Join MSF OCG as a Philanthropy Advisor!
Are you passionate about making a difference? We are looking for dedicated candidates to contribute to our humanitarian mission as a Philanthropy Advisor.
Inclusivity and Diversity at MSF
At MSF OCG, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that amplifies the diverse voices of our staff members. We aim to create a workplace where people from various backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas, and experiences come together to advance MSF's social mission. We believe in better outcomes for our patients and the communities we serve.
If you believe your profile is a good match for this position, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every listed qualification. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.
MSF does not tolerate any form of discrimination, harassment, or abuse. All selected candidates will undergo reference checks.
Context & Mission
Médecins Sans Frontières is an independent international medical and humanitarian organization that provides care to those in need, including individuals affected by disasters and armed conflicts, without discrimination based on race, religion, creed, or political affiliation (MSF Charter). The MSF movement is comprised of five operational centers supported by 24 sections and offices worldwide, one of which is the MSF Operational Center Geneva (MSF OCG).
As a Philanthropy Advisor, you will be responsible for securing and growing income from individual major donors in German-speaking Switzerland and Liechtenstein. You will manage a portfolio of assigned donors, cultivate strong and lasting relationships, deepen engagement with MSF’s social mission, and identify opportunities to enhance their support.
Tasks & Responsibilities
- Qualification, Cultivation, and Stewardship:
- Manage a portfolio of major donors and ensure exceptional experiences that enhance their engagement.
- Qualify each major donor and prospect in collaboration with the Prospect Researcher.
- Coordinate with the Team Coordinator and Middle Donor manager to identify and update potential major donors.
- Prepare and facilitate one-on-one meetings, presentations, and significant interactions with major donors or their representatives.
- Establish relationships with new potential major donors to secure significant future support for MSF’s work.
- Collaborate with key MSF spokespersons to connect donors with our life-saving mission.
- Define and organize visits to MSF offices and projects as appropriate.
- Ensure donor identity complies with MSF's gift acceptance policy.
- Keep the database up-to-date and coordinate with writing officers on project briefings and reports.
- Work with the Direct Marketing team to leverage marketing appeals effectively.
- Solicitation:
- Present and advocate for MSF’s cases for support to individual major donors in German-speaking Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- Follow the major donor journey strategy and solicit support based on personalized motivations.
- Information and Data Management:
- Collaborate with the System Support Team for efficient use of the CRM database.
- Assist the Team Coordinator with income forecasting and quarterly analysis of results.
- Others:
- Participate in the Community of Practice for Individual Major Donors at MSF.
- Contribute proactively to projects as needed, upon request from your supervisor.
Your Profile
- Education:
- University degree in Business Management, Marketing, Communications, Political Science, Law, International Relations, or a related field.
- Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years in similar functions or in areas requiring high-level relational skills (public relations, wealth management, sales/marketing/communications, high-level advocacy, or humanitarian project work).
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics or other CRM systems is a plus.
- Knowledge of humanitarian aid is also a plus.
- Languages:
- (Swiss) German (native or equivalent).
- English.
- French and Italian are a plus.
- Skills/Technical Competencies:
- Proficient writing skills.
- Excellent public speaking abilities.
- Database management experience is a plus.
- Personal Abilities/Qualities:
- Exceptional interpersonal skills.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Empathetic, enthusiastic, and optimistic demeanor.
- Results-oriented with a strong team spirit.
- Commitment to MSF’s social mission and values.
Terms of Employment
- Full-time position (40 hours/week).
- Open-ended contract.
- Location: Zürich.
- Ideal start date: as soon as possible.
- Gross annual salary (for 100%): from CHF 87,372 to CHF 100,608 (salary commensurate with experience and internal salary grid).
- Paid vacation: 25 days per year, prorated, plus Swiss public holidays within the contract period.
- Pension plan: 3/4 contribution by MSF, 1/4 by the staff member.
- Relocation support available for eligible candidates.
How to Apply
Apply online using the form below. Please ensure you provide:
- CV (maximum 2 pages).
- Cover letter (maximum 1 page).
- Documents must be submitted in either English or French.
The application deadline is 30th August 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier if we receive a sufficient number of quality applications. All applications will be treated confidentially. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Please note that we do not wish to engage the services of recruitment or placement agencies.