Researcher on Criminalisation of Solidarity

CONTEXT

Within MSF-OCB (Operational Center Brussels), the Analysis department is a multidisciplinary team that contributes to the MSF’s social mission by: Conducting in-depth humanitarian and health policy related research/reflection, Developing and implementing advocacy strategies, expanding our operational networks, Supporting and challenging operations, And positioning the organization on the politics of health and humanitarianism based on MSF’s operational experience. The department is composed of experienced humanitarian workers with diverse expertise: The Health Politics team, The Forced Migration team, The Conflict and Humanitarianism team, The Humanitarian Access and Networking team. 

MSF teams working in migration contexts, including the Central Mediterranean, Greece, Poland, are increasingly confronted with the criminalisation of solidarity and humanitarian assistance. The risk of criminalisation has produced a chilling effect on solidarity and humanitarian action, shaping how MSF analyses risk, navigates access, delivers care, and makes operational decisions. To better understand these dynamics, MSF-OCB has launched an operational research project dedicated to analysing the everyday impact of criminalisation of solidarity on MSF operations. The project is a qualitative, multi‑sited study that will examine the social, organisational, and operational consequences of criminalisation pressures—how they are interpreted, navigated, internalised, and challenged by MSF teams.

This research is motivated by internal reflections and concerns and aims to support MSF-OCB’s strategic ambition to respond to social exclusion, challenge criminalisation of solidarity, and develop risk-intelligent ways of working. More specifically, the study aims to strengthen MSF’s ability to operate effectively in restrictive migration settings, contribute to broader civil-society debates on criminalisation of solidarity, and support the development of practical analytical tools for assessing and navigating criminalisation-related risks. 

Within this context, we are seeking an external Researcher with strong qualitative research expertise to join the two internal co-investigators and lead fieldwork, analysis, and co-production of the research-related outputs over a seven-month period. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Research supervision & design 

• Refine the qualitative research design in line with the existing research protocol and in coordination with the two co-Investigators, ensuring scientific rigor, ethics and methodological coherence
• Organize the data collection phase through appropriate schedule of appointments for interviews, submission of informed consent, storage of documentations, in coordination with the two co-Investigators
• Conduct the qualitative data collection through semi‑structured interview tools, thematic coding frameworks, and fieldwork plans
• Contribute to reflexive methodological discussions with the co‑investigators 

Fieldwork (minimum 1 month on site) 

• Conduct in‑depth interviews and key informant interviews with MSF staff and other stakeholders across selected case‑study sites
• Carry out ethnographic observation in the project, documenting contextual dynamics linked to criminalisation and its everyday impact
• Ensure informed consent, ethical safeguards, confidentiality, and secure data management at all stages

Data analysis 

• Organize, transcribe and code the interviews, assuring confidentiality of participants
• Lead thematic analysis of interviews and project notes using qualitative research techniques
• Assuring data analysis is framed withing the chosen theoretical frameworks and discussed with the two co-Investigators 

Writing & outputs 

• Co‑author internal and external research outputs, including: internal analytical report for MSF operations and leadership and at least one co-authored peer‑reviewed submission
• Input to the design of an MSF “criminalisation assessment tool”

Engagement & dissemination 

• Present preliminary and final findings in workshops and discussion spaces across MSF and partner networks
• Contribution to external civil society and academic debates on criminalisation

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

• Advanced degree (PhD or equivalent experience) in anthropology, sociology, migration studies, or related social sciences
• Proven track record in qualitative research, including in-depth interviewing, ethnographic methods, and thematic analysis
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage multi-site research activities
• Demonstrated familiarity with academic debates on criminalisation of migration and solidarity
• Previous MSF work experience is a strong asset

Competencies

• Strong analytical skills and conceptual thinking
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to build trust with diverse participants
• Commitment to ethical, reflexive research practice
• Ability to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary, multi-location team
• Cross-cultural sensitivity

Languages

• Proficiency in English, both written & spoken is mandatory
• Spanish is a strong asset

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: as soon as possible
• Location: Brussels (Belgium)* 

*Due to legal administrative constraints, given the duration of the contract, candidates must already have the permanent right as Belgian or EU national, and/or valid work permit with mention of "Unlimited access to the labor market" to work in Belgium 

*Other locations with an MSF entity can be exceptionally considered, provided they are well connected to our intervention countries

• Contract type: Fixed-term contract, full-time
• Contract duration: 7 months
• Mobility: at least one month in an MSF project and an HQ visit (Brussels) of 1 to 2 weeks
• Salary according to MSF-OCB grid
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments  

Deadline for applications: 12th of May 2026

How to apply? 

➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button  

➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position  

➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload  (in pdf format)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.  

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