MSF's primary mandate is to bring emergency medical assistance to populations in need. To reach those who need our help the most, we often work in conflict and post-conflict regions. Each region involves different risks according to the context in which our humanitarian intervention takes place.
As international mobile staff with Médecins sans frontières, you will often find yourself in uncertain environments where incidents may occur despite safety measures in place.
We take risk management seriously and continuously analyze the security level to develop regulations. We employ rigorous safety protocols to minimize risks. All employees must adhere to these rules and procedures during their assignments. Failure to do so may result in dismissal.
The safety regulations consider the types of risks our personnel face in their work and include procedures to follow when confronted with various security threats. Ultimately, it is the employee's own behavior and attitude that serve as their best protection.
Different levels of risks
Low risk
In projects with low risk, the safety regulations are less stringent, and there is the opportunity to live more freely, similar to what you are accustomed to at home. For example, you may be allowed to use public transportation and possibly even vacation in the country.
Medium-high risk
In many of our projects, the risk is considered to be at a medium-high level. Curfews are often imposed at certain times of the day. You usually need to report where/how you are moving and where you are located.
High risk
In projects where there is a high risk, your freedom of movement may be significantly restricted. You may be required to follow very detailed instructions and procedures implemented by the project coordinator or country manager.
Various types of risks
Médecins Sans Frontières strives for you to be aware of the precautions required before you leave on your mission, enabling you to make an informed decision regarding accepting of your assignment. Once you have accepted your mission, you will receive extensive information and briefings regarding the situation on the ground. But working on one of our projects, you may always encounter a range of risks such as: