MSF International Managing Director

Location: Based in Geneva or within approximately +/- two (2) hours from Geneva

Contract: Fixed term at 100% - It is a mandated role (currently 3+3 years)

Starting date: 01st of March 2027

Deadline to apply: 26th of November 2026 - We reserve the right to close this position once suitable candidates have been identified.

Compensation and Benefits: MSF practice is to offer the compensation and benefits package in line with the MSF entity offering the contract

*By default, the successful candidate will be offered a contract in the MSF office, able to issue a contract, of their country of residence at the time of application. If no MSF office exists in their country of residence, the successful candidate will be expected to relocate to a country where an MSF office can issue a contract, provided the local legislation allows for that.

At MSF, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.

MSF is committed to preventing abuse, inappropriate behaviour, lack of integrity and financial misconduct in its work and care spaces. The successful candidate will be expected to comply with the organisation’s safeguarding policies and standards of professional behaviour.

We are committed to removing barriers for people with specific accessibility needs. If you need an adjustment to the recruitment process to be considered for the role, please let us know from the beginning of the selection process.

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 offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. 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.

I. CONTEXT

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organisation providing emergency assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters, based solely on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation.

MSF International is the legal entity whose membership is composed of all MSF associations. It hosts the International Secretariat, supports the International Board, facilitates coordination across the MSF movement, and provides shared services and initiatives as mandated by the movement.

Within MSF International, the International Office acts as the Secretariat of the International Board (IB) and operates under the direct management of the International Secretary General (ISG). MSF International also provides administrative and operational support to movement-wide initiatives and services, including MSF Access.

II. PURPOSE OF THE JOB

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 ensures that MSF International:

Effectively implements -within the scope of MSF International - the MSF International Multiyear Plan and SPARC (MSF-wide Strategic Planning, Accountability and Resource Cycle) and supports the International Board and the International Secretary General in their governance roles and responsibilities.

Provides high quality, well governed services to the MSF movement, as mandated by the Full ExCom (executive committee);

Operates with strong systems of governance, accountability, risk management and duty of care;

Has robust, transparent and efficient governance, financial, human, and knowledge systems;

Operates as a coherent, inclusive, and accountable internationally distributed organization;

Models MSF values in leadership, equity, duty of care, and ethical management;

Ensures that the decisions taken by the Board of Directors of MSF International and its implementation is compliant with the Articles of Association, the internal regulations, as well as Swiss standards and Swiss laws, for as long as the registered office is in Geneva, Switzerland.

The MSF Management Director acts as a strategic partner to the International Secretary General, providing leadership on transversal and institutional topics with regards to the management of MSF International.

III. ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership and Implementation of MSF International (Multi‑year Plan & SPARC): 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 as needed to deliver the Multi‑Year Strategic Plan and SPARC commitments.

Expected result: MSF International delivers on agreed strategic priorities and SPARC commitments through coherent plans, measurable milestones and coordinated delivery across functions and movement partners.

a. 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, ensuring coherence across functions and services.

b. Supports cross‑functional and transversal initiatives required to deliver common strategic priorities and SPARC‑related commitments.

c. Contribute to movement-wide discussions on harmonization, efficiency and shared services.

d. Sets up and tracks 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 for functions and services managed within MSF International’s scope.

e. Deputize for the ISG as required, within agreed scope and representation mandates.

f. Represent MSF International to key stakeholders, partners and external audiences as required, and build relationships that protect and advance MSF's institutional interests.

2. Governance, legal compliance, accountability and risk management for MSF-International: Ensure robust governance implementation, statutory compliance and effective risk management systems for MSF International as a Swiss legal entity and for services delivered on behalf of the movement; prepare governance-level advice and support Board decision-making.

Expected result: International Board and executive decisions are supported by timely, compliant and risk‑informed advice; MSF International statutory obligations and legal requirements are met and organisational risks are identified and mitigated.

a. 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.

b. Ensure robust systems of internal control, risk management and accountability, are in place and functioning for MSF International, in line with legal, fiduciary and associative obligations, including preparedness for critical incidents directly affecting MSF International.

c. Lead or support organizational responses to critical incidents directly affecting MSF International, including HR, legal, reputational, safeguarding or security‑related situations.

d. Ensure that MSF International fulfils its statutory respon