InciSioN Global · International Team 2027
Application guide & requirements
Everything you need to prepare a thoughtful application: who can apply, what the screening covers, how to choose your departments, why the SURGhub course matters, and where to find the official documents.
Applications are open · Deadline: 30 November 2026, 23:59 GMT
Save the date · Live Q&A
IT2027 Open House
Saturday, 7 November 2026 · 15:00 GMT
Join InciSioN Global online via Zoom to learn about our mission, explore International Team roles, understand the application process and ask questions before you apply. Especially useful if you are new to the organisation or deciding which department fits your interests.
Registration is required to receive the Zoom joining details. The event is intended for prospective IT2027 applicants.
Start here
Choose the right pathway
Applying for an International Team position is not the same as joining InciSioN as a general member. The IT is a selected, active working body supporting the international network, while grassroots participation usually takes place through National Working Groups.
Pathway A
International Team 2027
For applicants aged 18+ who are students, trainees or early-career professionals from relevant clinical and non-clinical disciplines. Student status and previous NWG membership are not universal requirements.
- Active, unpaid appointment for the 2027 calendar year.
- Knowledge screening, critical reflection, motivation and two department preferences.
- Approximately 4–5.5 hours for the application itself, excluding separate course work and document preparation.
Pathway B
Advisor 2027
For established professionals, senior clinicians, faculty, researchers and institutional leaders who can offer mentorship, strategic or technical expertise rather than routine operational work.
- Expression of interest based on expertise and intended contribution.
- Professional biography or CV link and realistic availability.
- Approximately 20–30 minutes to complete.
Plan ahead
What to expect in the IT application
The application is designed to understand your foundational knowledge, independent thinking, practical strengths and ability to follow through. It is not intended to reward polished language or impressive titles alone.
Personal information
Contact details, affiliation, discipline, training stage and optional professional links.
Knowledge screening
Multiple-choice questions about global surgery and InciSioN, plus a recent-publication reflection.
Previous participation
Describe InciSioN activities if any. Newcomers can apply; supporting evidence is requested only where relevant.
Motivation & skills
Your experience, examples of initiative, reliability, communications and weekly availability.
Two preferences
Choose a first and second department, and explain the practical value you could add.
Terms & declaration
Confirm your information and understanding of the responsibilities attached to the appointment.
What the assessment is looking for
Knowledge, evidence and critical thinking
Global surgery foundations
20 points
18 questions on systems, access, workforce, policy, financing, partnerships, research and technology.
InciSioN and its work
10 points
9 questions on InciSioN’s governance, network structure, international programmes and Strategic Plan.
Evidence & reflection
5 points
Independent critical reflection on one credible global surgery publication dated 1 January 2025 or later.
Why do we ask knowledge questions?
Global surgery is not a single clinical specialty. It involves health systems, equitable access, financing, education, research, governance, advocacy and collaboration. A shared foundational understanding helps team members make informed decisions, engage with partners and connect their department’s work to the wider purpose of the network.
Why a critical reflection?
We value applicants who can interpret evidence rather than simply repeat it. Choose one peer-reviewed or credible grey-literature document published on or after 1 January 2025. In up to 1,500 characters, explain what stands out, why it matters, what limitations or assumptions deserve scrutiny, and what implications you draw. Include a complete Vancouver-style reference and working link or DOI.
This is not a systematic review or an answer-key exercise. The official application preview contains the question prompts, but not the multiple-choice options or solutions. Applicants are expected to develop their written responses independently; the application instructs applicants not to use AI to write those responses.
Shared foundations · Professional development
Why the SURGhub course matters
“Navigating the Global Surgery Ecosystem” offers a common foundation for people entering global surgery from different disciplines, countries and levels of experience. This is about preparing to contribute meaningfully—not assuming everyone has already had the same opportunities to learn.
More than learning terminology
Whether someone joins Finance, Research, Advocacy, Operations, Internal Affairs or Public Relations, their work will ultimately connect to how global surgical systems function. Understanding the organisations, financing arrangements, policy processes and implementation challenges helps prevent disconnected or superficial work.
