Executive intern

About MSF USA | Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to the people who need it most. The organization cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion in more than 70 countries. MSF offers medical humanitarian assistance solely based on need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. Our international project teams include medical, logistical, and administrative staff, most of them hired locally and working with their own communities. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. We also bear witness and speak out about the experiences of our colleagues and patients.

MSF USA is one of 24 sections supporting the global movement, primarily through staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications. We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF’s social mission.

Role Overview

The Executive Intern provides administrative support to the Executive and Association teams at MSF USA, and reports to the Association Coordinator and Board and Executive Liaison Officer. The internship provides practical learning experience and exposure to an applicant interested in international humanitarian work and NGO administration.

Department Accountabilities

Leadership and Direction

Inspire and guide others, communicating actions needed and how they relate to broader organizational mission and strategy.

Stakeholder Management

Identify and engage with key internal and/or external stakeholders to create positive working relationships that enable the initiation, delivery, and implementation of a program or project.

Advance Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Support and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (D, E, and I) by providing an example, advice and guidance on D, E, and I, to internal and external stakeholders to enable them to adopt these principles in ways that will also enhance innovation and other performance measures. Represent the organization to external stakeholders on D, E, and I issues.

Operations Management

Execute and manage operations using predetermined protocols and procedures to achieve specified operational performance standards.

Organizational Capability Building

Take action to develop capabilities at an organizational level to ensure that these are relevant to current and future organizational requirements and to enable the organization at large to achieve MSF-USA goals and fulfill the potential of its people.

Board Relationship

Develop and improve relationships with Board members; identify priorities, issues and strategic challenges in the business for Board discussion.

ROLES SPECIFIC OUTCOMES

Internal Communications Support

Update and maintain materials on the internal Association website called the Souk (weekly operational updates, Board meetings summaries, Board meeting event pages, editing content etc.). Contribute to compiling content for the monthly association newsletter. Draft minutes and summaries for the Association Committee, all staff meetings, and other meetings as assigned. Maintain and update the Association Wall .

Events Support

Provide administrative and logistical support to the Executive and Association team in preparation of the annual General Assembly and other associative events, as well as Board of Directors meetings.

Database and Special Projects

Support the Association team on maintaining and updating database and admin systems for MSF USA association members as needed. Maintain the intern Asana projects and guidelines in coordination with the Executive and Association team. Contribute to other projects as assigned.

Complexity And Problem-solving Skills

• Ability to work independently and with limited supervision.
• Initiative and confidence to ask questions in a fast-paced work environment.
  
  

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

THOUGHT: How MSF USA staff understand the organization, manage complexity, and contribute by creating the new and different.

People Focus

Builds strong relationships and delivers solutions geared to aiding others. Solicits feedback and data; conveys a clear understanding of the level of service the team is providing; takes action when standards are not met by team; aligns processes with organizational needs.

Manages Complexity

Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding; swiftly cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms.

Global Perspective

Takes a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet the unique needs of different regions or countries. Uses a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges.

Cultivates Innovation

Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Approaches professional work in unique or innovative ways. Offers original ideas. Appreciates others' creative ideas and solutions and provides helpful input to enhance them.

Strategic Mindset

Sees ahead to future possibilities and translates them into breakthrough strategies.

RESULTS: MSF USA staff achieve results by cultivating a forward-thinking environment that produces solutions for changing stakeholder needs.

Drives Results

Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Regularly pushes self to achieve outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is passionate about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way.

Ensures Accountability

Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments.

PEOPLE: MSF USA staff understand their impact on others through collaboration and inclusion of different perspectives to achieve common goals.

Collaborates

Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages "us versus them" thinking; shows appreciation for others' ideas and input.

Communicates Effectively

Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.

Values Differences

Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with great sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating.

Builds Effective Teams

Builds strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.

Manages Conflict

Handles conflict situations effectively, with a minimum of noise.

Builds Networks

Effectively builds formal and informal relationship networks inside and outside the organization.

Drives Vision and Purpose

Paints a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.

SELF: MSF USA staff demonstrate self-awareness by having an open mindset and by continuously seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.

Instills Trust

Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourages others to be up front with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions.

Manages Ambiguity

Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Responds effectively to unclear situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity and make progress. Seeks guidance on how to adapt to changes, responds with appropriate composure and effectiveness.

Situational Adaptability

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

Being Resilient

Rebounds from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

Plans and Aligns

Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF-USA goals.

Financial Acumen

Interprets and applies understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions.

Tech Savvy

Anticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications.

Data Collection and Analysis

The ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data that is collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making.

Project Management Skills

The ability and skill to plan and manage small project work assignments within desired cost, time and quality parameters.

Presentation And Written Communication Skills

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

Organizational Insight

Applying knowledge of MSF-USA and the industry to advance the organization’s goals.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

The intern has no supervisory responsibility.

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• A genuine commitment to MSF's humanitarian principles and general understanding of international current events.
• Excellent attention to detail and proofreading ability.
• A working knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently on multiple tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  
  

Travel Requirements

No travel is required for this position.

Compensation

$18.00 per hour

DESIRED HIRING DATE

January 2026

EMPLOYED END DATE

July 2026

Location

New York, NY (On-site or Hybrid)

This role is based in our New York office, where most of the team and operational infrastructure are located. Due to current staffing and budget constraints, we’re unable to support this position in our DC or California offices.

Equal Opportunity And Accommodations Statement

MSF-USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences as per applicable laws.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at [email protected].

We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the Humanitarian Aid sector to apply.