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). The MSF movement is built around 5 operational centers supported by 24 sections and offices worldwide. MSF Operational Center Geneva (MSF OCG) is one of these centers.
We are looking for an experienced Deputy Program Manager (ARP) to join Cell 4. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Deputy Program Manager plays a key role in steering MSF’s operations within Cell 4, contributing to operational decision-making and ensuring the relevance, timeliness and quality of MSF’s assistance. The role supports operational planning, resource mobilisation, programme monitoring, security and advocacy, while supervising and supporting Heads of Mission. As a central operational role within MSF, the Deputy Program Manager acts as a key interface between missions and headquarters, ensuring effective information flow, coherent HQ support and a shared understanding of operational priorities across OCG. The role also contributes to the internal visibility of programmes and to critical reflection on operational challenges and MSF’s social mission.
By delegation of responsibilities and tasks from the Program Manager:
In accordance with the Charter, the Chantilly / La Mancha agreements and OCG operational policy, the Deputy Program Manager ensures the overall relevance, timeliness and quality of MSF’s assistance to populations in danger within a selected group of countries.
Is responsible for steering the operations planning cycle, ensuring that transversal internal processes are respected, that MSF policies are translated into action unless otherwise justified, and that resources are adequately mobilized to support operational objectives and the chosen intervention strategies.
Ensures that key medical and/or humanitarian stakes are identified within each mission and project, prioritizes them, and carries them internally and externally through bilateral meetings, documentation, témoignage and communication; determines how MSF will address the issues at stake and defines its public position.
Creates and maintains a network of relevant political, humanitarian, medical and academic contacts to ensure the best possible knowledge of the environment for teams working in the field, especially in tense contexts.
Monitors the level of exposure to risk affecting teams in the field and validates the security framework proposed by the Heads of Mission for each project.
Supervises, advises, supports and evaluates the Heads of Mission in the fulfilment of their overall responsibilities and duties; in this perspective, provides them with all relevant information and visits missions at key moments (exploratory missions, programme definition phases and/or reorientations due to evolving needs, context or policy).
Organizes the best possible level of headquarters support to field operations by optimizing the input, expertise and control functions of professionals from different departments, each representing a technical field necessary for the effective running of projects in the field.
Monitors programme implementation and the effective running of missions by analysing situation and programme reports submitted by the coordination and providing feedback; is accountable for timely reporting on operations, including institutional donors supporting MSF’s action in the field.
Aims to continuously improve MSF’s medical assistance by evaluating results achieved, leading thematic working groups on intervention strategies, initiating critical reviews as needed, supporting operational research projects, and contributing to the design and delivery of training modules for coordinators.
Your profile Education University-level degree in international relations, social sciences, medicine, public health, a paramedical field, or equivalent professional experience.
Experience Experience in humanitarian aid, ideally as an MSF Head of Mission or Emergency Coordinator. Previous experience as a Medical Coordinator is an asset. Expertise in analysing and managing unstable contexts and crisis situations. Experience in, and interest in, the medical, social, economic and political dimensions of countries affected by humanitarian crises, whether acute or protracted, or undergoing development, is an asset.
Languages Fluency in English and French is mandatory. Knowledge of a third language is an asset.
Skills/ professional competencies Strong representation and diplomatic skills, with proven negotiation abilities. Strong strategic planning and orientation skills. Ability to analyse humanitarian contexts, with a sound understanding of medical issues and MSF intervention strategies. Ability to design and plan medical programmes, build and maintain networks, motivate and lead teams, organise responsibilities and delegate tasks effectively. Excellent writing skills.
Personal Abilities/Qualities Dynamic and flexible, with strong initiative and decision-making skills. Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with a clear sense of priorities. Highly developed stress-management skills. Strong communication and public-speaking skills. Participative management style.
Terms of employment
Full-time position 100% (40h/week) 3 years contract, renewable once. Working place: Based in Geneva, with very frequent international travel. Ideal start date: 1st of December 2026 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 31 of october 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.