Deputy Director of Communications & Fundraising

Mission & Context

Médecins Sans Frontières is an independent international medical and humanitarian organisation that provides assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and without regard to race, religion, belief or political affiliation.

MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to helping other human beings in crisis. As such, MSF is by choice an association. Each individual working with MSF does so out of conviction and is willing to uphold MSF’s values and principles.

The MSF movement is structured around five operational directorates supported by 21 sections, 24 associations and other MSF offices around the world. The MSF Operations Centre in Geneva (OCG) is one of these directorates. Operations are implemented by field teams and mission coordination teams.

The position of Deputy Director belongs to the Communications and Fundraising Department, whose mission is central to supporting MSF’s social mission. The aim of the department is to maximise engagement with audiences in Switzerland, as well as in the field and globally, and to raise awareness on the situations of the populations and communities in humanitarian and medical care of MSF. The fundraising function is a key element of this position and is one of the pillars of support for the social mission: in 2021, nearly 136 million Swiss francs in private funds have been raised in Switzerland- through campaigns with the public and our supporters, as well as through philanthropic activities.

MSF OCG’s strategic plan (2020-2023) sets the objective of increasing the commitment of existing MSF supporters and developing MSF’s audience, especially in Switzerland.

In this context, you will be responsible to the departmental management of communication and fundraising and will have primary responsibility for the department’s fundraising units (Mass Market, Regular Donor Acquisition, Philanthropy, Fundraising Systems).

Main Responsibilities

• Contribute, in coordination with the department’s direction, to the development of the vision, relevant strategies and definition of objectives for the entire communication and fundraising department.
• Develop relevant fundraising strategies and supervise MSF’s fundraising activities in Switzerland.
• In coordination with the department’s direction, lead the annual fundraising planning process, four-year projections and budget revisions and liaise with funding partners and organisations.
• In collaboration with the units, set fundraising targets and monitor results.
• Demonstrate innovative approaches, thought leadership and creativity in managing the investments already made in fundraising and shape the future of fundraising and development in the Swiss market.
• Participate in international fundraising platforms within the MSF movement and provide expertise to the entities attached to the Geneva Operations Centre.
• Through delegation of the department direction, manage 5 staff under direct supervision, who are managing fundraising teams totaling some 40 employees.
• Work transversally with other units of the department and other departments of MSF, such as Human Resources or Associative.

Your Profile

Education

• Advanced degree in a fundraising related discipline.
• Specific training in fundraising is an asset

Experience

• Minimum 8-10 years of fundraising experience in the philanthropic sector
• A broad understanding of the issues related to communication (image, positioning, etc.).
• Required: experience with MSF/humanitarian organization or within an NGO.
• Proven experience in roles requiring strategic vision, planning and real creativity
• Demonstrated experience in leading and managing a multidisciplinary team.

Languages

• Preferably fluent French or German and good knowledge of the other language.
• Fluent English
• Italian is an asset

Personal Abilities

• Interest in MSF’s humanitarian principles
• Natural disposition for public relations
• Ability to adapt, flexibility
• Ability to motivate a team and collaborate with staff from various departments internally (communication, finance, etc.).
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and meet deadlines in a dynamic and constantly changing environment
• Available for frequent trips to Zurich; and possible annual field trip.

Skills/ Technical competencies

• Knowledge of fundraising tools
• Demonstrated success in positions requiring judgment, synthesis and analysis, and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Experience in team supervision
• Proven ability in project management and planning
• Digital orientation with excellent computer skills

Terms of Employment

• Full-time position 100% (40h/week)
• 3-year term renewable once, maximum 6 years
• Working place: Geneva,
• Ideal start date: December 1st, 2022
• Gross annual salary: from CHF 127’633.- to CHF 142’692.- (salary commensurate with equivalent experience and internal salary grid)