01
Introduction
When looking for advice, a roadmap even, of how to prepare for a career working with an NGO such as Médecins Sans Frontières, we were left with many questions... Realising such a document wasn’t readily available, members of Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières (FoMSF) Manchester, set out to create a concise and comprehensive document to help students and young professionals like us and like you, achieve their dreams. This booklet is for you if you wish to understand more about starting a career in humanitarian or medical aid. We have collated everything you need to know, to create a stepping stone to your career and future. Firstly, this booklet will help you decide if a career with MSF or similar organisations is right for you with our ‘what to expect’ section. Then we provide practical information such as the roles MSF recruit for, the recruitment process, and the skills and experiences you need prior to application. It is full of tips on how to tailor your career to a humanitarian role. And if you still have questions after all that, we have a comprehensive FAQ section so no question goes unanswered. This booklet aims to bring working with MSF alive for you. During the process of writing the booklet we spoke to many MSF professionals. We captured their advice, their experiences and how they came to MSF, which we encapsulated in our ‘career portfolio’ sections to help you map out your career and understand what your future with MSF could look like. We recommend you also take the time to read our interview with Cara Brooks. If you are considering an overseas elective and have questions about the dilemmas of volunteering, then reading Cara’s stories from abroad will fill in many of the blanks for you.
Though this booklet concentrates on the process of applying and working for MSF, it is largely transferable to many other NGOs and provides comprehensive information for anyone considering a future with a relief organisation. This booklet has been produced for you by volunteers of Friends of Médecins Sans Frontières Manchester (FoMSF). FoMSF are student-led societies who support the work of MSF. If you are going to or are currently studying at a UK university, seek out your local society. It is a great first step into working for an NGO. FoMSF aims to raise awareness, encourage people to get involved and to raise funds. Produced by FoMSF Manchester this booklet aims to give you an insight into the important work carried out by MSF an international organisation who provides humanitarian aid in some of the most challenging places and contexts in today’s World. It aims to provide you with a roadmap as to how you might be a part of MSF’s future. We hope to inspire you to volunteer, to raise awareness and funds for MSF to give MSF the freedom to provide medical care where need is greatest. In order to compile this booklet we have used public sources as information but claim any interpretation errors as our own. If you require any further information or it sparks further questions then please feel free to contact us with any questions or feedback at: fomsf.mcr@gmail.com
