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Taking part in a mission

MSB is always looking for committed and skilled experts for our humanitarian, resilience and peace support operations. If you want to engage yourself in providing support to those affected by a crisis, conflict or a disaster, here is further information on how you can get involved.

FAQ

  • I want to go on assignment. How do I apply and show my interest?

    You can register on MyPages. Please note that you are not accepted and registered on the MSB Roster only by registering on MyPages. You also need to submit an application when your field of expertise is requested. The MSB announces regularly on our web site.

    MyPages

    Current recruitments

  • What areas of expertise are there on the MSB Roster?

    The MSB recruits individuals within a number of areas of expertise and endeavors to have quality-assured and trained individuals on our roster within the following areas:

    • Administration
    • Construction and support
    • Disaster management
    • Environment
    • Water, sanitation and hygiene
    • Humanitarian assistance
    • Information and communications technology
    • Information
    • Logistics
    • Medical
    • Mine action
    • Emergency response
    • Security

    Areas of expertise

  • May I submit a spontaneous application?

    The MSB does not accept spontaneous applications. However, you may register on MyPages and then apply when we announce for your field of expertise on our web site. 

    Current recruitments

  • May just anyone apply?

    You need to fulfil the requested requirements for the position that you are interested in.

    It is also important to have the language skills required, usually English, but we may also need people with other language skills such as French, for example.
    Previous international experience is a merit, and, in certain cases, a requirement. Applicants should also be in good health as assignments are undertaken in countries where infrastructure may be poorly developed and medical services are either inadequate or non-existent.

    The purpose of these health requirements is to minimize the health risks that international assignments may involve, and also to avoid serious injuries and/or cases of illness that may jeopardize the safety of the individual or the group.

    Current recruitments

  • Must I register my information in English on MyPages?

    Yes, the MSB’s partner organisations general wish to examine the CV, for which reason it is a requirement that it is written in English.

  • May I be registered on the Roster as having several areas of expertise?

    Yes, you may. If you have more than one area of expertise, we encourage you also to apply when we announce for other profiles that match your background. In this way you extend the possibility to receive requests for assignments.

  • Do those registered on the roster receive any training from the MSB?

    The MSB endeavors to ensure that everyone registered on the roster have undergone our training courses before working on an operation. The reason for this is primarily that you should possess a solid fund of knowledge and can feel confident in your ability to work on assignment.

    Training and exercises for those who are registered on MSB's roster

  • After I apply, how long will it take before I receive a reply?

    The volume of applications is high, and priority must be allocated to the area of expertise that is in the greatest demand at the time.

  • What happens when I am contacted?

    If you are considered as having the right training and experience that matches the area of expertise that is sought, an appointment for an interview will be made. Contact will then be made with the referees whose details you have provided.

  • How can I obtain international work experience?

    The MSB has an established trainee programme for those registered on the roster; the aim is to increase the numbers of available individuals on the roster for international operations within prioritized areas of expertise. It is an opportunity for the trainee to receive international field experience. The MSB gives priority to roster members who have undertaken the MSB’s induction training. The MSB strives to apply gender equality in terms of recruitment to the trainee programme. The duration of the trainee program varies between eight and twelve weeks.

  • When may I participate in an assignment?

    After registration on the MSB Roster, you will receive assignments requests via e-mail or telephone. It may vary how often you hear from us as this depends on the requests for assistance that the MSB receive from our partner organisations.

    Before a mission

  • When I have been selected for an assignment, how long will it be before I have to leave?

    It varies depending on the assignment, visa administration, security level and so on. Most likely you will depart within 2- 4 weeks from the date of acceptance. In exceptional cases, departure will be arranged within one week.

  • Can I terminate the assignment?

    During an assignment a mutual period of notice applies. The notice period varies depending on your contract of employment.

  • How much will I earn?

    The MSB applies a salary scale where monthly salaries are usually between SEK 42000 and SEK 86000. If you go on assignment as a trainee, your monthly salary will be SEK 28500. In addition, compensation may be paid for additional costs. MSB usually pays for your accommodation at the duty station as well as for any home leave travels. The MSB also provide you with personal equipment that matches the type of operation in which you are to participate in, an extensive insurance package, retirement benefits, health examination and vaccinations as well as access to psychosocial and medical support. Field staff may contact the MSB 24 hours a day via the MSB’s Duty Officer.

    Those who are registered on the MSB roster are also offered professional development through training and exercises.

  • How long is the period of assignment?

    The duration of the assignment depends on the operation. An assignment usually lasts from three months up to one year. The MSB will offer home leave travels if your assignment is longer than four months. There are also assignments that last for several years and those whose duration is from ten days to a couple of months, but these are far less common.

  • How am I insured?

    The MSB has a comprehensive insurance package for field staff, including group life insurance, personal injury insurance and property insurance. The conditions are slightly different depending on which contract you are contracted through and if you are covered by Swedish social insurance.

  • What rules apply to me when I am on assignment?
    The MSB sets high standards of conduct for our field staff and your observance of ethical rules while on assignment. Everyone must sign an agreement containing a number of listed ethical rules, a so called Code of Conduct, before the assignment commences.

    During a mission

  • Will I travel by myself or be part of a team?

    It varies depending on the operation. Many of the operations undertaken by the MSB are secondments, i.e., individual specialist assignments where the MSB partner organisation is provided with the required expertise. There are also MSB operations where you are a part of a larger team who jointly has to perform a common task.

  • What rules apply to annual leave during the period of the assignment?

    If you are contracted via a URA- contract you receive 30 annual leave days per year. Days of annual leave earned are counted from the first day of the assignment up and until the day of arrival back at your place of residence.

    An annual leave request form must be completed and approved by both your field supervisor and your MSB programme officer. The MSB is committed to enabling field staff as far as possible to take their annual leave during the operation. During shorter operations, holiday pay is paid in lieu of annual leave.

    Terms and conditions of employment

  • May my family accompany me?

    The overwhelming majority of operations take place in countries or regions to which it is not advisable to bring accompanying family members. However, in the case of certain operations it may be possible to bring family members to the duty station.

  • What measures will the MSB take should something happen during an assignment?

    Should something happen during an assignment, the measures taken will be adapted to the specific incident. If a team from the MSB is on assignment, it is the team leader who decides what measures will be taken. If you go on secondment, it is your supervisor who is responsible for your safety.

    You should always contact your project officer, or the MSB Duty Officer outside office hours, if the security situation changes and follow the advice that you receive.

  • What can I do to increase my chances of being re-selected for an assignment?

    Make sure that the information registered on MyPages is continuously updated by adding details of new areas of expertise, training courses and experience. Also update your contact details when they change so that the MSB will be able to contact you when we receive requests that match your profile.

    If you change your job while you are registered on the MSB Roster, you should talk to your new employer about your commitment to MSB.

  • How do you follow up my experiences when I return home from an assignment?

    It is important for the MSB to follow up on your experiences by the end of your assignment. You may be asked to participate in a lessons learned seminar after your assignment. You will also receive a mandatory field staff questionnaire which is sent out to all field staff after an assignment.

Latest reviewed: 28 August 2020

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