What we offer

Most MSF staff members are recruited locally in the countries where we work; international staff members, such as those from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, make up less than 10 percent of total MSF employees.

To internationally mobile staff, we offer:

Employment contract 

Some Internationally Mobile Staff may only go on one or two assignments abroad, but many go on repeated humanitarian assignments, gradually taking on greater responsibility for leading teams and for the development and strategic direction of the organisation at a management level. 

Before each assignment, you will sign a fixed-term employment contract with the so-called International Contracting Office (ICO) based in Geneva. The terms of the employment contract will therefore be governed by Swiss labor law.  

Salaries 

Salaries at Médecins Sans Frontières reflect the humanitarian and voluntary nature of the work, but also the high professional standard of the projects. The salary for the first assignment is approximately €2,000 per month, and it increases gradually with repeated assignments. (You will be responsible for paying your own taxes and health and social security contributions, where applicable). We also provide a per diem allowance for the duration of your assignment.  

Insurance 

During your assignment we will provide you with comprehensive medical insurance, including disability and life insurance. The medical insurance covers you for two to three months after your return to the Czech Republic or Slovakia in case of health complications that may occur post-assignment, even if they were caused during your assignment. 

Pre-departure medical examination 

Before you go on an assignment with MSF, we will send you for a medical examination to assess your physical fitness. You will also need to get any vaccinations required for the country or region, and conditions to which you are going, and start malaria prophylaxis if necessary. 

Other costs covered by Médecins Sans Frontières include: 

•  Economy class return air ticket  
• Reimbursement of costs for any necessary visas, certificates, or translations of documents 
• Medical check-ups and vaccinations that are not covered by your home insurance 
• Accommodation, meals and transport for the duration of the contract 
• All training costs
• Psychological or mental health support during and after the assignment

Working hours 

Working hours vary from project to project. On average, you will have one day off per week. In emergencies, the work can become very intensive and working hours may be extended. However, under normal circumstances, we are mindful of the time needed for rest and relaxation. 

Professional and personal development, career progression 

Internationally hired staff are encouraged to stay with the organisation even after completing their first assignment. The experience they have gained is vital to the effectiveness of our work, so we offer various opportunities for people to continue working with MSF. We offer training courses in project management, medical management, logistics and other areas of expertise. 

As you gain more experience with MSF, you can apply for a position as a logistics, finance/HR, medical or project coordinator or manager. 

Work environment free from harassment and abuse 

We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from any form of harassment or abuse. There is a clear commitment from our organisation´s management to strengthen mechanisms to prevent and address incidents of abuse or harassment. All employees are expected to uphold the commitments of the Médecins Sans Frontières movement and the guiding principles outlined in our Charter.   

The integrity of our organisation depends on the appropriate behaviour of each individual, wherever they work and in whatever capacity, and in full respect for the communities we work with and assist. This means we will not tolerate behaviour that exploits the vulnerability of others or uses MSF staff status for personal gain. 

Cooperation agreements with hospitals 

Médecins Sans Frontières has agreements with healthcare facilities and institution, including in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, particularly hospitals, to support our organisation. They are not a guarantee, but they can make it easier for our internationally hired staff to negotiate a release to go on humanitarian assignments.