Work in the Field
Recruitment Process
Here are the basic requirements for joining MSF in the field.
- At least 2 years of professional experience
For physicians, completion of residency.
- Availability for a minimum of 9 to 12 months
With the exception of surgeons and anesthesiologists, who may be accepted for shorter assignments.
- No recent gap in clinical experience greater than 2 years
- Language skills are considered a major asset
- Relevant travel or work outside the United States
- Flexibility
Click on a profession below to learn more about profession-specific requirements.
| MSF recruits the following personnel: |
| Medical Personnel |
|
Non-medical Personnel |
The medical staff composition of each program can vary greatly and is determined by the coordination teams at MSF headquarters together with coordinators in the field.
|
|
Although MSF is an emergency medical organization, it could never survive without its logistical, technical, and financial personnel. They are the backbone of every MSF aid program.
|
| MSF
does NOT currently recruit the following: |
| MSF serves specific populations and hires staff locally. Only 10% of staff are international. |
- Acupuncturists
- Aromatherapists
- Body Workers
- Chiropractors
- Dentists
- Dieticians
- Electrologists
|
- EMTs
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Massage Therapists
- Naturopaths (ND)
- Neurosurgeons
- Occupational Therapists
- Ophthalmologists
|
- Paramedics
- Physician Assistants
- Podiatrists
- Reike Specialists
- Veterinarians
- Wilderness Medics
|
To obtain more information, attend a Recruitment Information session, meet us at a conference,
or read our Frequenlty Asked Questions (FAQs).
| Recruitment Information Sessions |
|
Join us for a presentation, film, and question
& answer session to learn more about how you can become part of Doctors Without Borders'
field work. A Human Resources Officer will be on hand to discuss requirements and applications.
Upcoming Info Sessions:
|
| National Conferences |
In addition, MSF presents speakers and information booths at many national conferences.
MSF representatives at these conferences can provide general information about and informally
discuss working in the field with the organization.
Boston,
MA
March 12-16, 2008
American Medical Student Association Annual Conference
|
Houston, TX
May 3-7, 2008
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Annual Clinical Meeting
|
New Orleans, LA
September 18-20, 2008
American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Scientific Assembly |
|
| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
|
What are MSF's recruitment criteria?
At least 2 years of professional experience in relevant
fields, availability for at least six months, current professional credentials [...]
What is the recruitment process?
Application form --> Application screening --> interview
--> Information Day --> pool --> placement [...]
Can I decide where I want to be assigned?
No. MSF places staff on assignment based on
the needs in the field. [...]
How does MSF manage safety and security in the field?
[...] MSF maintains
extensive risk-management procedures and security guidelines for every mission. [...]
|
| Recommended Reading |
|
Below are some publications that we recommend to potential MSF field and office staff, covering issues which directly affect humanitarian aid and intervention.
- The Médecins Sans Frontières Experience, by Rony Brauman, former President
of MSF and Joelle Tanguy, former MSF-USA Executive Director.
Published in A Framework for Survival, edited by Kevin M. Cahill, M.D., BasicBooks.
- Refugee Camps, Population Transfers, and NGOs, by Rony Brauman, former President of MSF
Article published in Hard Choices: Moral Dilemmas in Humanitarian Intervention, edited by Jonathan Moore, Rowman and Littlefield.
- Humanitarian Neutrality: Myth or Reality, by Alain Destexhe, former International Secretary General of MSF
Published in Preventive Diplomacy, edited by Kevin Cahill, BasicBooks.
|
To begin the application process, please choose your country of residence:
The MSF office in Argentina processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.org.ar
The MSF office in Australia processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.org.au
The MSF office in Belgium processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.be
The MSF office in Brazil processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.org.br
The MSF office in Canada processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.ca
The MSF office in Denmark processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.dk
The MSF office in France processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.paris.msf.org
The MSF office in Greece processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.gr
The MSF office in Hong Kong processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.org.hk
The MSF office in India processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msfindia.in
The MSF office in Ireland processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.ie
The MSF office in Italy processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.it
The MSF office in Japan processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.or.jp
The MSF office in Luxembourg processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.lu
The MSF office in Spain processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.es
The MSF office in Switzerland processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.msf.ch
The MSF office in the United Kingdom processes applications from this country.
Please visit: www.uk.msf.org
The MSF office in the United States processes applications from this country.
Please select your preferred application method:
There is no designated MSF office for your country of residence. Please apply to the MSF office nearest to you:
Interview
Completed applications and supporting documents are processed by the MSF Human
Resources Department. Candidates whose qualifications best meet the organization's needs are
then invited to an in-person interview to determine their suitability. Interviews are held regularly
in New York.
Pool
Following an interview and reference check, suitable applicants are invited to attend Information
Days in New York (travel, meals and lodging are paid for by MSF).
Selected candidates are included in
an active field staff pool. Candidates in the pool may be sent to an MSF training program before going
to a field mission. When the need arises, section offices announce positions that must be filled and the
most appropriate candidate is contacted and offered the post. It often takes several months for a candidate
to be offered a position on a project or in a training program.
