Working with us

 

Basic Requirements

“I have realized that this kind of relief work requires not just a medical background but much more: flexibility, stamina, commitment, and most of all patience.” – Johanna Macleod, Registered Nurse.

So what you need is:

Commitment to the aims and values of Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) (Please make sure you have read the page about Working with us and MSF’s charter in English)

Two years of professional experience

MSF recruits only professionals. To be effective in your work in the field, you need to be able to rely on your professional skills, either medical or technical.

Ability to live and work as part of a team
MSF volunteers live and work together. The hours are long and the living conditions may be primitive and offer little privacy. Volunteers need to be tolerant and flexible and possess solid interpersonal skills. The ability and willingness to interact with people of all nationalities and cultures is essential.

Experience and an interest in training others: Quite a few of our positions require training national staff.

Ability to manage stress
Many MSF projects are located in or near conflict areas. The environment is often chaotic and volatile and the target populations are large and in distress. Even in more stable areas, sizeable workloads and team living may cause stress. Volunteers must be able to cope in a difficult and unpredictable environment.

Flexibility
Situations can change quickly in the field, and job descriptions must change accordingly. Departure dates can change, or even be cancelled at a moment's notice. Team composition and working environments may shift during assignments. Flexibility is critical.

Experience in the developing world
The vast majority of MSF's projects are in the developing world. Extensive work experience with communities facing insufficient access to health care in urban areas or remote rural areas is therefore valued.

Age
Our insurance only covers fully for people who are under 65 years old. Though, there is no upper or lower age limit to working with MSF as long as volunteers are physically and mentally fit and healthy. Whatever their age, volunteers need to be able to cope with often precarious working conditions/environment.

Language skills
Although English is the official MSF language, fluency in French, Spanish or Portuguese is an advantage.

Availability for six-12 months
Except for surgeons and anaesthetists (please refer to the specific information for this group).