Terms of employment

MSF salaries reflect the humanitarian spirit of volunteerism as well as recognizing the high level of professionals we recruit.

Canadians working overseas with MSF Canada receive a Canadian contract in which all required taxes and contributions are deducted. Based on your level of experience and training, you will be assigned to a category on the international MSF Salary Grid. There are four categories on the grid: indemnity group, A, B and C.

The indemnity group
A field worker with less than 12 months experience.

Group A
Medical Doctor, Nurse, Logistician, Logistician-Administrator, Mental Health / Psychosocial Worker, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, Water and Sanitation Specialist, Nutritionist, Medical Analyst, Surgeon, Anesthetist, Epidemiologist, Midwife, HRM Officer, Trainer / Health Educator, Team leader supervising fewer than 10 expatriates and/or national staff members and/or not developing and monitoring project budgets and proposals, Financial Controller with less than 12 months MSF field experience.

Group B
Logistics Coordinator, Financial Controller with more than 12 months MSF field experience, Assistant to the Manager, Project Coordinators, Regional Advisor (Public Relations, Human Resources Management, Mental Health, etc.), highly qualified Specialist positions with academic qualifications requiring at least 1 year of field work experience or at least 5 years relevant work experience.

Group C
Head of Mission, Medical Coordinator.

Contracts are signed for a specific time period, usually 9 to 12 months with some exceptions. Field volunteers are offered certain benefits to supplement fixed costs at home and to help with re-integration after a mission.

Benefits include:
Return economy air travel for the most direct and cost-effective route between Canada and the project. This will include a stopover for briefing and debriefing either in Europe or Canada.
Reimbursement for the cost of obtaining necessary visas, certifications or other documentation.
Immunizations and related medical fees.
Accommodation and transportation during your contract (including briefings and debriefings).
Per diem based on the cost of living in your project country.
Paid vacation (25 days per year).
Insurance (covering health, luggage, private and professional liability, repatriation, accidents and flights).
Comprehensive benefits package (RSP contribution, Employee Assistance Program, Dental and Vision coverage).
All training costs if you are placed on one of our preparation courses.

Working hours vary considerably depending on the project. During an emergency, work can be hectic and you may be required to put in long hours. However, time is normally set aside for rest and relaxation.

Besides these practical considerations, there are many intangible benefits. Working for MSF is a challenging and rewarding personal and professional experience that allows you to help people in a very real way.

MSF encourages people to continue working for the organisation beyond their first mission, and we offer various career opportunities to our volunteers. You can broaden your professional experience by working on a variety of different aid programs, where conditions and your responsibilities vary ’ nutrition programs, drug distribution programs, and training programs.

Gaining more and varied MSF field experience makes you eligible for positions such as Logistical, Medical, or Project Coordinator, or Head of Mission. There are also courses in Basic Management, Medical Management, Populations in Precarious Situations, HIV/AIDS and so on. If you are interested in a career with MSF you are encouraged to discuss options both in the field during your project and upon your return, during your debriefing.

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.

Medical Staff Needed For Global Emergencies

Jean Stowell talks about her work as a midwife for MSF

MSF project coordinator Oonagh Curry in Sudan

More

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

MSF PODCASTS – Podcasts from MSF missions around the world

FIELD BLOGS – Personal stories of our volunteers working in the field

BULLETIN BOARD – Discussion fora, job postings, and events

MSF ASSOCIATION – Intranet for MSF Association members