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Surgeons

You can apply to any of these offices:

Before you apply please share with us your country of residence:

Surgeons are increasingly in demand in MSF projects. To work with us as a surgeon, you must be flexible enough to work in isolated contexts and with other staff who may have little training.

Resources in operating rooms can be limited (in some cases there is not even an x-ray machine) and many of the operations we perform are on patients who have been victims of armed conflict and of violence, although we also work in other contexts.

In addition to working in the operating room, surgeons are responsible for studying surgical needs, following up patients and supervising and training locally hired staff.

As an organization that responds to emergencies, we sometimes offer an assignment to our surgeons with short notice.

Before applying, please note that you will not choose your destination and that we work in high risk areas where you might find:

  • Militarised zones with exhaustive controls
  • Conflict zones with continuous security threats
  • Limited working resources and equipment
  • Remote and isolated work areas
  • Environments at risk from natural disasters
  • Environments at risk of epidemics

 

Risk acceptance information

Because MSF’s purpose is to bring medical assistance to people in distress, the work may occur in settings of active conflict, or in post-conflict environments, in which there are inherent risks, potential danger and ongoing threats to safety and security. MSF acknowledges that it is impossible to exclude all risks, but it does its utmost as an organisation to mitigate and manage these risks through strict and comprehensive security protocols.

Field workers will be fully informed of the risk associated with a potential mission before accepting a particular posting. Working for MSF is a deeply personal choice and individuals must determine for themselves the level of risk and the circumstances in which they feel comfortable, based on a full and transparent understanding of the possible situations they may face. Once on an assignment, all MSF staff must strictly observe all security rules and regulations. Failure to do so may result in dismissal.

  • Degree in medicine and completed residency in surgery.
  • Membership of a professional medical association.
  • At least two years’ work experience (in general surgery, paediatrics, obstetrics and traumatology).
  • Ability to work with limited resources and in difficult conditions.
  • Good level of English and/or French. Priority will be given to candidates who speak both languages.
  • Availability of three months, although longer availability would be preferable.
  • User level IT skills.
  • Compliance with MSF's working rules and anaesthesia and surgery protocols.
  • Experience with other NGOs in contexts similar to those where MSF operates
  • Knowledge of ArabicPortuguese and/or Spanish.
  • Specialist experience and/or training, for example in tropical diseases, public health, etc.
  • Experience in medical assistance related to emergencies.
  • Experience in the supervision, management, and training of staff.
  • Preparatory course before first deployment
  • Legal contract for the duration of the assignment
  • The net basic salary is approximately €1,300 per month during first assignments and for positions of lesser responsibility. The salary is regularly reviewed according to the length of time in the organization and the experience acquired.
  • The chance to develop professionally in an international organization. A profile manager from the HR department will monitor your professional development (career path, training, etc.) within the organization.
  • The opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with multicultural exposure, contributing to our goal as a medical humanitarian organisation and improving health conditions in the countries where we work.