Jobs Abroad

The fact that nursing is a truly international profession is underlined by the fact that more than 120 countries — Canada prominent among them — are represented on the International Council of Nurses.

The organization, founded in 1899, works to ensure that people worldwide have access to quality nursing care. Over the years, Canadian nurses have helped to advance global health by taking on challenging assignments in diverse areas of practice in many of these countries.
Today, if you are a Canadian nursing professional interested in working abroad, you can be assured that your skills are very much in demand. While CNA is not involved directly in finding paid or volunteer placements overseas, we are happy to provide the relevant links in this section.

Non-governmental organizations

There are several Canadian non-governmental organizations that recruit nurses to work in developing countries. This list contains organizations you may apply to for consideration as a cooperant. You may wish to contact the organizations that offer work in the fields and regions that interest you.
CNA sends volunteer Canadian nursing consultants but does not employ nurses to work on these overseas projects. For information on nursing in a specific country, including requirements for registration, you should contact the national nursing association directly.
See our international work section for more information.
Partners in Health... Nurses Working Together Make a Difference

Opportunities abroad with non-governmental organizations

Africa Inland Mission

1641 Victoria Park Avenue
Scarborough, ON M1R 1P5
Tel.: 416-751-6077
Fax: 416-751-3467
E-mail: general.can@aimint.net

Types of professionals required

Nurse educators, medical/surgical nurses, clinical nurse specialists/nurse practitioners, community health nurses, pediatric nurses, midwives, and other health personnel; health programs are integrated with other ministries that have a focus on discipleship, reaching the unreached and developing church leadership.

Length of service

Short term: 6 months to 1 year Long term: 1 year plus

Additional comments

In addition to professional qualifications and experience, a strong Protestant Christian commitment is essential as well as a willingness to work in teams under the direction of local medical staff. Some additional training may be required. Locations throughout Africa.

Anglican Church of Canada

Volunteers in Mission (Ms. Jill Cruse)
80 Hayden Street.
Toronto, ON M4Y 3G2
Tel.: 416-924-9192 (or 9199 ext. 315)
Fax: 416-969-9797
E-mail: jcruse@national.anglican.ca
Website: http://www/anglican.ca/partnerships/vim/

Types of professionals required

Various disciplines including physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, etc.

Length of service

1-2 years; there is some flexibility, but no short-term (2-3 wks) placements are available.

Voluntary/salaried

Volunteers are expected to fundraise, although orientation and re-entry programming is provided.

Additional comments

Volunteer is supported by a local Canadian Anglican parish. Volunteers are expected to assist with fundraising for travel costs, living allowance & medical insurance. Professional services are offered by volunteers in partnership with the indigenous church. Opportunities exist in several parts of the developing world.

Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)

200 Promenade du Portage
Hull, QC K1A 0G4
Tel.: (819) 997-5006
Fax: (819) 953-6088
Website: www.acdi-cida.gc.ca/index.htm

Types of professionals required

CIDA hires a limited number of cooperants and advisers with professional and technical skills in various sectors.

Length of service

Varies

Voluntary/salaried

Salaried

Additional comments

Must be Canadian citizen or landed immigrant. Minimum 3 years of professional experience in the sector concerned.

Canadian Physicians for Aid and Relief

1425 Bloor Street West
Toronto, ON M6P 3L6
Tel.: 416-369-0865 or 1 800 263-2727
Fax: 416-369-0294
E-mail: info@cpar.ca
Website:www.cpar.ca

Types of professionals required

Physicians, nurses, field administrators

Length of service

1 to 2 years

Voluntary/salaried

Volunteer expected to fundraise for all expenses and travel.

Additional comments

Countries: Ethiopia, Malawi, and Uganda.
A background in public health is an asset.

Canadian Red Cross Society

170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300
Ottawa, ON K1N 8E6
Tel.: (613) 740-1900
Fax: (613) 730-1911
E-mail: feedback@redcross.ca
Website: www.redcross.ca/overseaspersonnel

Types of professionals required

Core program requires specialists in community-based health, including nurses, public health managers and health promoters. In areas of conflict there are needs for health professionals with clinical skills including surgeons, anesthetists, lab technologists, medical administrators, nurses, midwives and prosthetists.

Length of service

6 -12 months

Voluntary/salaried

Salaried

Additional comments

Missions to Africa, South America, Asia, Middle East and Europe. Red Cross training required. Must be available to work on short notice. Contact your local Red Cross office for information.

Canadian Crossroads International

317 Adelaide Street West, Suite 500
Toronto, ON M5V 1P9
Tel.: 416-967-1611 ext.221
Fax: 416-967-9078
E-mail: info@cciorg.ca
Website: www.cciorg.ca

Types of professionals required

General or professional skills or student

Length of service

Average length of 4 months

Voluntary/salaried

Volunteers are expected to fundraise, although some assistance for travel and living expenses is provided.

