Frequently Asked Questions

The first thing to do is to find out which personnel are required for EMERGENCY’s projects and check the specific requirements for each role. Having done this, you should complete the on-line application form and wait for the initial evaluation: this usually takes place within 4 weeks. If you pass the initial evaluation you will receive an in-depth Questionnaire to complete based on the outcome of which you may be invited to an interview day at EMERGENCY headquarters (Milan or Rome – Italy), followed by one or more briefing sessions before departing for your mission.
For personnel resident outside Italy specific arrangements will be agreed with candidates.

There are a number of reasons, all of which are important. The main reasons are so as to have an adequate settling-in period; to allow for a better knowledge and understanding of the guidelines and protocols in use, as well as the context in which you will work; to establish good working relationships and coordination among the various professionals present at the project, including the national staff colleagues.

No, for the reasons explained above and also because of the organisational and security obligations of the project.

No. On average each year around 18% of the positions are non-health care posts in various specialist fields. Logisticians, administrators for organisational and management tasks, but also technicians to carry out maintenance on the medical equipment, plant and systems in our hospitals.

No. In order to undertake a mission with EMERGENCY, staff usually request a period of unpaid leave from their employer. Italian staff only may require a particular type of leave to public employees, established by the Italian Development Cooperation Agency (Law No. 125/2014). After several missions, some professionals decide to work full time with EMERGENCY.

Usually around 6-8 weeks. In each case missions are agreed with EMERGENCY on the basis of the organisational and clinical needs of the organisation and the availability of previously selected personnel. Staff periodically inform EMERGENCY of their availability to help make planning more efficient.

Yes. EMERGENCY offers various types of contract to the international specialist personnel, which include: monthly salary based on salary scales standardised for each role; incentives for successive missions; travel expenses, board and lodgings; insurance cover; a period of leave to be taken at the end of the mission. See general requirements and conditions for more information.

Yes, but only for certain roles. The paid staff work alongside over 150 volunteers (including health care workers) who contribute to the running of the projects for free.

EMERGENCY provides every type of logistical support during the mission, including lodgings in the accommodation reserved for international staff. As for the organisation of work, that depends on the specific position (role and project).

Yes. EMERGENCY offers the chance to undertake a 6-month period of residency to medics in the process of specialisation in specific specialties in the areas of Medicine, Surgery and Clinical Services.

No, we cannot offer this opportunity in overseas Countries where we work. For internships in Italy, see the available positions.

Yes. The work of EMERGENCY continues to develop according to the needs we come across and the resources available. New projects and unscheduled interventions can require the addition of new roles to our search criteria, either temporarily or permanently.

Because these are the working languages of our overseas projects, used for communication both among the international staff and with the national staff colleagues, and through them, the patients and the local community. The minimum level required is B1 (CEFR-EUROPASS); the selection process will include individual tests.

It’s not the usual way of working but it may chosen in emergency situations. The first EMERGENCY project took place in Rwanda in 1994 and involved sending a team of medics and surgeons who worked in local facilities. Since then, we have carried out vary types of interventions (medical/surgical care or rehabilitation) in Eritrea, Algeria, Palestine, Angola, Libya, Central African Republic… EMERGENCY constantly monitors areas affected by conflict, natural disaster and other health care crises, and may send a team to evaluate the situation

Yes, but you must provide specific details regarding any such training/experience, and hence new skills acquired, on the on-line application form.

EMERGENCY sends a confirmation of receipt within a few days of receiving an application. Within 4 weeks, the information contained in the application form is carefully evaluated: if the evaluation is positive the candidate receives a more detailed response and a request for further, more specific information. Apart from the confirmation of receipt, unsuccessful candidates or personnel applying for roles which are not required will not be contacted. It is always possible that there may be some delay in contacting successful applicants, especially in periods where a high number of applications have been received.

No. Missions are offered (destination and duration) on the basis of two criteria: the candidate’s profile (training, technical ability, aptitude) and the needs of the EMERGENCY projects. However, during the interview and successive briefings, you may indicate preferences which will be taken into account.

No, for organisational and safety reasons. Once you are on mission, EMERGENCY provides means to keep in regular contact with home.

Absolutely not. The teams are international, and not just because of the presence of local staff. In fact, the number of non-Italian personnel from every continent is growing, especially from certain Countries (USA, UK, Belgium, Switzerland…) where EMERGENCY is known and has support groups or workers present.

There are lots of ways! Especially by telling your colleagues about EMERGENCY and the possibility of working with us, perhaps by asking us for information or leaflets to hand out or display in the department. Head doctors and directors of departments in university hospitals can encourage expert or resident colleagues to apply. At the invitation of the organisers, EMERGENCY regularly takes part in conferences, clinical meetings, presentations in hospitals, workshops… with the aim of presenting the reasons for and results of our work.