Doctors Without Borders is looking for a Deputy Human Resource Director (HQ HR & Admin; French-speaking)

Deputy Human Resource Director (HQ HR & Admin)

• Sur site
• Genève, Genève, Suisse
• RH

The Deputy HR Director, with the HRD, will review and implement structural changes in the set-up of the teams under their responsibility.

Description de l'offre d'emploi

Join MSF OCG as the Deputy Human Resource Director (HQ HR & Admin)!

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.

Inclusivity and Diversity at MSF

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.

Context & mission

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).

MSF OCG is a member of the worldwide movement of MSF and directly manages medical humanitarian programmes in approximately 30 countries through more than 60 field projects. OCG employs over 7,000 professionals worldwide, of which around 450 are based in Headquarter positions based predominately in Geneva, Switzerland but also in Zurich, Amman, Dakar and Mexico among other locations.

The Deputy Human Resource Director (HQ HR & Administration) defines and overseas HQ Human Resources and HR Administration within MSF Switzerland / Operational Centre Geneva (OCG). Together with the HRD, the role o-defines culture and people strategies to ensure OCG meets the long-term people needs of its headquarters workforce and delivers on its social mission and strategic objectives.

The Deputy HR Director, together with the HRD, will review and implement structural changes in the set-up of the teams under their responsibility. The scope and functioning of this position is therefore expected to evolve and be adapted as changes are implemented.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead and govern HQ Human Resources and HR Administration under delegation of the HRD, ensuring coherent policies, processes, service delivery and governance.
• Co-define, drive and implement HQ people strategy and HR priorities, aligned with MSF Switzerland / OCG strategic objectives.
• Shape and steer the organisational design and evolution of HQ HR and HR Administration, including transformation initiatives, resource allocation and budget oversight.
• Provide strategic guidance to HR departments in other OCG HQ locations with the aim of creating as much consistency as feasible while taking into account contextual specificities.
• Develop and drive an effective employee relations approach that supports wellbeing, motivation and a constructive working environment; act as employer’s representative with staff bodies as relevant.
• Provide high-quality HR advice and support to directors, managers and employees, including conflict management, arbitration, grievances and disciplinary processes.
• Oversee the effectiveness, coherence, and compliance of HQ HR practices—including talent acquisition, onboarding, staff development, and performance management—ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and Swiss legal requirements, in close collaboration with relevant units.
• Represent the HR function internally and externally as required, including substituting for the HRD on selected platforms.

Your profile

Education

• University Master’s degree in Human Resources (or related field) or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience..

Experience

• Confirmed managerial HR experience in Switzerland, including employee relations and HR administration.
• Experience in an international and/or humanitarian organisation is an asset..

Languages

• English and French are the working languages at MSF Switzerland headquarters. Fluency in one and a good working level (or willingness to learn) the other is required.
• German is an asset.

Knowledge & Expertise

• Strong understanding of HR administration and Swiss employment framework;
• Ability to analyse complex information and advise senior management; proven stakeholder management,
• Negotiation and communication skills;
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment and demonstrate commitment to diversity,
• Inclusion and non-discriminatory behaviours..

Behavioral & Managerial Competencies

• Full commitment to MSF principles and values;
• Integrity and ethical judgement;
• Empathy; leadership and team management skills, including ability to build and develop diverse and inclusive teams.

Terms of employment

• Full-time position 100% (40h/week)
• Mandated position, 3 year-term, renewable once
• Working place: Geneva, Switzerland
• Ideal start date: July 15th, 2026
• Gross annual salary (for 100%): from CHF 131’484.- to CHF 147’000.- (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 support available for eligible candidates.

How to apply

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 April 19th, 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 shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please note that we do not wish to use the services of recruitment or placement agencies.

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