Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is renowned for its critical humanitarian work across the globe. Many dedicated professionals are drawn to contribute their skills, and understanding the compensation and benefits package is an important aspect of their decision. MSF structures its offerings to reflect the spirit of volunteerism inherent in humanitarian aid, while also acknowledging the expertise and dedication of the professionals they recruit. This overview details the comprehensive support provided to field workers.
The compensation and benefits package from Doctors Without Borders is designed to cover a range of needs and support volunteers throughout their mission. Initially, a field worker can expect an indemnity set at approximately 1,100-1,300 EURO gross for the first year. This starting indemnity, which translates to roughly 5,500 – 6,500 Malaysian Ringgit depending on currency exchange rates, applies across all field roles during the initial 12 months. After this period, compensation is reviewed and adjusted to reflect the individual’s relevant professional experience, ensuring long-term commitment is appropriately valued.
Travel is a significant logistical consideration for international assignments. Doctors Without Borders fully covers paid round trip economy air travel. This ensures that volunteers can reach their mission country from their home location without personal financial burden, and return home upon completion of their assignment.
Beyond basic indemnity and travel, MSF provides a monthly stipend, known as a “per diem” allowance. This stipend is disbursed in the local currency of the project country and is carefully calculated to align with the local cost of living. This ensures that volunteers can maintain a reasonable standard of living while focusing on their critical work, without being unduly concerned about daily expenses in unfamiliar environments.
Time off for rest and personal matters is crucial for maintaining well-being during demanding humanitarian missions. Doctors Without Borders offers paid annual leave, accruing to approximately 25 days per calendar year. The exact number of leave days may be adjusted based on the specific contract length, ensuring fair and flexible time off arrangements.
Comprehensive insurance coverage is a cornerstone of the MSF benefits package. Volunteers are insured for health, luggage, professional liability, medical evacuation (Medevac), repatriation, and accidents. This robust coverage includes both personal and professional liability insurance, providing peace of mind and security in potentially challenging and unpredictable environments.
MSF takes full responsibility for accommodation and transportation logistics during the contract period. This includes arrangements during briefings and debriefings, ensuring seamless transitions and logistical support throughout the entire mission lifecycle. This comprehensive support removes practical burdens from volunteers, allowing them to concentrate fully on their roles.
Healthcare support is proactively provided, starting with pre and post-mission health checks. Doctors Without Borders covers all necessary vaccinations and prophylaxes, reimbursing costs according to their international staff healthcare policy. In situations requiring advanced medical care, medical evacuation is arranged and fully covered by the organization, demonstrating a strong commitment to volunteer health and safety. Psychological well-being is also prioritized, with access to psychological support provided both before departure and upon return from a mission, recognizing the emotional demands of humanitarian work.
Doctors Without Borders is invested in the long-term professional growth of its volunteers. Personalized career development is offered through access to various levels of training, coaching, and mentoring. These opportunities are designed to facilitate career progression within the organization and enhance professional skills. Some training programs even include external qualifications, further boosting career prospects.
For assignments extending to 12 months or longer, additional benefits and packages become applicable. Detailed information regarding these extended benefits is provided to volunteers considering longer-term commitments, reflecting the increased dedication and service involved.
COVID-19 Specific Considerations:
In response to the global pandemic, Doctors Without Borders has adapted its protocols to ensure volunteer safety. MSF covers all COVID-19 related hotel quarantine expenses. Quarantine periods are considered working days, and volunteers remain connected and supported throughout this period. The duration of quarantine may vary depending on the specific regulations of the volunteer’s country of residence and evolving COVID-19 PCR test requirements, with MSF managing these complexities to minimize disruption and maximize volunteer safety and well-being.
