Fundraising Intern in Philanthropy

06 May 2026
100%
Permanent position
Zurich

Job summary

Médicins Sans Frontières (MSF) Switzerland is looking for an intern.

Tasks

Support the philanthropy unit in fundraising initiatives.
Assist in editing and translating fundraising documents.
Help organize events and analyze fundraising results.

Skills

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
Excellent written communication skills in German required.
Proactive, organized, and able to work in a team.

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About the job

Job Advertisement

Internship

Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Switzerland is looking for a

Fundraising Intern in Philanthropy

for the office in Zurich

Inclusion and Diversity at MSF

Do your qualifications and experience not exactly meet 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 invite 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 origins, backgrounds, religions, beliefs, with different 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

Job Description

As an intern, you will significantly support the Philanthropy Unit in all aspects of fundraising. You will be supervised by the head of the Major Donor Team in Zurich, work closely with all members of the Philanthropy Unit, and liaise with colleagues in the Communication & Fundraising department in Geneva.

The Organisation

Doctors Without Borders is an independent, international humanitarian aid organisation. It provides medical emergency aid to people affected by armed conflicts, epidemics, and natural disasters or who lack access to healthcare. The teams of Doctors Without Borders consist of medical professionals, logisticians, and administrative staff guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality.

The non-profit organisation was founded in 1971 by doctors and journalists in Paris. Today, MSF is a global movement of more than 42,000 staff at headquarters and in project countries. MSF Switzerland, headquartered in Geneva, was founded in 1981.

The Philanthropy Unit is one of seven teams within the Communication & Fundraising department. We consist of 16 people and raised CHF 72 million in donations in 2021. To cover the Swiss market geographically, we are split between an office at the Geneva headquarters and an office in Zurich. Our main task is to strengthen relationships with major donors, including individuals, companies, foundations/trusts, as well as cantons and municipalities. Additionally, our unit is responsible for handling inheritances and legacies.

Your Tasks and Responsibilities

Editorial tasks: writing, editing, and translating fundraising documents such as thank-you letters, newsletters, event invitations, donation applications, or PowerPoint presentations
Administrative support: organising mass mailings, writing minutes, database maintenance, etc.
Ad-hoc support for specific projects: co-planning and organising events, webinars, background research, etc.
Creative collaboration in supporting MSF major donors
Assisting with the analysis of fundraising results (data analysis)
Responsibility for coordinating volunteers in the Zurich office
Deputising for the receptionist in the Zurich office during their absence
Your Profile

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
Excellent written communication and editorial skills (German)
Very careful and precise working style
Proactive, flexible, and organised
Willingness to collaborate with different team members punctually in a multicultural work environment
Experience with MS Office 365 and CRM is an advantage
Interest in fundraising and humanitarian aid