Stories From Patients & Staff

How to write a standout CV for MSF

07 Jan 2025

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out in humanitarian work, knowing what MSF looks for can help you align your CV with our needs and values.

Sarah Kimat – Nursing Activity Manager, Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) in Juba’s internally displaced persons (IDP) camp. Photo:Isaac Buay/MSF

To ensure our teams can meet the needs of our patients, which are often complex, in low-resource settings, MSF’s recruitment process is thorough, placing high importance on experience in similar settings, adaptability, and supervisory capabilities.

Crafting a CV that consistently reflects values and skills in these areas, alongside professional accomplishments and expertise within your field, can be the first step toward a successful application.

Why your CV matters to MSF

Your CV highlights your relevant skills, experience and attitudes which can help you stand out. MSF regularly receives many more applications than there are roles in our projects, so it’s important to write a strong application that responds to the specific requirements.

Check the essential criteria for all international staff and for the position you are applying for and think about how you can demonstrate relevant experiences, critical skills, and the capacity to work in challenging, resource-limited environments.

Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out in humanitarian work, knowing what MSF looks for can help you align your CV with our needs and values.

*Tip: For those who haven’t yet acquired the necessary experience, focusing on roles that develop emergency response, cross-cultural communication, and leadership skills can be invaluable.

Essential details to include in your CV

Education/training

Include professional qualifications and any relevant training courses specific to the essential criteria for the position you are applying for. All qualifications listed should have the year of completion and the professional institution.

Professional experience

Pay particular attention to roles that you have held that relate to the essential criteria for the MSF role you are applying for.

Include the names of organisations you have worked for, dates of employment (start and finish; mm/yyyy format), job title and job responsibilities highlighting tasks like supervising staff, handling emergencies, or working in challenging environments.

E.g. <Nurse>

Remote Area Nurse/Clinical Nurse Manager | BBB Health Service, Alice Springs | Feb1996 - May 2002

Support chronic disease clients in the planning of care which includes self-management goals and coordinated team care arrangements when necessary.
Facilitate and participate in community screening activities and outreach clinical care.
Work with a client centred approach, taking into consideration client’s cultural practices and beliefs in relation to health and wellbeing.
Supervised three Registered Nurses and five Assistant Nurses as a shift leader for two years.
Sub-leader of Infectious Control team for two years.

Supervising and training staff

For MSF international staff positions, having experience managing, supervising and/or training staff is essential, so include details of any relevant experience and management training you have undertaken.

E.g. <Paediatrician>

Paediatric Consultant | AAA Hospital, Sydney, Australia | August 2002 - present

Responsible for providing 30 to 50 consultations per shift in outpatient ward for three half-days a week.
In charge of inpatients of paediatric ward (30 beds) and NICU (six beds), performing medical examinations as a senior paediatrician.
Supervised five junior doctors in paediatric ward.
Organised and facilitated monthly study meetings for paediatric respiratory diseases since August 2002.

E.g. <Pharmacist>

Pharmacist | CCC Pharmacy, New Plymouth, New Zealand (150 outpatients per day) | April 1998 – Dec 2004

Engaged in filling prescriptions and advising patients on taking medicines.
Trained two junior staff per year and managed three pharmacists on a daily basis to monitor their quality of performance and evaluate them on a quarterly basis.
In charge of stock management and supervised monthly, quarterly and annual inventory checks for all medicines and some medical equipment.

Volunteer experience

Include volunteer and other NGO field experience, including dates (start/finish) in Australia/New Zealand and overseas. Clearly separate roles that you have held in a volunteer capacity versus paid employment.

Overseas travel and remote experience

MSF values experience in international and remote settings. Include the places you have travelled to, whether you worked there, studied or volunteered and how this would be relevant to a position with MSF.

Interpersonal skills and language proficiency

MSF roles often require diverse communication skills and cultural sensitivity. Include languages spoken (and level if known), IT skills other qualifications (if any), hobbies etc.

E.g. <Logistician>

General Manager | DDD International Guest House, Hanoi, Vietnam | Feb 2003 – May 2007

Managed the International Guest House (100 rooms). Supervised accounting, advertising, facility control and building maintenance, sanitary supervision, claim processing, staff training, etc.
Achieved full occupancy two months earlier than the company’s target date.
Maintained the high occupancy rate (90%) during entire term of office.
Dealt with guests from 40 different countries, with varying language proficiencies.

Notes:

Length of CV: Usually, this will be 2-5 pages. We will not accept CVs of more than 5 pages.

MSF-specific skills list: Some MSF positions require you to complete a skills checklist. It is important you are transparent in your self-assessment as this document is used to match you to an appropriate assignment and to ensure you receive the level of support required on assignment. We do not expect candidates to be ‘expert’ in all areas.

If you lack some required experience, prepare for working overseas with MSF by seeking roles in community healthcare, rural settings, or international NGOs to build relevant skills.

Prepare for working with MSF

Next Steps for Candidates

Before you apply to MSF, consider using these tips to prepare:

Ensure you meet the essential criteria
Review the role specific requirements that you are applying for
Explore the application process: Familiarise yourself with MSF’s recruitment steps, including any additional documentation or templates required.
Participate in a webinar: Attend one of MSF’s upcoming webinars, or watch some of our past sessions on demand Both options are great for learning more about roles and getting answers to specific questions about the application process.