Additional comments

Must commit volunteer time for community education. Must fundraise for expenses.
Please check the phone book for your regional office. If contacting the national office, be sure to leave your address. For more information, send a self-addressed, stamped stamped envelope.

Canadian Society for International Health (CSIH)

1 Nicholas Street, Suite 1105
Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7
Tel.: 613-241-5785
Fax: 613-241-3845
E-mail: csih@csih.org
Web site: www.csih.org

Types of professionals required

Registry is open to health and health-related professionals with experience working in developing countries or in the area of international development in the Canadian context, or with experience that is otherwise applicable.

Length of service

Variable

Voluntary/salaried

Variable

Additional comments

Registry is searched by CSIH on behalf of employers such as Canadian and non-Canadian development organizations and consulting firms, and by professionals seeking colleagues with specific experience.

YIP — International Health Youth Internship Program

E-mail: yip@csih.org
Website: www.csih.org

Types of professionals required

Internships available to unemployed or under-employed health professionals aged 19-30 for internships in health promotion, public health and information technology capacity-building.

Length of service

6-9 month internships

Voluntary/salaried

C$12,000 Canadian towards travel and living expenses

Additional comments

From Sept. 1997 to August 2003, 200 interns benefited from placements in almost 100 universities, health ministries and international health organizations worldwide.

CECI

(Centre canadien d'études et de coopération internationale)
3185, rue Rachel Est
Montreal, QC H1W 1A3
Tel.: (514) 875-9911
Fax: (514) 875-6469
E-mail: info@ceci.ca
Website: www.ceci.ca

Types of professionals required

Frequently: Community health doctors, nurses, nutritionists.
Infrequently: health services administrators, among others

Length of service

2 years

Voluntary/salaried

Mostly volunteers, but living and travel expenses covered.

Additional comments

Africa (mainly francophone countries), South America and Central America, Haiti and Asia. Volunteers must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents.

Centre canadien d'études et de coopération internationale (CECI)

3185, rue Rachel Est
Montreal, QC H1W 1A3
Tel.: 514-875-9911
Fax: 514-875-6469
E-mail: info@ceci.ca
Website: www.cause.ca

Types of professionals required

Frequently: community health doctors, nurses, nutritionists
Infrequently: health services administrators, among others

Length of service

Minimum 6 months to 1 year

Voluntary/salaried

Both. Most volunteers are expected to cover costs of transportation and food.

Additional comments

Africa (mainly francophone countries), South America and Central America, Haiti and Asia. Volunteers must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

CAUSE Canada

(Christian Assistance for Underdeveloped Societies Everywhere)
P.O. Box 8100
Canmore, AB T1W 2T8
Tel.: 403-678-3332
Fax: 403-678-8869
E-mail: info@cause.ca
Website: www.cause.ca

Types of professionals required

Doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychological counselors and psychologists

Length of service

Minimum 6 months to 1 year

Voluntary/salaried

Both. Most volunteers are expected to cover costs of transportation and food.

Additional comments

Cause Canada is a Christian-motivated international relief and development organization specializing in primary health care, potable water and sanitation, reforestation, micro-enterprises and gender-specific development initiatives. Fluency in French or Spanish is highly recommended.

Hope International Development Agency

214 Sixth Street
New Westminster, B.C. V3L 2A1
Tel.: (604) 525-5481
Fax: (604) 525-3471
E-mail: hope@hope-international.com
Website: www.hope-international.com/

Types of professionals required

Doctors, nurses, administrators, medical technicians, engineers, water technicians, agricultural and horticultural specialists

Length of service

Several weeks to 2 years

Voluntary/salaried

Voluntary. Some assistance for travel and living may be provided

Additional comments

Countries: South East Asia, South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central America

SIM Canada

Selection & Training Department
10 Huntingdale Blvd.
Scarborough, ON M1W 2S5
Tel.: 416-497-2424
Fax: 416-497-2444
E-mail: info@sim.ca
Website: www.sim.ca

Types of professionals required

Doctors, nurses, midwives, dieticians, hospital administrators, dentists, medical technologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, ophthalmologists, pharmacists, community health care workers

Length of service

3 months to career service

Voluntary/salaried

Volunteers must self-finance (solicit individual or private sponsorship).

Additional comments

Countries: Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Chile, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, South Africa, South Asia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. An international interdenominational evangelical mission organization. Volunteers are required to meet the qualifications of the mission.

