What MSF offers

MSF is an organisation driven by strong values, and this is also true in the way we reward our staff.

1) Our remuneration principles

There are five key principles that underpin our remuneration system :

Volunteerism

Engaging in selfless actions without expecting any reward should not simply be equated with unpaid work. Volunteering with MSF can include paid positions, but our salaries are set to reflect our humanitarian identity.

Reciprocity

The relationship between MSF and its staff is mutually beneficial. MSF aims to offer benefits to its staff that are proportional to their level of commitment.

Equity

All staff will be treated equitably. Equity involves the consistent application of fair and just principles. Even though practices may differ between staff categories, the treatment of all employees must be fair.

Coherence

Although practices may vary between staff groups, the treatment of all employees should be just.

Responsible employer

MSF recognizes its responsibility to provide high-quality support to its staff.

As an international staff member, you will receive the following package:

• A fixed-term contract for the duration of the mission
• Monthly salary

MSF salaries are set to reflect our humanitarian identity, while also endeavouring to recognise the high level of professional expertise you bring to our organisation. You will be informed of your salary in your contracting currency before you sign the contract. However, it may also be useful to know that the amount is made up of the following parts:

Salary Details

• Basic Salary: Your previous professional experience will be considered in calculating your basic salary. As you gain experience with MSF, you will move up the scale and receive a raise with each progression.
• Place-of-Residence Top-Up: Depending on your country of residence, a top-up might be applicable to account for significant variations in the cost of living across different home countries, as many of these costs continue during your field assignment.
• Loyalty Bonus: MSF values the time you spend in the field. Regardless of your position, for every 12 months of international MSF field experience, you will receive a bonus equivalent to 2% of the entry-level salary for your current position.
• Per Diems: In addition to your salary, you will receive a per-diem payment in the local currency to cover your daily expenses.

2) A comprehensive benefits package

Benefits are a crucial part of your overall package, designed to meet your needs before, during, and after your engagement with MSF. Here’s an overview of the benefits MSF provides to all international volunteers.

Insurance

• Comprehensive medical coverage
• Short and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• Death and dismemberment coverage

Social benefits and leave

• Annual leave of initially one week every three months
• Maternity leave: a minimum of 14 weeks’ fully paid
• Retirement contributions

Pre- and post-assignment

• Briefings and training before heading to the field
• Pre-departure medical check-up and recommended vaccinations for your assigned country
• Required visas and work permits
• Round-trip transportation to the field
• Psychosocial support before, during, and after the mission
• Debriefing after returning from the mission

Field benefits

• Accommodation
• Transport between your field accommodation and workplace
• Housekeeper and cook in all mission

3) Evolving within MSF

MSF offers opportunities to work and quickly take on responsibilities in humanitarian situations and varied medical programmes. As an employer, MSF places emphasis on staff development within the organisation and mobility between the headquarters and field projects. MSF offers the opportunity to attend classes and training courses, organised internally or externally, for specific career development within the organisation or individual growth.

4) Duty of care

This involves all necessary and possible measures we can take to protect the physical, emotional, and mental health, as well as the dignity and integrity of our staff.