What to ask during the Agency briefing

Human Resources

	Job description and reporting lines - as detailed as possible under the circumstances
	Salary - how much, how will it be paid and where
	Expenses - what expenses are reimbursable, how will they be reimbursed, will you be given an advance in headquarters and/or in the field, is a daily allowance (per diem) paid in the field, etc..

	Insurance cover provided by the Agency - is it adequate?
	Baggage/excess luggage allowance for the outward and return journeys
	Other terms and conditions - accommodation, food, field transport, time off in the field, rest & recuperation (R&R), etc.
	Living conditions, health considerations, local health care, personal mail
	Leave contact details of your next-of-kin

Desk Officer/Technical Section

	Security situation - ask about any security incidents - you can refuse if you feel the risk is too great
	Security plan - obtain details of any security plan, including evacuation arrangements. Find out who is responsible for security in the team.
	Country - geography, climate, politics, economics, social situation, location of work, road conditions, language (basic greetings), key cultural issues, type of clothes to wear, photography, maps etc.
	Assignment - description, background, responsibilities, reporting lines, technical information, logistical and financial systems and constraints.
	Ask for copies of latest situation reports. Is there a hand-over report from your predecessor?
	Are all the manuals, spare parts lists, tools and equipment necessary to do your job available on the ground?
	Agency - mandate, policies, local team structure and members, methods of reporting, communications, policies relating to the media, issues of conscience, rules of conduct.

Accounts Department

	Advance for expenses or advance against per diem.
	Expense forms and procedures
	Provide bank details for salary and expense payments

Administration/travel section

	Entry visas and travel tickets
	Driving license - is your national license valid in the assignment country or do you need an International Driving License?
	Letters of introduction, Ordres de Mission, etc..
	Check baggage restrictions, requirements and allowances - pack/unpack accordingly!
	Identity card(s)
	Medical evacuation cards
	Information required by immigration on arrival: contact name and address in country, job details, money etc..

Health section

	Health considerations, vaccination requirements/recommendations for the region.
	Have there been any health issues in the team.
	Pre-departure medical examination (including a chest X-ray)
	Some agencies ask for or recommend a HIV test - check their policy.
	Malaria prophylaxis and treatment, impregnated mosquito net, other special medicines etc. as appropriate
	Ask for their basic medical or field First Aid kit.

 

 

Being prepared to go on assignment

---