Working in our humanitarian projects

As part of our team, you will provide valuable work where it is most needed – in areas of conflicts, after natural disasters or during epidemics. Your work saves lives.

On this page you will find all the information about working in our humanitarian projects, which qualifications you should bring and what you can expect from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) as an employer. Furthermore, we will guide you through all the details of the application process.

Working abroad with Médecins Sans Frontières

Our teams work in regions where health care systems are overstretched, and medical support is lacking.

This is why in MSF we are constantly looking for professionals to work with us overseas. Staff from various medical and non-medical professions contribute to our operations.

Medical professions

Non-medical professions

How to apply?

Are you dreaming of working abroad with one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations? Start your journey now: your first step toward a successful application is joining one of our online information sessions. During this event, the recruitment team provides deep insights into working in our humanitarian projects, explains the application process and answers your questions.

Participating in the online information sessions is non-binding and an excellent way to explore whether becoming part of MSF is the right fit for you.

The application process:

Bewerbungsprozess bei Ärzte ohne Grenzen

As a first step you participate in our online information sessions.
Afterwards you will receive a link to our online application platform. Our recruiters will be ready to assist you in case of any questions.
Depending on your job profile, you may go through interviews and additionally a technical test. Finally, everyone needs to pass an assessment center. Upon a successful application, you will be integrated into the pool of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Austria.
We will look for a suitable first assignment for you.

We encourage everyone to apply! We are an equal opportunity employer. As an international organization, we support diversity, openness and mutual respect. Incoming applications are solely evaluated regarding their professional qualifications. Applications are considered regardless of ethnic and social origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, and all other diversity characteristics, in line with our principles.

Contact persons for your application

Anna Helbok

Recruiter medical profiles

[email protected]
+43 699 166 630 54

Hannelore Wallner

Head of International HR Unit/Recruiter non-medical profiles

[email protected]
+43 699 166 630 54

Requirements and benefits

Are you looking for a job where you can directly contribute to one of the humanitarian projects of MSF, collaborate within an interdisciplinary team, and gain international experience? Find out more about the benefits we offer, and the individual and professional qualifications required to join our teams.

Requirements

Working abroad is both fascinating and challenging. Accordingly, there are certain requirements that all field staff must meet. Find out here what they are.

Learn more

Benefits

To help you focus on your work in the assigned country, we provide the best possible conditions. These include, for example, a fixed salary and psychological support.

What we offer

Start your application!

Upcoming dates

The five most frequently asked questions for working overseas with MSF

More details will be explained in the online information session or contact us directly

Your availability should generally be 6 to 12 months. However, there are some exceptions:

general surgeons: Minimum of 3 months for the first assignment.
gynaecologists and obstetricians: Minimum of 4 to 6 months for the first assignment.
orthopaedic/trauma surgeons and anaesthetists: Minimum of 2 to 3 months for the first assignment.

No, there is no strict minimum or maximum age. The key requirements are meeting the job criteria and being in good physical condition. However, in some countries, there may be age limits for obtaining a work permit.

A chronic illness is not necessarily a barrier. However, please consider that obtaining and storing specific medications can be challenging depending on the project location. Additionally, regular check-ups with medical specialists may be difficult or even impossible to arrange. We prefer to discuss such cases individually.

For a first assignment bringing a partner and children is not possible. However, if you’re considering a long-term career with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), some coordination roles allow for more extended planning and may accommodate partners and children.

In cases of illness during an assignment, medical care will be provided either directly within the project or at a nearby hospital where appropriate treatment is available. All costs incurred will be covered by insurance. If treatment is not feasible on-site, you will be transported to a hospital in your residence country with all expenses covered by the insurance.

Further information

MSF Academy for Healthcare learners at work in Nigeria

Who cannot work with us

Some professional groups are currently not eligible for assignments with us. Find out which professions are affected and how you can still support our work.

Further information