Public Engagement & Health Network Officer
Médecins Sans Frontières / Ärzte ohne Grenzen
Zurich
Key information
- Publication date:27 January 2026
- Workload:100%
- Contract type:Permanent position
- Place of work:Zurich
Job summary
Join MSF OCG as a Public Engagement & Health Network Officer! This role offers a chance to make a difference in humanitarian efforts.
Tasks
- Coordinate MSF's participation in public events like festivals and conventions.
- Build strategic relationships with health professionals and institutions.
- Develop innovative event formats to raise awareness of humanitarian issues.
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in relevant fields; experience in event coordination preferred.
- Excellent project management and communication skills.
- Strong networking abilities and a passion for public engagement.
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Job Offer
(recruitment agencies please refrain)
Join MSF OCG as a Public Engagement & Health Network Officer!
We are looking for committed candidates ready to contribute to our humanitarian mission.
Below you will find the job description and the requirements we expect from applicants.
Inclusion and Diversity at MSF
Do your qualifications and experience not exactly match all the requirements of the position?
At MSF OCG, we are committed to an inclusive culture that supports and amplifies the diverse voices of our staff. We strive to create workplaces where teams of people with different backgrounds, characteristics, perspectives, ideas, and experiences collaborate to advance MSF's social mission and achieve better outcomes for our patients and the communities we serve.
We understand that some people may hesitate to apply if they do not meet all the listed requirements. Research shows this is especially true for women. If you believe your profile fits this position well, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the stated qualifications.
We encourage applications from people of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, religions, beliefs, abilities, and all other diversity characteristics.
MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, discrimination, or harassment, including sexual harassment. All selected candidates will undergo a reference check.
Context & Mission
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is one of the world's largest medical emergency aid organizations, operating wherever human lives are at risk. Armed conflicts, as well as epidemics, pandemics, natural disasters, or exclusion from healthcare are among the reasons for our missions.
Médecins Sans Frontières is independent of all political, religious, or military powers and acts impartially based on medical needs. The organization's independence is ensured by the fact that 96 percent of its income comes from private donations.
The MSF Switzerland office in Zurich comprises around 28 employees working in various areas, including representation, public engagement, communication, and fundraising. The team notably includes the Public Engagement unit, which organizes events in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, as well as the Head of Office Zurich, who advocates for MSF's humanitarian priorities at political and societal levels. The teams are mainly assigned to the Communication & Fundraising department and the management and work closely together to strengthen MSF's visibility, credibility, and engagement in Switzerland.
In this environment, the Public Engagement & Health Network Officer plays a central bridging role between public relations and professional engagement in the health sector. The position ensures the continuity and quality of MSF Switzerland's event activities and builds strategic relationships with medical institutions and professionals, especially in the German-speaking part of Switzerland.
The goal of the position is to combine strategic networking with operational event coordination to sustainably strengthen MSF's presence and impact in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The position holder coordinates MSF's presence at public events, develops partnerships in the health sector, and contributes to mobilizing professionals for humanitarian engagement.
The position offers a versatile role at the interface of public awareness, collaboration with the health sector, and humanitarian work.
Responsibilities
Event Coordination & Public Engagement
Coordinate MSF's participation in major public events such as film festivals, photo exhibitions, and conventions
Organize film screenings in the German-speaking part of Switzerland to raise awareness of humanitarian issues and MSF's medical work
Support and further develop youth and student activities (e.g., mapathons, school and university projects)
Contribute to cross-departmental special events, such as conferences or regional initiatives
Design and develop innovative event formats in line with MSF's strategic goals
Build and maintain internal and external networks to strengthen collaboration and explore new opportunities
Building the Health Network & Strategic Partnerships
Participate in stakeholder analysis of MSF Switzerland and strengthen the network in the Swiss health sector, especially in the German-speaking part of Switzerland
Maintain and expand relationships with hospitals, universities, medical professional associations, and public health institutions
Identify cooperation opportunities and develop targeted engagement strategies for health professionals
Organize or participate in professional forums, conferences, and medical events to strengthen MSF's reputation
Internal & External Collaboration
Work closely with the Head of Office Zurich, teams from communication, fundraising, human resources, and the medical department to coordinate messages and activities
Strengthen the engagement of youth and student groups with the goal of a sustainable volunteer pool
Collaborate with media and digital communication teams to ensure a coherent public presence
Professional, authentic, and inspiring representation of MSF externally
Profile
Education
Bachelor's degree or equivalent education in event management, communication, health management, public health, or social sciences
Proven experience in event coordination, network building, or partner management, ideally in humanitarian, cultural, or health environments
Good knowledge of MSF or comparable humanitarian organizations is an advantage
Experience or insight into the health sector of the German-speaking part of Switzerland is an advantage
Professional Skills
Excellent project management and communication skills
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Confident demeanor, networking experience, and enjoyment of public appearances
Personal Competencies
Strong social and intercultural skills
Clear stance on diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination
Strong interest in humanitarian work and identification with MSF's values
Reliable, dynamic personality with sensitivity to complex or confidential topics
Willingness to travel regularly within Switzerland
Languages
Very good German and English skills, spoken and written
Good French skills are a big plus
Working Conditions
Full-time position (100%, 40 hours/week)
Permanent employment contract
Workplace: Zurich
Ideal start date: April 1, 2026
Gross annual salary (at 100%): between CHF 87,372 and CHF 100,608 (salary according to experience and internal salary scale)
Application
Only applications submitted via our application platform will be considered. Applications must include the following:
Curriculum vitae (maximum 2 pages)
Cover letter (maximum 1 page)
Documents must be submitted in German or English.
The application deadline is February 22, 2026.
We reserve the right to close this position earlier if we receive a sufficient number of high-quality applications.
All applications will be treated confidentially.
Only candidates invited to an interview will be contacted.
Please note that we do not wish to use services from recruitment or placement agencies.