Flying Planning and Design Officer Opportunity with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)-Apply before 22 Mar 2026

Professionals with experience in construction project management, architecture, or civil engineering may find an exciting humanitarian career opportunity with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The organization is currently recruiting a Flying Planning and Design Officer through its Swiss operational center, Médecins Sans Frontières en Suisse.

This role is designed for individuals who want to combine technical expertise with humanitarian impact. The position involves supporting construction and infrastructure projects in various field missions while contributing to emergency and long-term healthcare operations worldwide.

About Médecins Sans Frontières

Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, is an independent international medical humanitarian organization that provides lifesaving healthcare to people affected by crises.

The organization works in regions impacted by:

• Armed conflict
• Natural disasters
• Disease outbreaks
• Limited access to healthcare services

MSF teams deliver medical care without discrimination based on race, religion, political affiliation, or ethnicity. Infrastructure such as hospitals, clinics, shelters, and logistical facilities plays a critical role in enabling these medical missions.

The Flying Planning and Design Officer helps ensure that these facilities are well designed, properly constructed, and suited to the operational needs of each mission.

Overview of the Role

The Flying Planning and Design Officer provides technical and organizational support for construction and renovation projects in MSF programs. The role focuses on improving methodologies and technical solutions used for building healthcare facilities and operational structures.

This position is primarily field-based, with regular visits to headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Approximately 80% of the working time is spent on-site in field missions, supporting construction teams and humanitarian operations.

The officer assists missions during the early stages of construction projects, ensuring that project needs are clearly defined and translated into practical designs and implementation strategies.

Key Responsibilities

The Flying Planning and Design Officer supports multiple construction projects across different MSF missions. The role combines technical expertise, project management support, and training responsibilities.

Project Planning and Design

One of the primary tasks is assisting field missions in defining and designing construction projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Clarifying operational needs and translating them into project plans
• Developing concept designs that consider:
  • Cost
  • Quality
  • Project timelines
• Creating project narratives and technical specifications
• Recommending suitable construction methodologies and project cycles

The officer helps ensure that construction projects meet both operational requirements and technical standards.

Field Operations Support

During field missions, the officer provides direct technical assistance to MSF construction teams.

Responsibilities include:

• Supporting technical assessments and feasibility studies
• Assisting construction teams during project implementation
• Coordinating emergency construction activities when necessary
• Acting as construction team leader or coordinator during emergencies

This support ensures that infrastructure projects are completed efficiently and meet operational needs.

Audit and Quality Improvement

Another important aspect of the role involves evaluating construction activities across MSF missions.

Tasks include:

• Assessing the relevance and effectiveness of construction projects
• Identifying areas for improvement in construction processes
• Providing recommendations to enhance quality and efficiency
• Monitoring construction activities during emergencies

These evaluations help maintain high standards across MSF’s global infrastructure projects.

Training and Capacity Building

The Flying Planning and Design Officer also contributes to developing the skills of field teams.

Key activities include:

• Coaching local and international construction staff
• Supporting the onboarding of new construction managers
• Delivering training modules related to construction and shelter activities
• Advising missions on selecting and developing construction personnel

This mentoring role strengthens technical capacity within MSF teams.

Supplier and Material Validation

The officer may also assist with validating suppliers and materials used in construction projects.

Responsibilities include:

• Approving technically sensitive tools or products
• Assessing and validating local contractors and suppliers
• Reviewing materials used in shelter and construction activities
• Supporting emergency preparedness stock management

These tasks ensure that construction projects use reliable and appropriate resources.

Qualifications and Experience Required

Candidates interested in this role should possess strong technical knowledge and relevant field experience.

Minimum qualifications include:

• A degree in:
  • Construction Project Management
  • Architecture
  • Civil Engineering
• Experience in construction project management
• Knowledge of construction design and site supervision
• Strong analytical and organizational skills

Experience in hospital design is particularly valuable because many MSF projects involve building or upgrading medical facilities.

Preferred Experience and Skills

Additional experience that may strengthen a candidate’s profile includes:

• Previous field experience with Médecins Sans Frontières or other humanitarian organizations
• Construction work in developing countries
• Experience related to hospital or healthcare facility management
• Knowledge of shelter construction for humanitarian emergencies

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also essential because the role involves collaboration with teams across different countries and operational contexts.

Language Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate strong language skills to work effectively with international teams.

Required languages:

• Fluent English
• Fluent French

Knowledge of additional languages is considered an advantage.

Employment Conditions

The position offers the following employment terms:

• Contract duration: 12 months (fixed term)
• Work schedule: 80% (approximately 32 hours per week)
• Location: Field-based with periodic visits to Geneva headquarters
• Expected start date: April 1, 2026

The salary for the position is approximately CHF 4,400 per month (for 80% employment).

Additional benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Living expenses covered during field missions
• Accommodation and travel arrangements according to MSF regulations

Application Process

Candidates interested in joining Médecins Sans Frontières should submit their applications through the organization’s official recruitment platform.

Application requirements include:

• CV (maximum two pages)
• Cover letter (maximum one page)

Documents must be submitted in either English or French.

The application deadline is March 22, 2026, although the organization may close the vacancy earlier if sufficient qualified applications are received.

Final Thoughts

The Flying Planning and Design Officer role offers a unique opportunity for construction and engineering professionals to contribute directly to global humanitarian work. By supporting infrastructure projects for medical missions, the officer plays a vital role in enabling healthcare delivery in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

For individuals passionate about combining technical expertise with humanitarian impact, this position provides both professional growth and the chance to make a meaningful difference. 🌍🏥

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