Join MSF OCG as a Philanthropy Advisor – Individual Major Donors in German-speaking Switzerland and Liechtenstein!
We are seeking passionate candidates who are 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
At MSF OCG, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that amplifies the diverse voices of our staff members. We strive to create workplaces where teams of individuals with varied backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas, and experiences work 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 don’t meet all job requirements. If you believe your profile aligns well with this position, we invite you to apply online using the form below, even if you don’t fulfill every listed qualification. We encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, ability statuses, and all other diversity characteristics.
MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse or any forms of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment. All selected candidates will undergo reference checks.
Context & Mission
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent, international medical and humanitarian organization that provides care to those in need—people 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).
Founded in 1981, MSF Switzerland is headquartered in Geneva. The Philanthropy Unit, part of the Communications and Fundraising Department, consists of 17 individuals and raises approximately CHF 60 million annually from our generous donors. To ensure effective geographical coverage across the Swiss fundraising market, the Unit operates from two offices: Geneva and Zurich. Its mission is to strengthen relationships with private major supporters, including wealthy individuals, companies, foundations, and other philanthropic organizations, and to manage grants and donations from Swiss cantons and communes.
The Philanthropy Advisor will join a worldwide community of fundraising and philanthropy specialists within the MSF movement, sharing experiences and insights with colleagues globally to bring quality medical aid to millions affected by crises.
Tasks & Responsibilities
Qualification, Cultivation, and Stewardship
- Manage a portfolio of Major donors.
- Deliver the best possible experience to MSF's key donors to enhance their engagement.
- Qualify each Major Donor and Major Donor prospect in collaboration with the Prospect Researcher.
- Liaise with the Middle Donor manager to identify and update potential Major Donors.
- Prepare and facilitate one-on-one meetings, presentations, and other meaningful interactions with major donors and their representatives.
- Establish relationships with new potential major donors, including high-potential middle givers and ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
- Interact and collaborate with key spokespersons within MSF to bring donors closer to our life-saving mission.
- Define and organize visits to MSF offices and projects, in accordance with MSF criteria.
- Ensure donor relationships align with MSF's gift acceptance policy.
- Oversee the moves management process and ensure donors are thanked appropriately.
- Maintain the database up-to-date.
- Collaborate with Writing Officers for preparing and editing project briefings, reports, proposals, and presentations for major donors.
- Work with the Direct Marketing team to coordinate marketing appeals and touchpoints.
Solicitation
- Present and defend MSF’s cases for support to individual major donors in German-speaking Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- Ensure that the major donor journey strategy is personalized and aligned with their motivations.
Information and Data Management
- Collaborate with the System Support Team for effective use of the Customer Relationship Management Database.
- Assist the Team Coordinator in income forecasting and quarterly analysis of results.
Others
- Participate in the Community of Practice for Individual Major Donors of MSF.
- Engage proactively in projects within the Unit as requested by the supervisor.
Your Profile
Education
- Tertiary degree in Business Management, Marketing, Communications, Political Science, Law, International Relations or equivalent.
Experience
- Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in similar roles or fields that require high-level relational skills, such as public relations, wealth management, or marketing/communications.
- Experience with Microsoft Dynamics or other Customer Relationship Management Systems is a plus.
- Experience and knowledge of humanitarian aid are beneficial.
Languages
- German (native or equivalent)
- English
- French is a plus
- Italian is a plus
Skills / Technical Competencies
- Proven writing skills.
- Excellent oral public presentation abilities.
- Familiarity with database management is a plus.
Personal Abilities / Qualities
- Exceptional interpersonal skills.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities.
- Empathetic, enthusiastic, and optimistic.
- Result-oriented and collaborative.
- Strong commitment to MSF’s social mission and values.
Terms of Employment
- Full-time position (100%, 40 hours/week)
- Open-ended contract
- Work Location: Zurich, Switzerland
- Ideal Start Date: February 16th, 2026
- Gross annual salary (for 100%): CHF 87,372 - CHF 100,608 (based on experience and internal pay scale)
- Paid vacation: 25 days per year, prorated, plus any applicable Swiss public holidays during the contract period.
- Pension plan: funded 3/4 by MSF and 1/4 by the employee.
- Relocation package available for candidates moving from other countries to Switzerland.
How to Apply
Apply online using the form below.
All applications will be treated confidentially. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.
Please note that we do not wish to use recruitment or placement agencies.