Join MSF OCG as a Associate Philanthropy Advisor – Private Major Donors!
We are looking for passionate candidates ready to contribute to our humanitarian mission.
Below, you will find the job details and the qualifications we are looking for.
Inclusivity and Diversity at MSF
Do your qualifications and experience not exactly match all requirements of the job?
At MSF OCG, we are committed to an inclusive culture that supports and amplifies the diverse voices of our staff members. We strive to create workplaces where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together to advance MSF's social mission and create better outcomes for our patients and the communities we work with.
We understand that some people may hesitate to apply for employment if they don't meet all listed job requirements. Research shows that this is especially true for women. If you believe your profile is a good match for this position, we invite you to apply even if you don’t fulfil every listed qualification.
We encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, background, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.
MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment. All selected candidates will undergo reference checks.
Context & mission
Médecins Sans Frontières is an independent, international medical and humanitarian organization that provides care to people in need, people affected by natural or man-made disasters, and victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and without regard to race, religion, creed or political affiliation (MSF Charter).
The MSF movement is built around 5 operational centers supported by 24 sections and offices worldwide. MSF Operational Center Geneva (MSF OCG) is one of these centers.
MSF Switzerland was created in 1981 and it is headquartered in Geneva. The Philanthropy Unit is one of the eight units at the Communications and Fundraising Department. To ensure a good geographical coverage of the Swiss fundraising market, the Unit is divided into two offices: Geneva and Zurich. The Unit’s mission is to strengthen MSF’s relationship with its private major supporters, including wealthy individuals, foundations, companies, and other philanthropic organisations. It also manages grants and donations from Swiss cantons and communes. Last but not least, it is also in charge of legacy fundraising, including management of heritages as well as contacts with potential legators and confirmed bequestors.
The Associate Philanthropy Advisor for private major donors in German speaking Switzerland is a key member of the Philanthropy Unit, ensuring an efficient and effective cultivation approach for private major donors in German speaking Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The mission is to secure and grow income for MSF from private major donors in German speaking Switzerland.
Tasks & Responsibilities
Strategy and action plan
Actively contribute to the implementation of the yearly plan
Cultivation and stewardship
Manages a portfolio of Major Donors and potential Top Major Donors and, alongside the Team Coordinator, design and develop the donor journey for donors giving between CHF 10’000 and CHF 20’000 annually.Regularly reports to and consults with the Team Coordinator on the strategy for the pool regarding upgrading donors within this segment.Determine the best approach and journey for each individual donor depending on their wishes and level of engagement.Prepare and facilitate one-to-one meetings, calls, presentations and other meaningful interactions with major donors.Interact and collaborate with key spokespersons within MSF (President, General Director, Director of Operations, other management team members), as well as field staff, with the aim of bringing donors closer to the organisation to demonstrate our life-saving mission and work in the projects.Define, propose and organise visits to MSF offices and projects, in line with MSF criteria and guidance.Ensure that the nature / identity of donors is in line with MSF gifts acceptance policy.Ensure that the donor journey runs smoothly, and donors are thanked and stewarded promptly.Ensure the database is kept up-to-date.Draft engaging communication for the MDs about MSF projects.
Solicitation/ask
In line with the yearly plan and past giving history of main donors, proactively present asks to selected donors for gifts (general and individualized asks) and consult with the Team Coordinator about the solicitation planEnsure that the major donors journey strategy is followed and that major donors are solicited according to their motivations in a personalised way.
Information and data management
Closely work with the System Support Team to ensure most efficient use of Customer Relationship Management Database.Support the Team Coordinator in income forecasting and quarterly analysis of results.
Others
Participate in the Community of Practice for Individual Major Donors of MSF in particular with other German-speaking sections.Work proactively on projects as needed in the Unit, upon request by her/his supervisor.
Your profile
Education
University degree in Business Management, Marketing,Communications, Political Science, InternationalRelations or other relevant areas
Experience
First professional experience in the non-profit sector or in the fields of marketing/sales/communication or client relationship management
Languages
German mother tongue & very good EnglishFrench and Italian an asset.
Skills/ Technical competencies
Proven excellent writing skills (drafting and editing)Excellent in oral public presentationsStrong knowledge of the Windows environment (Word, Excel, Power Point) and tech-savvyStrong Analytical skillsKnowledge of the humanitarian and development sector in Switzerland.
Personal Abilities/Qualities
Excellent interpersonal skillsService orientedDynamic, proactive and autonomousRigorous and good organizational skillsEmpathic, enthusiastic, optimisticDiscretionTeam spirit.
Terms of employment
Full-time position 100% (40h/week)Open-ended contractWorking place: Zurich, SwitzerlandIdeal start date: As soon as possibleGross annual salary (for 100%): from CHF 80’856.- to CHF 97’224.- (salary commensurate with equivalent experience and internal salary grid)Paid vacation: 25 days per year, prorate temporis, plus any Swiss public holidays falling within the contract period.Pension plan: pension contribution covered 3/4 by MSF, 1/4 by staff member.Relocation support available for eligible candidates.
How to apply
Candidates are invited to submit their application exclusively through our recruitment platform, following these guidelines:
CV (maximum 2 pages)Cover letter (maximum 1 page)Documents must be submitted in either English or French.
The application deadline is November 30th, 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier if we receive a sufficient number of quality applications.
APPLY
All applications will be treated confidentially.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Please note that we do not wish to use the services of recruitment or placement agencies.