Legal Advisor

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a private, international, independent medical humanitarian organization. We are a non-profit, self-governed member-based movement of more than 67,000 people with operations in more than 70 countries in 2024.

MSF provides assistance to populations in distress, to victims of natural or man-made disasters and to victims of armed conflict. We do so irrespective of race, religion, creed or political convictions. MSF observes neutrality and impartiality in the name of universal medical ethics and the right to humanitarian assistance and claims full and unhindered freedom in the exercise of its functions.  In 1999, MSF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize as recognition for its medical work in several continents.

 People are our priority. Our teams include thousands of professionals—doctors, nurses, logisticians, administrators, communicators and legal experts—all united by the MSF Charter and dedicated to serving those in greatest need. We foster an inclusive culture that embraces diverse voices and backgrounds, and we strongly encourage applications from individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, beliefs, abilities and experiences.   

Médecins Sans Frontières translates to ‘Doctors Without Borders’ or ‘Artsen zonder Grenzen’. Vereniging Artsen zonder Grenzen (Médecins Sans Frontières, Nederland) (MSF-NL) is a Dutch association that carries MSF’s operational centre Amsterdam (OCA). MSF’s other operational centres are based in Paris, Brussels, Geneva, Barcelona and Abidjan. In 2024, MSF-NL/OCA ran 116 projects in 30 countries.

Msf-Nl/Oca Is Looking For An:

Intersectional Legal Advisor (100%)

(Amsterdam Based)

Start date: 1 January 2026.

MSF-NL’s Legal Department sits within its Control, Legal & Audit Unit at our Amsterdam headquarters. You will join a small and efficient legal team—OCA General Counsel and another Intersectional Legal Advisor—to provide proactive, high-quality legal support for MSF-NL and OCA’s global operations. You will report to the OCA Controller, collaborating closely with MSF’s Intersectional Legal Department (ILD) and OCA programme teams across assigned country programs, under the functional supervision of ILD Management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day legal advice, opinions and guidance on operational, administrative and organizational matters pertaining to assigned country programs, to enable OCA’s operational management and programme teams to take informed decisions and secure continuity of operations.
• Oversee and mentor legal advisors in assigned country programs.
• Identify and manage legal risks, covering contracts, permits, customs, labour, tax and other issues.
• Draft, review and negotiate a wide range of agreements (HCAs, MOUs, partnerships, service and procurement contracts, leases, HR and finance documents).
• Support corporate governance, housekeeping and compliance of country programs alongside OCA’s Compliance Officer.
• Liaise with external counsel on litigation and administrative proceedings—oversee files, budgets, procedural deadlines and court filings.
• Travel regularly to program countries.

Candidate Profile:

• Master’s degree in Law; specialization in contract law preferred. Knowledge of labour and tax law is an asset.
• Minimum 6 years’ post-qualification experience as a registered attorney in private practice; NGO or in-house legal experience is a plus.
• Fluent English required; Dutch preferred; additional languages an advantage.
• Proficiency in digital tools and software, including advanced use of Microsoft 365.

Core Competencies:

• Strong judgement with a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Proven interpersonal and communication skills—able to advise at senior levels with credibility and diplomacy.
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a multicultural team.
• High ethical standards, resilience and a collaborative spirit.

We Offer:

• A challenging international position in a purpose driven organization.
• A fixed-term, 12 months contract with renewal option.
• Gross monthly salary (Level 16) €4,269 – €5,877, depending on experience.
• 30 days annual leave (full-time) plus 8% holiday allowance.
• 100% employer-paid pension contributions.
• Commuting allowance; discounted office lunches.
• Personal development budget and access to internal/external training.
• Regular travel, including to programme countries.
• An inclusive workplace with colleagues from around the globe.

How To Apply

Please submit your CV and cover letter (in English) as a single document via our website by 12 October 2025 at 23:59 CET. The recruitment process includes two in-person interviews, and an assessment centre; only short-listed candidates will be notified.