Safety and Security

MSF's primary mandate is to bring emergency medical assistance to populations in need. To reach those who need our help the most, we often work in conflict and post-conflict regions. These situations therefore involve different risks according to the context in which our humanitarian intervention takes place.

As an MSF field worker you will often find yourself in an insecure environment; working in these particular regions implies an inherent risk or danger is present. Some potential risks are described below.

Although we accept that it is impossible to exclude all risks, we do our utmost to mitigate and manage these risks through our strict security protocols designed to minimize risk. Before starting a new project, and throughout its period of activity, we carry out a process of risk analysis. Each field mission has specific and detailed safety regulations and plans in place, outlining strategies and specific security measures and responsibilities. These protocols take into account the nature of the risks facing MSF personnel in the field and provide procedures to follow when confronted with various security threats.

All MSF staff must strictly observe security rules and regulations. Ultimately, a worker's behaviour and attitude is his or her best safeguard. Working for MSF is a voluntary choice which should be a well-balanced and personal one. Through your work with MSF, you accept MSF’s organizational choice to work in environments with various safety and security threats. Failure to follow these regulations may result in dismissal.

Low Risk

On low-risk missions and projects, regulations may not be very strict. There may not be a curfew and you may be permitted to take public transport or even vacation in the country.

Medium Risk 

In many MSF missions, there is a medium level of risk. Depending on the context, the following regulations may be in place:

• Curfew
• Availability of means of communication at all times
• Limitation on movement
• Culturally sensitive behaviour
• Use of MSF identification

In medium level risk situations, personnel are often required to report their movements and positions and carry communications devices like radios or cell phones at all times.

In some contexts, relationships with local staff and residents, choice of clothing, or open consumption of alcohol may be restricted because these actions pose a security risk to you and/or MSF.

When working on an MSF project, you will be perceived as a representative of MSF and your words and actions will have an impact on your own and your team’s security. There may be no time off from this responsibility.

High Risk 

On missions where there is a high level of risk, your movements may be severely restricted and you will be required to follow very specific instructions and procedures.

In some situations, you may have to temporarily suspend your activities and travel to a safer location. In most cases, once the situation settles down, you will be able to return to your work.

Finally, in extreme situations, insecurity may not allow you to leave a situation, even though you may desperately want to leave. In these situations, it may be safer to stay put than to evacuate.

Chain of Responsibility

Field workers must abide by security rules and procedures throughout their mission. There is a clear chain of responsibility regarding security management.

The project coordinator is responsible for managing team security at the project level. The head of mission is responsible for security management for the entire MSF mission in a specific country and overall responsibility lies with staff at headquarters.

Medical doctors, and sometimes nurses, may share responsibility for field worker health with the medical coordinator who is based in the capital.

Team members must respect and follow their instructions.

The elaborate risk management policy and procedures of MSF constitutes a responsibility shared by the staff member and the organization. In addition to this shared responsibility, every staff member must be able to assess the potentially negative impact of their words or actions, for themselves and for others, as a function of their role in the field.

If you do not feel comfortable with the security situation you may choose to leave the project (or mission) as soon as the project coordinator or head of mission deems it safe to do so.

MSF will endeavour to ensure you are aware of the necessary precautions before your departure, but the final responsibility is yours.

MSF does not delegate the management of our security to other organizations.

Types of Risks

You may encounter a wide range of risks while working on an MSF project. These risks can include:

Environmental hazards like disasters, disease and high levels of stress are common in MSF projects. There are many ways to reduce the risk of diseases like malaria, TB, HIV, meningitis and hepatitis – by taking anti-malarial drugs, getting vaccinated and using condoms.

Traffic accidents are the most common cause of injury and death among field workers. Risk is increased by the unfamiliar driving habits and traffic discipline encountered in foreign countries. Traffic conditions may be especially chaotic and dangerous in conflict situations. Most often, MSF uses local drivers, but field workers may drive themselves under certain circumstances.

Petty crime happens everywhere, especially in crowded public places. You may become disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings and thieves can take advantage of this. Foreign staff is also at increased risk of fraud and targeted robbery, including armed robbery and carjacking. Many Canadians have experienced some form of petty crime; however, it is important to note that this occurs everywhere, especially in crowded public spaces.

Violence is often a risk. Women may also be at risk of sexual violence in some circumstances and need to exercise particular caution. In extreme contexts, armed groups may engage in looting, kidnapping or attacks targeted at MSF and other NGOs. Workers may be caught in the crossfire, or be at risk of serious injury or death due to unexploded ordinance, landmines, shelling and aerial bombardment. Despite being diligent about our security, there continue to be no guarantees. It comes down to understanding the risks, minimizing these risks as much as possible, and making sure those who are taking the risks are fully informed.

Upcoming Recruitment Info Sessions

Online Webinar
Date: February 16, 2012 at 1:00pm (Eastern Time)
Location: On Line
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Quebec, QC
Date: February 29, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Studio P
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Sherbrooke, QC
Date: March 8th, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Cegep de Sherbrooke
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Toronto, ON
Date: March 14th, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Friend's House
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Montreal, QC
Date: March 21st, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Y des Femmes de Montreal
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

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More

RSS – MSF feed containing news releases, website updates, vacancies, and events

MSF PODCASTS – Podcasts from MSF missions around the world

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BULLETIN BOARD – Discussion fora, job postings, and events

MSF ASSOCIATION – Intranet for MSF Association members