Emmanuel International Mission

P.O. Box 4050
Stouffville, ON L4A 8B6
Tel.: 905-640-2111
Fax: 905-640-2186
E-mail: info@e-i.org
Website: www.e-i.org

Types of professionals required

Nurses, nutritionists

Length of service

Minimum 1 year + 3 months cross-cultural training

Voluntary/salaried

Support raising required

Additional comments

An interdenominational evangelical relief, rehabilitation, leadership training and community development organization. Countries: Brazil, Haiti, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, Sudan, Philippines. Seeking mature, ministering Christians committed to EI’s cross-cultural doctrinal statement and mandate.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

Mission in the World Program Coordinator
302 - 393 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6
Tel.: 204-984-9164
Fax: 204-984-9185
E-mail: kkrieger@elcic.ca
Website: http://www.cmds-emas.ca

Types of professionals required

Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, administrators

Length of service

6 months to 2 years. Some long-term postings are available.

Voluntary/salaried

Volunteer. Support groups raise funds for travel and accommodations. Some salaried positions are available.

Additional comments

Participants are expected to be active in the church life of the hosting country.

Evangelical Medical Aid Society (EMAS)

30 - 5155 Spectrum Way
Mississauga, ON L4W 5A1
Tel.: 905-625-4457
Fax: 905-625-1812
E-mail: main@cmds-emas.ca
Website: www.cmds-emas.ca

Types of professionals required

All medical professionals (registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physicians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants)

Length of service

Generally, 2 weeks

Additional comments

EMAS is a Christian, interdenominational charitable non-governmental organization.

VSO Canada (Voluntary Services Overseas)

151 Slater Street, Suite 806
Ottawa, ON K1P 5H3
Tel.: 613-234-1364
Fax: 613-234-1444
E-mail: inquiry@vsocan.org
Website: www.vsocan.org

Types of professionals required

Midwives, nurses, psychiatric nurses, registered nurses for those with mental handicaps, occupational therapists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, doctors, dentists, nutritionists, health educators

Length of service

Most placements are for 2 years. Some shorter-term placements are available where there is a particularly high need.

Voluntary/salaried

Modest living allowance, travel, accommodation, medical insurance, training, grants.

Additional comments

VSO aims to support disadvantaged people in fulfilling their rights to physical, mental and social health, and improving their access to health services. Working at the community level, volunteers concentrate on the promotion of health and rehabilitation through basic education and preventative work. VSO meets requests for a range of skill areas, including assessment, prevention, education, outreach and primary and secondary care. VSO receives a growing number of requests for health workers with experience in HIV/AIDS prevention and care. 35 countries in Asia and Africa.

Médecins sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders

720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 402
Toronto, ON M5S 2T9
Tel.: 416-964-0619 / 1-800-982-7903
Fax: 416-963-8707
E-mail: msfcan@msf.ca
Website: www.msf.ca

Types of professionals required

MSF is looking for nurses, physicians, midwives and occasionally nutritionists and epidemiologists.

Length of service

2 years

Voluntary/salaried

Contact MSF directly. All expenses are paid and field workers are provided with a living allowance and small salary.

Additional comments

Nurses work in a variety of contexts, and the work is often more organizational and managerial than clinical.
BScN or RN diploma and 2 years’ practical nursing experience. Travel or work experience in a developing country or remote northern Canada is required.

Volunteer International Christian Service (VICS)

3 - 843 Youville Drive West
Edmonton, AB T6L 6X8
Tel.: 708-485-5505
Fax: 780-485-5510
E-mail: vics1@telusplanet.net
Website: www.volunteerinternational.ca

Types of professionals required

Public health nurses, doctors, dentists and physiotherapists

Length of service

2 years

Voluntary/salaried

Strictly voluntary with travel expenses and a living allowance provided.

Additional comments

Nepal and countries in Africa, Central and South Pacific, and Central and South America. Over 21 years of age. Public health background. 18 months’ work experience since graduation an asset.

World Vision Canada

Overseas Staffing
1 World Drive
Mississauga, ON L5T 2Y4
Tel.: 905-565-6200 / 1-800-387-7722
Fax: 905-696-2161
E-mail: volunteer@worldvision.ca (volunteers)
E-mail: lyn_bishop@worldvision.ca (for expatriates)
Website: www.worldvision.ca

Types of professionals required

Doctors, nurses

Length of service

1 year minimum with the expectation of a longer commitment. Volunteer terms vary from 1 month to 6 weeks.

Voluntary/salaried

Travel expenses and remuneration. Volunteers pay for their own travel costs.

Additional comments

Overseas experience and Christian commitment required. There are projects all over the world.

World University Service of Canada (WUSC)

1404 Scott Street
Ottawa, ON K1Y 4M8
Tel.: 613-798-7477
Fax: 613-798-0990
E-mail : recruit@wusc.ca
Website: www.wusc.ca

Types of professionals required

Doctors, nurses, nurse trainers

Length of service

2 years

Voluntary/salaried

Both voluntary and salaried positions are available. Salary depends on program.

Additional comments

Public health background and work experience an asset.

source : http://www.cna-aiic.ca/en/jobvolunteer-opportunities/jobs-abroad