Finding a role that is suitable for someone going on their first mission with MSF can take anywhere between one to nine months. We want to make sure that you are matched to a position that is comfortable for you.
If you are accepted, you must provide copies of work certificates, study certificates and any credentials (for doctors, nurses and midwives). We will check your credentials against the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen) and Social Care Inspectorate (IVO) registry.
You also need to supply an extract from the criminal records registry. Extract contents do not necessarily block a departure, but the absence of the extract will as it is for use in the mission country.
Going where you are most needed
It is not possible for you to choose a particular location. Placements are determined by the operational needs in the field and we ask you to be as flexible as possible so we can place you where you are needed most.
This is a competitive process as many people apply globally for a limited number of positions.
Once you have been accepted into our fieldworker pool, you are considered available to work for MSF. It is really important that you take this seriously and are very clear about your availability. Practical questions like leave of absence from work and subletting your appartment is preferably settled in advance, so you are available to leave on a short notice.
When it is time to leave, you'll receive your vaccinations and general practical information from our office in Stockholm. The Operational Centre that runs the project will inform you about your work and the situation in the country where you'll be assigned. The Operational Centres' offices are placed in Brussels, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Geneva and Paris.
pre-departure training
If you are accepted as a field worker, you will need some courses to be well-prepared for an assignment.
Preparation Pre Departure (PPD)
Prior to their departure, accepted fieldworkers undergo a preparatory training within MSF. The course is one week long and is offered about seven times a year. For logistical staff, a second week is offered with more practical information and instructions. These are mandatory courses.
Health assistance in humanitarian crisis
This course is a collaboration between MSF and Karolinska Institutet, and currently occurs once a year at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm (12 ECTS during eight weeks divided into weeks that are remotely attended and weeks that require attendance in person).
The course is mandatory for medical personell who will work in MSF projects. Exceptions are made for surgical and anesthesia personnel who do not need to take the course.
Course dates 2019
Start date: 21 January
End date: 15 March
The first two weeks of the training is done online. The remaining time of the course is done on campus at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm.
Alternative courses validated for medical work in our projects:
The Global Health and Humanitarian Medicine Course, Royal College of Physicians, London (3 months, medical doctors)
Postgraduate Certificate in Tropical Medicine and International Health, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp (6 months, medical doctors)
Tropical Medicine for Bachelors of Nursing and Midwifery, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Antwerp (6 months, nurses and midwives)
In exceptional cases courses with equivalent content may be accepted, which will be discussed after the recruitment process.
Costs
MSF is responsible for travel and accommodations for the PPD course. For the Health assistance in humanitarian crisis course in Stockholm, the fieldworker is responsible for travel and living expenses.