Experienced Relief Workers
For Medair, an Experienced Relief Worker has at least 12 months of relief work (or equivalent development) experience under their belt, so the realities of on-the-ground work in the humanitarian sector are well known to them.
Medair is particularly interested in working with professionals who have this level of experience in relief work. Job opportunities are available throughout the organisation for Experienced Relief Workers, both in field programmes and at our headquarters.
One of the qualities that distinguishes Medair from other NGOs is our focus on working together as a team. Our teams develop a family-like atmosphere, where they live together, work together, and pray together. This creates a supportive and nurturing environment for staff members working in stressful conditions. Upon returning from the field, this is what Medair relief workers most often celebrate as what sets us apart from other relief agencies.
What does Medair provide for Experienced Relief Workers?
Medair takes great care to ensure the security and well-being of all of our staff. Experienced Relief Workers are paid a reasonable salary along with numerous benefits, including:
- Full briefing at our Swiss headquarters (HQ), as well as in-country briefing
- Security training for those going to insecure environments
- Accommodation, food, and transportation in-country, plus all flights to and from the country programme
- Annual leave, plus Rest and Recuperation (R&R) leave (including travel, accommodation, and food)
- Additional benefits for those who commit to longer contracts – extra flights to and from home, up to 4 weeks additional paid leave every 12 months, and re-entry or training allowance
- Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance, with 60 days post-assignment coverage, including counselling if necessary
- A salary based upon the grade of the position and experience of the position-holder, ranging from US$1,000 to US$3,500 per month
What are Medair’s selection criteria for Experienced Relief Workers?
Our staff are extraordinary people, whose character and commitment strengthen our team ethic and facilitate our work with the most vulnerable.
So, although Medair is very interested in any candidate with past relief work experience, the selection process is still a rigorous one. We set the bar high for prospective staff, and are rewarded with teams that display some of the most remarkable spirit and unity in the humanitarian world.
All of our prospective Experienced Relief Workers must meet the following criteria:
- Committed Christians
- Commitment to the Medair Values
- Minimum 12 months relief work experience in a relevant field
- At least one year of professional experience in a relevant field (more experience preferred)
- Minimum 3 months overseas inter-cultural experience
- Willing to commit to Medair for a minimum of one year
- Aged 25 - 55 generally preferred
- Able to live and work with a multicultural team under difficult conditions
- Strong character traits, including emotional stability, adaptability, ability to handle stress, cultural and gender sensitivity, honesty, and physically fit
- Strong English communication skills (oral and written)
The ROC for Experienced Relief Workers
Shortlisted candidates who meet all of the above requirements must successfully complete Medair’s week-long Relief and Rehabilitation Orientation Course (ROC). The ROC is an intensive experiential introduction to Medair and our approach to relief work.
Experienced Relief Workers usually participate in the ROC before they leave for the field; otherwise the ROC will be completed as soon as possible after the contract begins.
- For applicants with 18 months or more relief work experience, Medair contributes 50 percent towards both personal travel costs and the €500 (Euro) course fee for the ROC (which includes room and board).
- Applicants with less than 18 months relief work experience, pay the full ROC fee of €500 (Euro), and personal travel costs to and from the ROC (normally held in Europe).
- The fee is payable within five days of receiving your ROC attendance confirmation.
- ROC fees are non-refundable, apart from exceptional cases, and when there is a minimum of three weeks’ notice given.
For more information about the ROC, including dates, locations and a syllabus of activities, click here.