Responsible Data and Technology Specialist

Position: Responsible Data and Technology Specialist

Location: Any MSF Office (*)

Contract: Permanent contract at 100% 

Starting date: February 2025

Deadline to apply: 18 December

Compensation and benefits: MSF practice is to offer the C&B package current in the MSF entity establishing the contract.

*By default, the successful candidate will be offered a contract in the MSF office of their country of residence at the time of application.

I. MSF INTERNATIONAL

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. 

MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 24 sections, 27 associations and other offices together. Based in Geneva, MSF International (through the International Office functioning as its Secretariat and led by the International Secretary General) provides coordination, information and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.  

II. PLACE IN THE ORGANISATION

The Responsible Data and Technology Specialist is part of the International Privacy Coordination Office (IPCO) team of MSF International. He/she reports to the Head of IPCO and works closely with IPCO team members and key staff in MSF Operational Centres and partner offices.

IPCO has two functions. First, it is responsible for coordinating data protection efforts across the Movement and the development of global data protection policies and cross-border processes required to ensure MSF responsibly manages and protects the data entrusted to the organization, in line with its humanitarian mandate. Secondly, IPCO is tasked with carrying out the function of Data Protection Officer for MSF International.

III. POSITION BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES OF THE POSITION

The Responsible Data and Technology Specialist shall advice and support IPCO in ensuring MSF data and technology choices and/ or uses align with MSF commitment to ethical and responsible data management.

The Responsible Data and Technology Specialist shall advise on and support choices and techniques to minimize risks for MSF and/ or individuals who have entrusted MSF with their data (such as staff, donors, etc.), with a focus on integration and implementation of privacy by design in MSF large and/ or sensitive digital tools.

The Responsible Data and Technology Specialist works in close collaboration with MSF data protection stakeholders, function line specialists/ international platforms (including AI/ innovation), and information security and IT experts to promote quality and coherent data protection expertise and practices.

IV. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Focus will be on large or highly sensitive digital tools (risk-based approach).

Through IPCO, the main responsibilities of the Responsible Data and Technology Specialist are advising and/or supporting MSF teams on the following:

• Privacy by Design: advise on, document and support the design and maintenance of robust data protection and technology measures measures (privacy by design), including access controls, data migration safeguards, and de-identification/ pseudonymization techniques to safeguard sensitive information. Ensure digital tools’ choices and use support the objectives of MSF departments’ (medical, HR, fundraising, communication etc.) and ensure data integrity.

• Support data governance adoption especially in the areas of data integrity, data quality, and information security.

• Digital Risk Assessment: assess risks to identify and support the mitigation of potential data-related risks. Support the identification and documentation of main risks, make recommendation ensuring measures proposed are in line, prioritised and proportionate to identified risks.

• Data protection/ Responsible Data Management: enhance data practices in line with MSF data protection/ responsible data management policies, MSF medical humanitarian mandate and relevant data protection rules and best practices. Support the response to data breaches and other data related incidents, including investigation, remediation, and reporting.

The Responsible Data and Technology Specialist responsibilities shall also include:

• Collaboration: Ensure best practices are integrated into digital tools and well understood by MSF users, in particular in regard to information integrity and security.

• Education: Promote a culture of responsible data usage within the organization through training and awareness programs in your area of responsibility (privacy by design).

Requirements

Education:

• Master’s degree in computer science, Data Science, or a related field.

Knowledge and Technical Skills:

• Excellent capacity to understand and assess systems with large quantities of data (data engineering) including how data is collected, protected, transferred/ migrated and stored at scale.

• Proficiency in data architecture, database management systems and data management.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data management.

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in MSF.

Skills:

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. French a plus.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing data related risks.

• Excellent collaboration skills.

• Ability to balance technical and policy/ regulatory requirements with the needs of project owners.

Ethics:

• High ethical standards and a commitment to protecting the data of individuals and furthering MSF mandate.

Specific Requirements:

• Certifications: Relevant certifications such as CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional), CIPP (Certified Information Privacy Professional), or similar are a plus.

• Additional training: Depending on profile, willingness to follow additional training in line with IPCO’s mandate and responsibilities.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

At MSF, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.