Background

The International Hospital Federation (IHF) is seeking a Project Officer to join its team. The IHF is a global not-for-profit, non-governmental membership organization. Established in 1929 and headquartered in Geneva, the IHF is the global voice of hospitals and health systems.

Through our membership, we connect healthcare leaders, supporting them to excel through training and development. We create forums for international, peer to peer knowledge exchange and learning. Our events, programmes, and special interest groups showcase good practices. We work in partnership with international organizations on key issues for our members.

Position overview

This half-time position will cover the coordination and implementation of the Young Executive Leaders’ (YEL) programme during the IHF Programme Manager’s maternity leave (January to June 2026).

The postholder will ensure the delivery of a high-quality programme, including the launch of the 2026 YEL cohort’s activities.

This position will suit an early careerist with established project coordination skills, relevant experience in the international NGO sector, some prior knowledge of healthcare and a positive ‘can do’ attitude, who is comfortable working independently. This is an exciting role that will suit a self-motivated candidate who wants to generate impact in global healthcare management.

Key responsibilities

The postholder’s responsibilities will include:

• With direction from the CEO and the Senior Advisor, support the coordination and implementation of the Young Executive Leaders’ 2026 programme during the Programme Manager’s maternity leave, including the selection and launch of the new cohort.
• Coordinate and participate in relevant project meetings.
• Coordinate the attribution of available grants for YEL participants from low and lower-middle income countries to attend the 2026 World Hospital Congress.
• Coordinate and liaise with the IHF network to plan and implement knowledge exchange and learning activities as part of the programme, including for the YEL Alumni network.
• Draft communications, both internal and external, including through email, social media, and website.
• In relation with the YEL programme, maintain the accuracy of the CRM and information on the website, as well as any applicable document repositories.
• Coordinate all administrative aspects related to the programme.

This is a hands-on ‘doing’ role in a dynamic and growing organization. The postholder may be asked to undertake other reasonable duties in addition to those listed in this job description.

Profile requirements

• Hold a university degree in a relevant subject and have 1–2 years’ experience (of internships or employment, or both) in a similar position and organization, including a track record of delivering successful communications and marketing projects.
• Strong project coordination skills, including experience in managing multiple deliverables from start to finish and delivering to tight deadlines.
• Proven organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Be flexible and demonstrate careful judgement in prioritizing competing priorities; able to and change focus and adapt workplans to accommodate shifting or additional requirements.
• Be a native or fluent English speaker with excellent oral and writing skills (the operating language of the IHF is English). Knowledge of other languages is a plus.
• Be a skilled communicator with an ability to confidently engage, at all organizational levels, with a broad international network. Professionally represent the organization at events and through networking, always acting as an ambassador for the organization.
• Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office systems, including Word, Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, and SharePoint. Working knowledge of Zoom, WordPress and Canva are an advantage.
• Ability to work independently, managing office/home-based time, blending in-person and virtual approaches as required.
• Swiss or EU citizenship or a valid work permit for Switzerland at the time of application is a pre-requisite.

How to apply

Please email your application (in English) to ihf.secretariat@ihf-fih.org with the subject ‘Application: 6-month Maternity Cover’.

Attach to your email:

• a cover letter describing your motivations and relevant experience for this position (maximum of two pages).
• a concise CV or resume.

Application deadline: 9 January 2026.

Starting date: immediately.

The IHF is committed to fostering an organizational culture which values respect, teamwork, and excellence, and to building a working environment in which all staff are empowered and respected. In recruiting candidates, we seek candidates with the proven skills required, irrespective of race, gender, religion or belief, age, disability, or sexual orientation.