TOP > OVERSEAS FIELD WORK WITH MSF JAPAN > What do I need to work with MSF
WHAT DO I NEED TO WORK WITH MSF
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS - for all positions
Commitment to the aims and values of MSF
Make sure you read the information about MSF and MSF's Charter on this web site.
Ability to live and work as part of a team
MSF field staff live and work together. Work hours are long and living conditions often basic and offer little privacy. Field workers need to be tolerant and flexible and possess good interpersonal skills. Being able to interact with people of all nationalities and cultures is essential.
Experience and interest in supervising and training others
Most field positions involve training and managing national staff.
Ability to cope with stress
Many MSF projects are located in or near conflict areas. The environment is often chaotic and the target populations are large and in distress. Even in more stable areas a heavy workload and team living may cause stress. Field workers must be able to cope in a difficult and unpredictable environment.
Flexibility
Field situations can change quickly and job descriptions must change accordingly. Team composition and working environments may also change. Flexibility and adaptability are critical to success on an MSF mission.
Good command of English
Generally MSF's working language is English. You must be able to speak and write in English confidently. Some missions are French or Spanish speaking and to work on one of these missions confidence in the appropriate language is essential.
Ability to work independently, organise and prioritise work and use initiative
MSF mission work is demanding and every staff member must be able to manage their responsibilities and workload in a professional manner, with a minimum of direction.
Self confidence
Confidence in your own ability to meet new challenges and solve problems you have never faced before is essential.
Availability
Generally the length of a mission is 6-12 months. However shorter missions are available for surgeons and anesthetists. Missions for financial controllers and administrators are generally longer. See specific recruitment criteria for each position for details.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA - for all positions
Experience in developing countries
Most of MSF's projects are in developing countries. Work or extensive travel experience in such countries or in remote regions of countries such as Canada or Australia, is a desirable requirement.
Knowledge of additional languages
Particularly French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic or Russian
Interest or experience in international humanitarian rights issues or international relations
Previous field experience in a similar role with a non-government organization
To see specific recruitment criteria of a profession, click on the profession below
*No recent gap in clinical(medical or paramedical) or work(non-medical staff) experience greater than 2 years.
| MEDICAL | PARA-MEDICAL | NON-MEDICAL |
|---|---|---|
| Doctors | Nurses | Logisticians |
| Surgeons | Midwives | Finance/Administration |
| Anaesthetists | Psychologists | |
| Laboratory Technicians | ||
| Pharmacists | ||
| Epidemiologists |
