Executive Assistant to the International President

Location: Geneva

Contract: Permanent, full-time contract

Starting date: As soon as possible

Deadline to apply: 13th of November 2026

Compensation and Benefits: MSF practice is to offer the compensation and benefits package in line with the MSF entity offering the contract.

At MSF, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We welcome applications from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, ability status, and all other diversity characteristics.

MSF is committed to preventing abuse, inappropriate behaviour, lack of integrity and financial misconduct in its work and care spaces. The successful candidate will be expected to comply with the organisation’s safeguarding policies and standards of professional behaviour.

We are committed to removing barriers for people with specific accessibility needs. If you need an adjustment to the recruitment process to be considered for the role, please let us know from the beginning of the selection process.

MSF INTERNATIONAL

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organisation that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion and natural disasters. MSF offers assistance to people based only on need and irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. MSF International is the legal entity that binds MSF’s 26 sections, 28 associations and other branch offices together. Registered in Switzerland, MSF International provides coordination, information and support to the MSF Movement, as well as implements international projects and initiatives as requested.

JOB PURPOSE 

The IP Executive Assistant (EA) provides high-level strategic, organisational and administrative support to the International President, enabling effective leadership, governance, decision-making and execution of the IP’s responsibilities. 

The EA supports far beyond administrative coordination - they act as a strategic partner, anticipating needs, streamlining decision making, and ensuring the IP’s time is focused on the highest impact priorities. 

The postholder will pre-emptively maintain and refine internal processes while coordinating internal and external resources to expedite workflows, and to plan and orchestrate work to ensure priorities are met, organisational goals are achieved, and best practices are upheld.

CONTEXT 

The Executive Assistant accompanies the IP at the heart of the organisation, providing a pivotal role in creating the conditions that allow the IP to perform at their highest level within the complex globally interdependent MSF network.

This means clear organisation of priorities, managing multiple schedules, preparing briefing materials, coordinating cross functional communication, and acting as a trusted point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. 

It involves anticipating needs before they arise, filtering information intelligently, and ensuring priorities stay aligned with organisational goals. 

The postholder becomes an extension of the IP’s leadership presence, helping maintain momentum, clarity, and efficiency across the wider team. As such there is a business requirement for the post holder to be a visible presence and point of contact for the IP and to be physically based in the Geneva office.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Provides executive support 

• Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the IP, helping to prioritise initiatives, manage competing demands, and maintain organisational alignment.

• Anticipate needs and proactively address issues before they escalate.

• Exercise sound judgment in all interactions, decisions, and requests for support.

• Conduct research and synthesise information to inform decision-making.

• Track key initiatives, decisions, commitments, and follow-up actions arising from the IP’s engagement with stakeholders and maintain visibility on progress.

• Support the proactive planning of IP business in close partnership with the Office of the IB and ISG.

  2. Organises and streamlines administrative processes and planning to ensure focus on deadlines and deliverables   

• Manage the IP’s diary proactively and coordinate travel arrangements in collaboration with the IB Assistant.

• Act as a gatekeeper, protecting the IP’s time and ensuring focus on priority areas.

• Coordinate meetings and executive-level events.

• Lead or support cross-functional projects, ensuring deadlines and deliverables are met.

• Identify and refine core processes to strengthen efficiency and coordination.

  3. Ensures relevant, timely and quality communication and documentation is created for, on behalf of and available to the IP 

• Prepare speeches, briefing materials, agendas, and follow-up actions for internal and external meetings.

• Draft, edit, and proofread high-level correspondence, presentations, and reports.

• Coordinate internal communications on behalf of the IP, escalating important issues and facilitating timely communication of senior decisions.

• Maintain records effectively to ensure they are available on demand at short notice when required.

  4. Manages internal and external relationships  

• Build strong relationships across the organisation and with external stakeholders.

• Act with professionalism, discretion, and emotional intelligence.

• Handle sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality.

SAFEGUARDING RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE 

The incumbent commits to contribute to a safe, supportive, inclusive, equitable, diverse, respectful, and healthy workplace, free from abuse and other misconduct.  They will not engage in any form of abuse including those detailed in MSF Typologies of Abuse and when an employee suspects or observes abuse, they will report it to protect others.   

Experience and Knowledge 

• Extensive experience working as an Executive Assistant to Director / CEO level.  

• Demonstrable experience of managing complex, dynamic calendars with an emphasis on strategic time allocation. 

• Excellent English, other languages asset (for example French, Arabic) 

• Experience in governance, international organisations, NGOs or complex multi-entity organisations an added advantage. 

• Comfortable coordinating cross-functional teams and liaising with stakeholders at all levels, including external partners and senior executives. 

• Experience preparing briefings, reports, presentations, and meeting materials with a high level of accuracy. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication, able to draft clear, concise, and professional correspondence. 

• Experience in the practical use of personal IT equipment and Microsoft Office 365 suite. The ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within a hybrid working environment utilising Teams, SharePoint, One Drive and Viva Engage. An aptitude for quickly learning new software and systems.  

Professional skills  

• Organisation and autonomy

• Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to anticipate needs and plan.  

• Strong time-management skills and an ability to coordinate multiple concurrent projects. 

• Skilled at filtering information, prioritising tasks, and maintaining momentum across multiple workstreams. 

• Ability to work in a disciplined and organised fashion, under pressure, with conflicting priorities and across time zones. 

• Confident decision-making and the ability to act autonomously when required. 

Personal skills 

• Proactive mindset with a natural inclination to take ownership and improve processes.   

• Flexible team player, willing to adapt to changes, and confident tackling unfamiliar challenges across multiple domains of knowledge/experience. 

• High level of discretion, judgement, and emotional intelligence. 

• Calm, composed, and solutions focused under pressure.  

• Relationship builder who can represent the IP with professionalism and warmth.  

• Adaptable, resilient, and comfortable navigating ambiguity.  

• High integrity and a strong sense of responsibility.  

• Thrives in a role that blends strategic support with hands on execution.  

• Enjoys being a trusted partner who enables leadership effectiveness.  

• Values confidentiality, reliability, and excellence in delivery.  

• An enquiring, curious mind with a demonstrable ability to search for answers, make connections and navigate new situations and people. 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Note: All offers of employment will be subject to reference checks and to appropriate screening checks. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her/their understanding of these recruitment procedures.