Human Resources Director

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.

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.

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 HR Director drives culture and people strategies to ensure both short and long-term staffing needs for MSF OCG are met and supporting the achievement of social mission ambitions and strategic objectives through effective human resources management. 

The HRD is responsible to build and maintain a culture and practices that enable trust and empowerment of the global workforce of MSF and to ensure the wellbeing of the people working with MSF OCG as an organisational priority and a prerequisite for the social mission MSF OCG to be successful.  

The HRD is responsible for the management and overall direction of HR Department, which at HQ is several services (Operational Human Resources Management, Recruitment, Career and Pool Management, Learning & Development, Administration, Compensation and Benefits, Staff Health and HR Transformation).

• Lead the implementation roll-out of the three pillars of the HR Transformation program (Information Systems, HR Structure, and people and capabilities) for the benefit of the global workforce (aprox. 5000 OCG employees worldwide).  

• Continue the implementation and communication of the HR vision and strategy for MSF OCG.  

• Participate in MSF OCG Management Team (MT) and in the analysis and definition of OCG strategies, policies, and positioning and managing external and internal risks for MSF and specifically for HR  

• Leads and manages the HR department, providing strategic direction and setting the example for a collaborative, innovative and professional team culture 

• Develop proactive and meaningful strategies in organizational development, HR planning, recruitment, people development, compensation, and employee relations 

• As a member of the IDRH (MSF International HR Director Platform), design and implement coherent HR policies and practices for all MSF staff, in support of MSFs Global Workforce Strategy 

• Support MSF OCG network with partner sections and regional offices to achieve staffing, career management, and talent development objectives. 

• Drive the creation of a gender-balanced, positive and inclusive working culture that maximizes staff engagement and nurtures a culture of health and wellbeing 

• Cultural champion that advances efforts toward the highest standards of Duty of Care and Safeguarding for MSF and collaborate with the Behavior Committee and Abuse Lead to prevent abuse and discrimination. 

• Guide the design, implementation, and evaluation of learning and development initiatives, with a focus on leadership growth and change management. Ensure the continuous development of the workforce to meet future organizational needs. 

Education & Experience

• University master’s degree in human resources and/or other directly relevant areas and/or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. 

• Consolidated experience in leadership and management positions (minimum 5 years) in an international organization, including strong capacity for human resources management. 

• Consolidated experience in humanitarian aid (minimum 3 years), preferably with Médecins Sans Frontières,  

• Knowledge and experience in change management is desired

Languages

• English and French are the working languages at MSF Switzerland headquarters. Fluency in both English and French is required for this position (oral and written).

• German is an asset 

Personal Abilities & Skills

• Good Ability to inspire, motivate, coach, and manage a dynamic and diverse team. 

• Cultural competencies with the ability to understand and define solutions for diverse populations. 

• Balance analysis, reflection, judgement, and proactive decision-making. 

• Problem-solving, prioritization, and time-management skills. 

• Interpersonal and relationship management skills. 

• Communication, presentation, and negotiation skills. 

• Budgetary control and financial planning 

• Full commitment to MSF principles and values. 

• High personal integrity and empathy 

• 3 year term, renewable once

• Full-time, 100% (40h/week)

• Working place: Geneva, Switzerland

• Ideal start date: May 18th, 2026

• Gross annual salary (for 100%): from CHF 159’672.- to CHF 169’092.- (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 package if moving from a different country to Switzerland.

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 23rd, 2025.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier if we receive a sufficient number of quality applications.

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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.