Each year more than 2,500 international volunteers join approximately 20,000 locally hired staff to provide medical aid in over 70 countries.  MSF volunteers work at the forefront of emergency public health care for populations in danger. MSF also provides primary health care for populations suffering from endemic diseases and neglect. MSF also performs surgery, rehabilitates hospitals, runs nutrition programs, trains local medical personnel and provides mental health care. Through longer-term programmes, MSF treats diseases (such as tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, sleeping sickness) and brings health care to remote areas where resources and training are limited. 

MSF combines direct medical care with a commitment to bearing witness and speaking out about the underlying causes of suffering.
 
In this section you will find all the information you need to determine if you are suited and qualified to work as MSF field volunteer. Please read all the information carefully. If you think you match the criteria and would like to apply to MSF, please follow the instructions at the end of this section.

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We ask all candidates to fulfil the following criteria.

Professional experience
You should possess a minimum of two years of hands-on experience within your profession. This is necessary because of the degree of responsibility you will have in the field, and because we expect you to be able to work independently. You will face unforeseen, often stressful and difficult situations.

Commitment , motivation and attitude
Working in an MSF project calls for a commitment to the aims and values of MSF (See MSF Charter )
In addition to the required professional qualifications and relevant experience, our volunteers need to have the right attitude and personal qualities in order to provide the best care for our beneficiaries and also to turn the job into a success for themselves

Willingness to work in unstable environments
Many MSF projects are located in or near conflict areas. The environment is often chaotic and volatile and the target populations are often large and in distress. Even in more stable areas, long working hours, sizeable workloads and team living may cause stress. Volunteers must be able to cope in a difficult and unpredictable environment..

Living and working in a team
In most MSF projects, volunteers live and work together in shared accommodations. Volunteers come from all over the world and are professionals within their respective fields. Often, the working days are long and living conditions are basic and offer little privacy. Volunteers need to be tolerant and flexible and possess solid interpersonal skills. You also need to be able and willing to relate to people from different nationalities and cultures.

Availability 9 to 12 months
Usually first missions last between 6 and 12 months for medical doctors and between 9 and 12 months for all other profiles. You need this time to form a clear picture of the project and the local situation. Continuity also needs to be maintained between members of a field team. Surgeons and anaesthesiologists are often deployed in acute crises where volunteers are needed immediately. These missions may be shorter.

Flexibility
In the field, situations, and hence your job, can change suddenly. Departure dates can change, or even be cancelled at the last minute. Team composition, working environments and job profiles may also change during assignments. So, flexibility and adaptability are absolutely crucial if you are to function effectively in a project.

Cross cultural experience
A minimum of three months work or travel experience outside your own country with proven inter-cultural experience is essential.

Experience and an interest in training others
Many field positions include the training of national staff. The ability to motivate and train others, to act independently, and to organize are prerequisites for satisfactory job performance during a project.

Language Skills
MSF’s working language is English. Candidates must be able to speak and write in English fluently. Speaking additional languages such as French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian or Arabic is of added benefit.

Residency
The MSF HR office in India also recruits volunteers from Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Myanmar and other countries in the region.

Passport Validity
All applicants must hold a current passport valid for a period of not less than one year.