MSF International Managing Director
Level inferred from job title
Job description
The MSF International Managing Director is a senior executive role responsible for institutional leadership, stewardship of resources, and organizational performance of MSF International as a legal entity serving the MSF movement. The role acts as a strategic partner to the International Secretary General and ensures governance, compliance, services and financial stewardship for MSF International.
At a glance
- Employment
- Full-time · Employee (employment agreement)
- Work mode
- Hybrid · Geneva, Switzerland
- Apply before
- November 26, 2026
What you'll do
- Lead the translation of MSF International and movement strategic priorities into clear objectives, organisational plans, policies and resourcing within MSF International; support cross-functional initiatives required by international platforms to deliver the Multi-Year Strategic Plan and SPARC commitments
- Contribute to the development of MSF International Multi-year Strategic Plan and SPARC within MSF International's mandate and scope and translate strategic priorities into concrete organisational objectives, policies, systems and resource allocations
- Support cross-functional and transversal initiatives required to deliver common strategic priorities and SPARC-related commitments
- Contribute to movement-wide discussions on harmonization, efficiency and shared services
- Set up and track implementation plans, including key milestones, indicators, and risks; support the ISG in reporting to the International Board and relevant Standing Committees, and contribute to SPARC's Monitoring & Evaluation Framework and Expense Steering Process
- Deputize for the ISG as required, within agreed scope and representation mandates
- Represent MSF International to key stakeholders, partners and external audiences as required, and build relationships that protect and advance MSF's institutional interests
- Act as senior management liaison to the ISG, the International Board and Standing Committees on matters related to MSF International organisational governance, resources, risk, compliance and organisational performance
- Ensure robust systems of internal control, risk management and accountability are in place and functioning for MSF International, including preparedness for critical incidents directly affecting MSF International
- Lead or support organizational responses to critical incidents directly affecting MSF International, including HR, legal, reputational, safeguarding or security-related situations
- Ensure that MSF International fulfils its statutory responsibilities as a Swiss legal entity and that appropriate legal, administrative and governance support is obtained for decisions of the IB
- Oversee compliance with GDPR and Swiss data protection law, promoting a culture of privacy and responsible data use
- Ensure appropriate legal review of all contracts and agreements directly involving MSF International
- Design, implement and monitor the effectiveness of internal control systems and procedures; ensure that MSF International risks are identified and registered and that mitigation measures are discussed and incorporated in the respective departments annual plans
- Provide executive leadership and stewardship over services mandated to MSF International in support of the MSF movement, ensuring they are clearly governed, fit for purpose, cost-effective and appropriately funded
- Ensure that roles, responsibilities, decision-making authority and service boundaries between MSF International and MSF sections are clearly defined and communicated
- Establish and monitor service governance and performance frameworks, including service charters, KPIs, cost-sharing arrangements and escalation mechanisms where relevant, and ensure transparency
- Facilitate structured dialogue with MSF sections to identify service needs, manage expectations and address risks or performance issues
- Provide executive oversight of budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting for MSF International
- Ensure alignment between strategic priorities (including SPARC) and resource allocation
- Oversee statutory accounts, audits, financial policies and compliance with Swiss GAAP, tax and VAT requirements
- Oversee relationships with external auditors, financial advisors and legal counsel
- Oversee institutional insurance coverage and financial risk mitigation; manage the full suite of institutional and corporate insurance coverage for MSF International
- Oversee legacies and donations earmarked for MSF International
- Provide strategic leadership over human resources management, organizational design and workforce planning
Benefits
- Compensation and benefits package in line with the MSF entity offering the contract
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About MSF International
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF's 26 sections, 28 associations and 16 branch offices together. Registered in Switzerland, MSF International provides coordination, information and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.
Mission
MSF is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters, based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.
Key facts
- Geneva, Switzerland
- MSF International binds MSF's 26 sections, 28 associations and 16 branch offices together
- Registered in Switzerland
- MSF International hosts the International Secretariat and supports the International Board
What they value
- MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation