Join MSF OCG as an Associate Philanthropy Advisor – Private Major Donors in Zürich!
We are seeking passionate candidates who are eager 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
At MSF OCG, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that supports and amplifies the diverse voices of our team members. We strive to create workplaces where individuals from various backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas, and experiences come together to advance MSF's social mission and achieve better outcomes for our patients and the communities we serve.
We understand that some candidates may hesitate to apply if they do not meet all of the listed requirements. We encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, ability statuses, and other diverse characteristics. If you believe your profile is a good match for this position, we invite you to apply online using the form below, even if you do not meet every listed qualification.
MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, discrimination, or harassment of any kind, including sexual harassment. All selected candidates will undergo reference checks.
Context & Mission
Médecins Sans Frontières is an independent, international medical and humanitarian organization providing care to those in need, including people affected by natural or man-made disasters and victims of armed conflict, without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, or political affiliation (MSF Charter).
Founded in 1981, MSF Switzerland is headquartered in Geneva. The Philanthropy Unit is one of eight units within the Communications and Fundraising Department. To ensure comprehensive coverage of the Swiss fundraising market, the Unit operates out of two offices: Geneva and Zurich. Its mission is to strengthen MSF's relationships with private major supporters, including wealthy individuals, foundations, companies, and other philanthropic organizations. The Unit also manages grants and donations from Swiss cantons and communes, as well as legacy funding and the management of heritages.
The Associate Philanthropy Advisor for private major donors in German-speaking Switzerland is a critical member of the Philanthropy Unit, dedicated to implementing an effective cultivation strategy for private major donors in German-speaking Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Strategy and Action Plan: Actively contribute to the implementation of the yearly plan.
- Cultivation and Stewardship:
- Manage a portfolio of Major Donors and potential Top Major Donors and, in collaboration with the Team Coordinator, design and develop a donor journey for contributions between CHF 10,000 and CHF 20,000 annually.
- Determine tailored approaches for each individual donor based on their engagement level and preferences.
- Prepare and facilitate impactful one-on-one meetings, calls, presentations, and other meaningful interactions with major donors.
- Interact with key spokespersons within MSF, including the President, General Director, Director of Operations, and field staff, to connect donors with our vital work.
- Organize visits to MSF offices and projects in line with MSF guidelines.
- Ensure donor identities align with MSF's gift acceptance policy.
- Maintain an organized system for moves management to ensure donors receive appropriate gratitude and stewardship.
- Keep the donor database up-to-date.
- Draft engaging communications for major donors about MSF projects.
- Solicitation:
- Proactively present tailored asks to selected major donors aligned with the yearly plan and historical giving patterns.
- Ensure the donor journey strategy is effectively followed for personalized solicitations.
- Information and Data Management:
- Collaborate with the System Support Team for efficient use of the Customer Relationship Management Database.
- Assist the Team Coordinator with income forecasting and quarterly result analysis.
- Other Responsibilities:
- Participate in the Community of Practice for Individual Major Donors at MSF.
- Contribute proactively to Unit projects as requested by your supervisor.
Your Profile
- Education: Tertiary degree in Business Management, Marketing, Communications, Political Science, International Relations, or related fields.
- Experience: Initial professional experience in the non-profit sector or in marketing, sales, communication, or client relationship management.
- Languages: Native German and very good English; knowledge of French and Italian is an asset.
- Skills/Technical Competencies:
- Excellent writing, drafting, and editing skills.
- Strong public speaking abilities.
- Proficient in Windows applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and tech-savvy.
- Robust analytical skills.
- Knowledge of the humanitarian and development sector in Switzerland.
- Personal Abilities/Qualities:
- Exceptional interpersonal skills.
- Service-oriented mindset.
- Dynamic, proactive, and autonomous.
- Meticulous organizational capabilities.
- Empathetic, enthusiastic, and optimistic.
- Discreet and a team player.
Terms of Employment
- Full-time position (100% / 40 hours per week).
- Open-ended contract.
- Location: Zürich, Switzerland.
- Ideal start date: February 2nd, 2026.
- Gross annual salary (for 100%): CHF 80,856.- to CHF 97,224.- (salary commensurate with experience).
- Paid vacation: 25 days per year, plus Swiss public holidays during the contract period.
- Pension plan: 75% covered by MSF, 25% by staff member.
- Relocation package available for candidates moving from abroad.
How to Apply
Candidates are invited to apply online using the form below. Please include your CV (maximum 2 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 1 page) in either English or French. The application deadline is January 25th, 2026.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier if we receive a sufficient number of quality applications. All submissions will be treated confidentially. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Please note that we do not engage the services of recruitment or placement agencies.