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 staff members. We strive to create workplaces where teams of people with varied backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas, and experiences collaborate to advance MSF's social mission and achieve better outcomes for our patients and the communities we serve.
We understand that some individuals may hesitate to apply for employment if they don't meet every listed job requirement. Research indicates that this is particularly true for women. If you believe your profile aligns well with this position, we encourage you to apply online using the form below, even if you don't meet every qualification listed.
We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, ability statuses, and all other characteristics of diversity.
MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse or any form 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, including those affected by natural or man-made disasters and victims of armed conflict, without discrimination and regardless of 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.
The Legal Department offers advice and legal support—both general and private—to operations and headquarters.
The Legal Assistant will support Unit 4, assisting legal advisors with matters related to Administrative and Commercial Laws, Taxes, Visas, etc., as well as Unit 3 concerning Labour Laws. This role will focus on administrative, organizational, and knowledge management tasks for the entire OCG team. The Legal Assistant may also provide legal assistance for other areas (IHL, medic-legal) if necessary.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Legal Support (60%):
- Provide legal support for project missions and headquarters.
- Assist legal advisors in preparing legal analyses of specific operational dossiers, including document analysis, national laws & regulations, risk assessments, and drafting analyses.
- Conduct legal research on various national laws and regulations.
- Draft memos and notes on substantive dossiers.
- Support in managing pre-litigations and litigations (commercial, tax, labour law), including the drafting of Master Files, as well as collecting relevant documents and legal references.
- Assist in reviewing contracts and Memoranda of Understanding with external partners.
- Bi-annually brief the Cells Assistant on Power of Attorney processes.
- Administrative Support & Organization (40%):
- Manage the database, updating follow-up tables for the ILD or OCG legal team.
- Collect registration and renewal MOUs (framework and project) from departments or field.
- Monitor the management of the legal Toolbox, including collecting and filing IDL memos and practical tools.
- Disseminate ILD tools.
- Support the preparation of field visits for OCG legal advisors by gathering necessary documentation (visit reports, national laws, country analyses, etc.).
- Oversee field visit logistics, travels, and leaves for the OCG team.
- Organize meetings for the OCG legal department, including preparing agendas, drafting minutes, and coordinating ad hoc meetings upon request.
- Support and follow up on recruitment processes, including interns.
Your Profile
- Education: University degree in law (Master in private law, student at the CRFPA, or other equivalent profiles).
- Experience: Experience with the Intersectional Legal department is an advantage; prior professional experience in NGOs or law firms is an asset.
- Languages: Fluent in English and French (written and spoken).
- Skills/Technical Competencies:
- Contract law; comparative approach.
- Tax law.
- Administrative/public law.
- Labour law.
- Legal research.
- Strong analytical and synthesis abilities; autonomy; writing skills; precision; time management; responsiveness.
- Personal Abilities/Qualities:
- Team spirit.
- Motivation.
- Maturity.
- Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural environment.
- Autonomy and flexibility.
Terms of Employment
- Full-time position (40 hours per week).
- Fixed-term contract of 12 months.
- Location: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Ideal start date: March 2nd, 2026.
- Paid vacation: 25 days per year, prorata temporis, plus any Swiss public holidays during the contract period.
- Pension plan: ¾ of the pension contribution is covered by MSF; ¼ by the staff member.
- Relocation package for candidates moving from another country to Switzerland.
How to Apply
Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.