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Application Process
This page outlines the application process for working overseas with Médecins Sans Frontières Australia. The process includes the following stages:
  1. Research
  2. Applying
  3. Interview
  4. Pre-departure training
  5. Finding a placement
  6. Departure

Please note Médecins Sans Frontières Australia recruits Australian and New Zealand residents or citizens only. If you are a resident or citizen of another country, please visit our international page to find your nearest MSF office.

Step 1: Research

Before applying to work with MSF, please take the time to learn about MSF. You can do this by reading about our work on our website and registering for email updates to receive the latest information from our recruitment team. 

 Please review the criteria for all international staff and ensure you meet:

  1. the essential criteria
  2. the essential requirements for your profession on the job profile page. 

To learn more about working overseas with MSF, we recommend attending or watching a recruitment webinar to provide you with a deeper understanding of MSF and life on assignment. 

Register for updates
Recruitment events & webinars

Step 2: Applying

Once you have reviewed and ensure you meet all the essential criteria and requirements for your profile, you can begin your online application. It should include:
  1. an up-to-date CV
  2. a letter of motivation

We aim to respond to all applications within one month of receipt. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Use our guide on how to write a CV (below) to help you prepare your application.

how_to_write_a_cv_for_msf.pdf133.16 KB
I am ready to apply

Step 3: Interview

We currently conduct all interviews online. The interview process typically takes 2-2.5 hours. 

We use a competency-based interview format where we ask you to provide specific examples of situations that demonstrate the skills and traits that we need for internationally mobile staff.

Step 4: Pre-departure training

Following a successful interview, you will be invited to participate in our online pre-departure training, known as 'Welcome to MSF’. 

This course aims to provide you with: 

  • an understanding of the values, philosophy, policies and activities of MSF
  • an introduction to the tools and resources available to you in the field
  • an understanding of the placement and departure process, and
  • an introduction to life in the field.

The course is held throughout the year and successful completion is mandatory for entry into the talent pool. 

Step 5: Placement

An MSF career manager will work on finding you a suitable overseas placement. Our ability to find you an assignment depends on our current project needs, your skills, profile, and your availability. It’s important that you notify your career manager of any changes to your availability to depart as a matter of urgency.

We prioritise the placement of staff to where the need is greatest, and as such we are unable to accept requests to be placed in a specific location or project. 

Step 6: Departure

Once your placement is confirmed, you will have briefings prior to arriving at the project. You will also receive pre-departure administration support from our team, including assistance with travel and visa arrangements. 

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