Obstetricians / Gynaecologists

As an OB/GYN with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) you will work in one of our many projects focusing on reproductive health. The OB/GYN works in close collaboration with both international and national staff, notably with the head charge midwife.

You can expect to perform both emergency and planned OB/GYN surgery, manage obstetric complications such as instrumental assisted deliveries, manage post-operative follow-up in conjunction with an anaesthetist, and train and support both surgical and midwifery staff.  Your clinical skills and resourcefulness will be put to the test primarily because the health care infrastructure in the locations we work may have fallen apart. As the key referent for obstetric complications, you may be on call 24/7 for the duration of your placement.  
 

REQUIREMENTS

  • Fellow of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (or equivalent)
  • Current or recent practical experience with an emphasis on obstetric practice (as opposed to gynaecology)
  • Willingness to provide care in line with MSF policy and protocols for women's health
  • Available to work infield for a minimum of 6-8 weeks (effective in the field) to 4 months   
  • People with a medical background must display no recent gap in clinical experience greater than two years

ASSETS

  • Competency with ultrasonography equipment (available in some locations)
  • Willingness to commit for up to 6 months; several projects involve a significant training and skills transfer component therefore some longer placements are available
  • Oncologist skills

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The essential criteria is an overview of the minimum requirements for international staff. Please note, these can change without prior notice in response to organisational needs. To work overseas with MSF, every applicant must meet the following requirements:

Work in a diverse team

The ability to work and live in multicultural and multidisciplinary teams in contexts that are often complex, unstable and isolated, requiring strict respect for the local culture, teams and security rules in force.

Experience with limited resources

Clinical/working experience in environments with limited human resources, materials and equipment such as isolated islands, remote areas, or developing countries.

Work in a low tech environment

The contexts that MSF operates in often have limited resources including access to electricity, running water, medical equipment and supplies.

Management experience

Most assignments will involve supervision or management of teams and will require experience in: capacity building, training, planning and administration and performance management.

Commitment to the goals and values of MSF

Adhere to the MSF Charter and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment.

Commitment to a career with MSF

Commitment for 2+ assignments. We are looking for people that want to commit to multiple assignments and a long-term career in humanitarian aid. Hiring and training an employee is a major investment for MSF and we want to hire international staff who want to grow within the organisation.

Ability to cope with stress

Many MSF projects are located in or near conflict areas. The environment is often chaotic and you will face various challenges. International staff must be able to cope with stress in a difficult and unpredictable environment.                   

Flexibilty and adaptability

Contexts, environments, team composition can change quickly. Flexibility and adaptability are critical for a successful MSF assignment.

Work independently and use initiative

MSF assignments are demanding and every staff member must be able to manage their responsibilities and workload in a professional manner, with minimum direction.    

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Language skills

Knowledge of French or Spanish, or willing to learn. 
Other languages including Portuguese, Russian or Arabic are an asset.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY

More detailed information on our maternity projects, policies, and other resources can be found on this website dedicated to working as an OB/GYN in the field.

SUBMIT APPLICATION

Please apply if your skills and experience match the requirements for this role and the essential criteria for all international staff, listed above. Allow approximately 1 hour to complete to application.

Before starting the application, please prepare the following: 

  1. CV
  2. Motivation letter
  3. Skills assessment form (below)

RECRUITMENT UPDATES

If you’re not yet ready to apply, you can stay up-to-date by registering for recruitment updates including information on upcoming recruitment events.

Meet some of our obstetrician/gynaecologists