Starting Salary
Your starting salary will be calculated within the starting salary range which is quoted on the advertised job description for the post. This calculation is based on a formula used to calculate all starting salaries for field posts which rewards a range of areas including how well you meet the essential and desirable person specification criteria for the post, the hardship of the location and other factors. For this reason, we do not negotiate starting salaries.
Cost of Living Allowance (COLA)
The COLA forms part of your salary and is paid on a monthly basis via payroll. COLA relates to the actual living costs of things such as meals, utilities and entertainment in the country that you are working in.
Salary Advance
You may receive a normal salary advance of up to £600 per month in cash in the country that you are working. This is reclaimed at the end of the month from your monthly salary payment.
Loyalty Bonus
To reward commitment and loyalty to Merlin, after you have worked with us for 12 months you will receive a loyalty bonus of £600 which will be added to your annual salary. This will increase by a further £600 for each additional year of service thereafter.
Annual Salary Review
Salaries are reviewed annually and a percentage general increase may be awarded to all staff. This is in addition to any loyalty bonus which has been awarded.
Flights
We provide you with a flight at the beginning and end of your contract with us.
Additional Return Flights
Once you have been employed by Merlin for more than 12 months you are entitled to an additional return flight home as long as you work with us on a continuous basis for at least 18 months from the start date of your original contract.
Once you have been employed by Merlin continuously for 24 months or more you are entitled to a return flight home every 12 months.
Annual Leave
Annual leave is 24 days per year in your first year of working with Merlin, accrued at a rate of 2 days per month worked.
This rises to 29 days per year once you have 12 months continuous employment with Merlin and you then extend your contract for a further 6 months, and 34 days per year if you extend your contract for a further 12 months.
Once you have two or more years continuous employment with Merlin your annual leave entitlement is 29 days per year.
You will accrue this leave as long as you are employed by us on a continuous basis, even if you work in a number of different locations during the time period. Continuous employment is established when there is no more than 2 weeks interruption between two successive contracts.
Annual leave is in addition to public holidays.
Public Holidays
You will receive up to a maximum of 10 days Public Holidays per annum, which will be defined by your Country Director. These will not necessary fall on the same days as UK Public Holidays. These are in addition to annual leave.
Rest & Recuperation (R&R)
As well as annual leave, additional time off from the programme may be given in some countries where circumstances are particularly difficult (e.g. very remote or insecure areas, very limited opportunities for social/recreational activities). This will vary from country to country and where it is given, will range from 1 week off every 12 weeks to 1 week off every 6 weeks. During your R&R Merlin will cover the costs of travel to the closest agreed suitable location and accommodation.
Vaccinations & Medical Check
We cover the costs of all necessary vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis for the country that you will be working in. All staff going overseas also have a medical briefing and check with our external independent medical advisers, Interhealth.
Insurance
Merlin provides medical and personal belongings insurance cover from the start of your contract with us. This includes cover for medical evacuation if this is ever necessary.
Discount Outdoor Activity Equipment & Clothing
Merlin staff get a 20% discount on outdoor equipment and clothing from the Chancery Lane branch of Blacks in London.
Luggage Allowance
Merlin will reimburse you up to £150 excess luggage charges on production of receipts when you start and end your contract with us.
Accommodation
Merlin will provide you with accommodation free of charge whilst you are in the field. As a minimum you will have your own room in shared accommodation with other team members. In some locations and dependant on contract length and budget, some staff are able to have individual accommodation.
Study Leave
Once you have completed your probation period you are entitled to 3 paid days study leave per year. This can be used for formal or self-supported study relevant to your current or planned future role with Merlin.
Training
Merlin strongly encourages staff development and offers a variety of training courses and other development opportunities.
Formal training programmes include induction, a 7 day course ‘ Public Health in Crisis & Transitional Contexts’ for experienced health and humanitarian staff, and a Leadership & Management Development Programme made up of internal & external training events, coaching, e and distance learning.
Staff are also able to access e and distance learning based activities whilst in the field.
Briefing & Debriefing
Where possible all staff visit our London Head Office for a briefing when they start with Merlin and for a debriefing when the return.
Sick Pay
If you are unwell and unable to attend work, you will be able to have up to 2 weeks sickness absence on full pay per 12 months employment.
Compassionate Leave
Merlin is sympathetic in cases of personal/immediate family problems such as bereavement or serious illness. In these circumstances Merlin will provide your flight home and you may have up to a maximum of 2 weeks paid compassionate leave.
Career Break
Staff who have worked with Merlin for three continuous years can request a career break of 6 weeks.
Retirement Age
We welcome staff of all ages to join Merlin. Our retirement age for field posts is 75.
Probation
All staff joining Merlin in the field are on six month’s probation, unless their contact is for less than 6 months, in which case there is a three month probation.
External Psychological Debrief
We recognise that sometimes field staff find it beneficial to talk confidentially to a professional outside the organisation as part of their debrief. We will discuss this option with you on your return and encourage you to take up contact with Interhealth or other debriefing specialists.
All benefits are calculated on a pro rata basis for part time staff. |