medical profiles, a minimum of two years’ relevant work experience is required (excluding internships and voluntary work). For doctors, a minimum of three years is required (excluding internships and voluntary work). Surgeons need 2 years post-specialisation experience and specialists do not need post-specialisation experience. For all medical profiles, a minimum of three years’ experience is required (excluding internships and voluntary work). Previous work experience is essential as we expect a high level of autonomy from our staff in the field. Detailed criteria for each profile can be found under What’s your profile?.

All questions

Next information sessions

Come discuss with our team and learn about our criteria to go on a mission. All information sessions

4. Apply online

Your application will be processed by a specific MSF office according to your country of residence. If you are already employed by MSF Switzerland, choose "OCG Field employee" or "OCG HQ employee".

Please notice that some offices do NOT recruit specific profiles. If that might be the case for your profile, please apply via MSF Switzerland.

This application form is only for field missions. If you wish to apply for HQ positions, please consult our current jobs postings.

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