The course explores six areas:
- Introduction to global surgery
- Stakeholders and international collaboration
- Global surgery financing
- Research and policy development
- Education and training
- Innovation and digital technology
Find your fit
Choose two departments thoughtfully
The application asks for a first and second departmental preference. Read the published job descriptions rather than choosing by title. Different teams require different skills, and not every role involves clinical or technical work.
| Department | Typical contribution area |
|---|---|
| Advocacy | Evidence-informed policy influence and advocacy work |
| Alumni Affairs | Long-term relationships and alumni engagement |
| Education | Accessible global surgery learning and public-facing education |
| External Affairs | Partnerships, diplomacy and international engagement |
| Fellowships & Training Programs | Structured training opportunities and professional development programmes |
| Finance | Budgets, resource mobilisation and stewardship |
| Internal Affairs | Governance, compliance, policy and administration |
| National Working Groups | Support for national-level coordination and grassroots networks |
| Operations & Programming | Event delivery, projects, planning and implementation support |
| Public Relations & Engagement | Audience engagement, communications and creative delivery |
| Research | Research systems, evidence translation and collaborations |
| Strategic Working Groups | Coordination of thematic task forces and implementation |
These descriptions are high-level orientation only; the official October 2026 departmental job descriptions control the actual responsibilities and any department-specific eligibility considerations. Some NWG, alumni or SWG-related posts may favour or request relevant affiliation evidence.
Review the October 2026 updated organisational structure before selecting two departments. A direct public link to this Google document is required; the attachment itself is not a public website URL.
Document: InciSioN Global Updated Organizational Structure (October 2026)
Prepare before you submit
International Team 2027 · Applicant Preview
The 14-page preview describes the application sections, knowledge-test topics, written-response prompts, supporting documentation and the shorter Advisor pathway. Read it before opening the live form so you can plan realistically.
The preview outlines the questions, time commitments, written prompts, evidence requirements and Advisor pathway. It is a preparation document, not an application form. Open the public PDF directly in Google Drive using the button above.
All the important links
Application resources in one place
Official application
Select the International Team or Advisor pathway in the form.
IT2027 Linktree hub
Central access to the application, preview, job descriptions, course and Open House.
Applicant Preview PDF
Question-preview and preparation guide; not an application form.
Official job descriptions
See the October 2026 International Team departmental descriptions in the hub.
Questions about the application: chair.globalsurgery@incisionetwork.org or vpi@incisionetwork.org.
Frequently asked questions
Before you apply
Is this a general InciSioN membership application?
No. InciSioN’s grassroots membership and participation are primarily organised through National Working Groups. The International Team is a selected, fixed-term working body coordinating and supporting the international network.
Do I have to be a medical student or have surgical experience?
No. InciSioN welcomes relevant multidisciplinary backgrounds, including clinical, public health, research, engineering, finance, communication and other non-clinical areas. You do not need to be a current student if you meet the relevant early-career criteria and the published role requirements.
Do I need previous InciSioN or NWG experience?
No general prior-involvement requirement applies. New applicants are welcome. Some specific departments may benefit from relevant familiarity or require supporting affiliation evidence. Read the job descriptions for your preferred positions.
What if I am new to global surgery?
You may still apply. We encourage you to learn about the field, attend the Open House, read the official materials and begin the SURGhub foundation course. A willingness to learn is important, but applicants must still meet the knowledge/reflection threshold and demonstrate their suitability for the role.
Do I have to finish SURGhub before submitting?
No. The certificate is optional at the initial application stage and may strengthen your profile. Completion becomes mandatory before final role confirmation during onboarding. The specified course is “Navigating the Global Surgery Ecosystem.”
Does scoring 25/35 guarantee a place?
No. It is a minimum eligibility threshold. Motivation, evidence of reliability, practical skills, departmental fit, any verified involvement, interviews and onboarding are also considered.
What is the critical reflection asking for?
Choose a credible publication from 1 January 2025 onward and independently explain one point that matters, why it matters, how you assess it and what implications you draw. The maximum is 1,500 characters, with a full Vancouver-style source reference and link.
Can I use AI to write my application responses?
The source application instructs applicants not to use AI to write their responses. Applicants should follow the live form’s requirements and represent their own experience, independent reasoning and communication.
Can I choose any two departments?
Yes, from the departments offered in the form, provided you satisfy any role-specific criteria. Give distinct, genuine reasons for each preference and consult the official job descriptions first.
Can senior professionals apply?
Established professionals primarily interested in mentorship, institutional guidance or specialist advice should explore the shorter Advisor 2027 expression-of-interest pathway in the same application form.
Can I join during the year outside this recruitment window?
No general rolling IT recruitment is offered. The annual call is for the full following calendar-year cohort; any exceptional mid-term vacancy process is separate and not an open application route.
What if I have classes, clinical rotations or competing commitments?
Be realistic about your availability. The IT is an unpaid but active role that requires timely communication and fulfilment of responsibilities. The application asks about weekly availability, independent working and how you handle competing deadlines.
Where can I ask further questions?
Register for the IT2027 Open House on 7 November, 15:00 GMT, or contact chair.globalsurgery@incisionetwork.org / vpi@incisionetwork.org for application-related queries.