General requirements

MSF provides efficient emergency medical aid, and accordingly places specific demands on our volunteers. In order to be able to meet certain challenges whilst on mission, a mixture of dedication, idealism and professionalism is essential.

The following requirements must be met:

• Completed vocational training, with at least two years work experience (or a completed medical rotation)
• Good understanding and fluency in English; 
  Knowledge of other languages - in particular French - is an asset.
• At least six to twelve months availability for the first assignment (there is a minimum duration of four weeks for surgeons and anaesthetists, as well as for surgical nurses, while gynaecologists and obstetricians have a minimum stay of three months).
• Flexibility, organisational and improvisational skills.
• Ability to supervise and train others.
• Ability to work well in a team, as well as a strong resilience to physical and psychological pressures and strains.
• Experience living abroad (either in a professional or private capacity).
• Readiness to work in the spirit of the humanitarian principles of MSF.
• For general practitioners and nursing personnel: tropical medicine curse or relevant practical expierience in tropical medicine, public health, epidemiology and/or HIV/TB.