UREPH Researcher

Country: Switzerland Organization: Médecins Sans Frontières en Suisse Closing date: 13 Sep 2026 Join MSF OCG as a UREPH Researcher! 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). The UREPH (Research Unit on Humanitarian Stakes and Practices) of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Switzerland was created in 2006 and aims to improve the way MSF projects are implemented in the field and to participate in critical thinking on humanitarian and medical action, notably by producing publications and organizing conferences and debates. The UREPH carries out research that enables a better understanding of operational challenges and fosters an analytical and reflective approach to humanitarian practices and issues As part of a small team, the Researcher is amongst the leading persons within MSF Switzerland/Operational Center Geneva (OCG) for the capitalisation and the research around operational and ethical issues. She/He represents MSF-CH in various forums regarding these aspects (academic gatherings, communications events, etc.). She/He is also expected to be available to carry other tasks (field visit, teaching, etc.) if compatible with the approach of the main research. She/He must have a polyvalent profile and be capable of rapid conceptualisation of the issues at stake in current and emerging themes. The post requires general interest, knowledge, and MSF field coordination experience, as well as an ability to take on ad hoc dossiers depending on the circumstances and requests from other departments. The Researcher must be capable of working autonomously, yet hand in hand with external and internal networks, drawing on the latter to secure awareness of current thinking/approaches and position her/his output for maximised use and impact. The Researcher is directly under the responsibility of and reports to the head of UREPH. Tasks & Responsibilities • To contribute to the generation and dissemination of knowledge pertaining to humanitarian action, its stakes and practices, relevant to current MSF programmes: • Publication of peer-reviewed research articles, through academic journals with international readership Study design and formulation of methodology Field collection of specific data as needed Collection of bibliography Article writing (as main contributing author) Article submission and editorial correspondence Article finalisation according to peer reviews Article publication • Presentation of research results in internal (MSF) and external meetings Submission of abstracts Attend conferences or other meetings relevant to research topics • To contribute to building partnerships between MSF and humanitarian, academic or public health institutions, and think tanks: • Representation of UREPH in external meetings, workshops or consultations Lectures on humanitarian action, ethical issues or related topics Participation in workshops or high-level events and consultations • To lead or participate in internal debates, so as to challenge institutional and operational policies and initiate constructive critical reflection on how our organisation both functions and delivers its medico-humanitarian assistance: • Liaise with other MSF sections on themes of common interests • Stimulate critical thinking on these issues and push forward the development and improvement of adequate responses to these challenges Your profile Education • Master’s degree in social sciences, global health, public health, political sciences, medical anthropology or a related field (PhD a plus) Experience • Experience in the field with MSF is compulsory • Experience in field research • Experience and ability to build and animate a network of resources • Academic publications a plus Languages • Fluency in French and English (compulsory) Skills/ Technical competencies • Excellent writing and analytical skills • Ability to synthesise information Personal Abilities/Qualities • Team spirit while able to work autonomously • Organised and structured way of working • Strong responsiveness and flexibility • Ability to show initiative Terms of employment • Open-ended contract, part-time position (90%) • Working place: Geneva, Switzerland, with possible field visits • Ideal starting date: 15 october 2026 • Gross annual salary: from CHF 102’180.- to CHF 116’484.- (salary commensurate with experience and according to 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 September 13, 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier if we receive a sufficient number of quality applications. APPLY 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.