Médecins Sans Frontières Operational Centre Geneva (MSF OCG) is recruiting an L&D Unit Intern for a 6 to 9 month, full-time internship in Geneva, Switzerland, starting at the end of January 2027. The internship pays a gross monthly remuneration of CHF 2,000. The intern provides organisational, administrative and communication support to the Learning & Development (L&D) unit. A tripartite internship agreement is mandatory, and applications close on 24 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy, and every detail is set out below.
Who Is Médecins Sans Frontières?
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent, international medical and humanitarian organisation 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 centres supported by 24 sections and offices worldwide. MSF Operational Centre Geneva (MSF OCG) is one of these centres.
What Does the L&D Unit Intern Do?
The L&D Unit Intern provides organisational, administrative and communication support to the unit. The intern learns from and supports the team in organising and delivering learning activities. Besides recurring tasks, the intern takes the lead on specific assignments or projects, particularly those related to communication, during the internship. The intern works under the supervision of the Head of L&D in a dynamic, internationally dispersed unit of approximately 40 people.
How the intern's time is divided:
🗂️ 60% organisational and administrative support
📣 30% communication and L&D project support
🎓 10% the intern's own learning and development
Organisational and Administrative Support (60%)
The intern gains practical experience in administrative processes by supporting the unit's administration team, and has the opportunity to contribute to improving administrative practices and ways of working. Tasks include:
📅 Supporting the organisation of unit meetings (weekly meetings and specific pillar meetings), including preparing agendas, taking minutes, archiving meeting documentation and ensuring follow-up
📝 Assisting in preparing documents and presentations for internal and external use
📄 Supporting the team in editing and following up on contracts (for team members and service providers), forms (IT, recruitment, etc.) and partnership agreements
🧑💼 Assisting with the organisation of recruitment processes and administrative HR follow-up
🗃️ Maintaining and updating the international staff tracking table (HR Update) in the HR database (D635)
🧭 Organising briefings, debriefings and onboarding activities
📋 Following up on other specific HR procedures as needed
👩🏫 Learning to support teams in organising and delivering learning activities, including virtual classes, face-to-face training sessions and e-learning
📦 Assisting with ordering materials and supplies, including specific training materials, pedagogical resources and general office supplies (e.g. stationery)
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Communication and L&D Project Support (30%)
This part of the internship covers internal and external unit communication and project support:
🗄️ Supporting the unit in managing information, acting as the focal point for online knowledge management platforms such as Kompas and SharePoint, and managing key organisational tools used by the unit
📰 Learning to support, maintain and develop the unit's online communication tools and channels (e.g. learning offers, activity reports and newsletters)
🔎 Updating and maintaining tags and search bar functionalities to improve learners' access to the various training opportunities
✏️ Editing and updating specific communication tools
💡 Proposing and implementing targeted communication initiatives
Your Own Learning (10%)
Because the internship forms part of a university programme, 10% of the intern's time is dedicated to the intern's own learning and development. This time allows the intern to complete any university assignments.
Who Can Apply: Enrolled University Students Only
A tripartite internship agreement is mandatory: the intern, the intern's university and MSF all sign it. Because of this, only students enrolled at a university can apply. Graduates and candidates without a school cannot apply.
Education and Experience You Need
🎓 Education: a degree in Communication, Humanitarian or Development Studies, Social Studies, Organisational Management, or another relevant field
💼 Experience: no specific work experience is required; previous employment experience is considered an advantage
🤲 Advantage: demonstrated commitment to humanitarian or development work, charity work or volunteering
Languages and Skills
🗣️ Languages: fluency in English and French, both written and spoken
🔬 Analytical and synthesis skills
🗓️ Planning and organisational skills
🖥️ Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (PowerPoint, Excel and Word)
🎨 Knowledge of graphic editing tools (Canva)
📹 Knowledge of digital communication tools (MS Teams, Zoom)
Personal Qualities MSF Looks For
🤝 Team player with the ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders
🧍 Ability to work autonomously
🚀 Proactive and solution-oriented
🔄 Flexibility and ability to adapt quickly
🧮 Ability to manage multiple tasks and information simultaneously
🔍 Attention to detail and a rigorous approach to work
⏱️ Strong time management skills
Terms of the Internship
🧾 Agreement: a tripartite internship agreement is mandatory
⏳ Duration: 6 to 9 months, according to the internship agreement
🕘 Hours: full time, 40 hours per week
📍 Location: Geneva, Switzerland
🚀 Start date: end of January 2027
How Much Does the MSF OCG Internship Pay?
The internship pays a gross monthly remuneration of CHF 2,000. If you are weighing it against other placements, our guide on how paid internships and funded traineeships really work explains the difference between an employer-paid internship and a grant-funded one.
Inclusivity and Diversity at MSF OCG
MSF OCG states that it is committed to an inclusive culture that supports and amplifies the diverse voices of its staff. It strives 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 patients and communities.
MSF notes that some people hesitate to apply if they do not meet every listed requirement, and that research shows this is especially true for women. If you believe your profile is a good match, you are invited to apply even if you do not fulfil every listed qualification. Applications are encouraged from individuals of all genders, ages, sexual orientations, ethnicities, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, ability status and all other diversity characteristics.
MSF does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, or any kind of discrimination or harassment, including sexual harassment. All selected candidates will undergo reference checks.
How to Apply
🖥️ Submit your application exclusively through the MSF recruitment platform
📄 Attach a CV (maximum 2 pages)
✉️ Attach a cover letter (maximum 1 page)
🌐 Submit documents in English or French
MSF reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier if it receives a sufficient number of quality applications, so applying early is safer. All applications are treated confidentially, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. MSF does not wish to use the services of recruitment or placement agencies.
Find more placements like this one in the Internship category on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the MSF OCG L&D Unit Intern earn?
The internship pays a gross monthly remuneration of CHF 2,000. It is a full-time position of 40 hours per week.
How long is the internship?
The internship lasts 6 to 9 months, according to the internship agreement. The start date is the end of January 2027.
Can graduates apply?
No. A tripartite internship agreement signed by the intern, the university and MSF is mandatory, so only students enrolled at a university can apply. Graduates and candidates without a school cannot apply.
Which languages do I need?
You need fluency in English and French, both written and spoken. Documents must be submitted in English or French.
Is work experience required?
No specific work experience is required, although previous employment experience and a demonstrated commitment to humanitarian or development work, charity work or volunteering are considered advantages.
Where is the internship based?
The internship is based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Which documents do I need?
You need a CV of maximum 2 pages and a cover letter of maximum 1 page, submitted through the MSF recruitment platform.
Can MSF close the vacancy early?
Yes. MSF reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier if it receives a sufficient number of quality applications.
Deadline
⏳ 24 November 2026
Link
📝 Online application: https://msf.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/work-with-msf-ocg-hq-lhs/job/GENEVA/L-D-Unit-Intern_JR116411
