CONTEXT
Within the Operations Department of MSF Belgium (Operational Center Brussels - OCB), our Emergency Pool (E-Pool) has as primary function to intervene directly and quickly with medical activities in crisis situations such as conflicts, epidemics, outbreaks and natural disasters while guaranteeing the quality of interventions. It is also tasked with the monitoring and identification of crises that may arise.
The E-Pool consists of one E-Pool Coordinator and a deputy, and two Emergency Coordinators based in Brussels. In addition to the Emergency coordinators, the E-Pool unit is composed of technical referent officers in Supply, Logistics, Human Resources (HR) and Finance.
The E-Pool also includes a Mobile Emergency Team deployed in emergency operations and composed of different profiles of coordinators and technicians. Members of the E-Pool Mobile Team travel at short notice to any context where the E-Pool is leading interventions, operating in a roving capacity. They undertake successive several short-term assignments between 6 weeks to 3 months, though in exceptional cases, it may extend beyond 3 months.
As E-Pool Mobile HR Coordinator, you are deployed on short-term assignments to support emergencies led by the Emergency Pool in Brussels, primarily in the role of HRCo, though other HR functions may be covered as needed (HR Manager). You demonstrate a hands-on approach, strong adaptability and cultural sensitivity, working under the supervision of the Country Coordinator and the HR Officer overseeing the emergency. Assignment priorities are defined by the E-Pool HR Officers.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define, adapt and implement HR strategies and policies to meet urgent operational needs in rapidly evolving contexts, ensuring continuity and quality of HR management across different countries
- Act as a strategic partner to operations, ensuring that emergency interventions have the HR capacity and support required to respond effectively
- Act as the functional HR referent for projects
- Prioritise critical HR actions, maintain legal and administrative compliance, and ensure that MSF remains a responsible employer in fast-changing, high-pressure environments
- Contribute to intervention strategy and coordination, prioritising urgent HR needs during the opening, implementation and closure of emergency interventions
- Ensure that HR policies and practices are adapted to the emergency context and implemented quickly and effectively
- Lead fast-track recruitment and onboarding for Country-Based Staff and International Mobile Staff, ensuring rapid deployment and a good fit with the operational context
- Establish the HR structures and systems required to respond to emergencies, ensuring that workforce capacity is aligned with operational needs
- Monitor the HR budget and workforce plan and remain accountable for both
- Provide immediate support and guidance to project teams on HR management, conflict resolution and team dynamics
- Ensure that behavioural issues are prevented, identified and managed appropriately
- Lead safeguarding risk assessments and the implementation of appropriate prevention measures
- Promote and facilitate the implementation of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives
- Oversee administrative and legal compliance, ensuring that contracts, payroll records and other required documentation are accurate, processed on time and stored on the programme’s Digital Desk
- Support performance management and staff development, with a focus on operational impact and staff resilience, and identify needs for coaching or technical support
- Coordinate staff movements and accommodation with the logistics department and the International Mobility Unit (IMU), ensuring operational readiness and smooth transitions
- Monitor HR fundamentals to assess and improve the quality of HR, administrative and legal management during emergency interventions
REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience
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Degree in HR management or administration is desirable
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At least 12 months of international programme experience as HR Manager with MSF (or with another International NGO at project level)
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At least 6 months of international MSF programme experience as HRCo is mandatory
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Experience in unstable and/or highly insecure context is essential
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Experience as HR Coordinator in another International NGO is an asset
Competencies
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Capacity to develop an HR strategy
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Strategic partner of the operations (HR-OPs oriented)
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Capacity to rapidly identify and respond to legal and HR risks in complex environments
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Behavioural flexibility and cross-cultural awareness
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Leadership, People management and development
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Teamwork and Strong interpersonal and communication skills
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Resistance to stress
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Planning and organization, setting priorities
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Conflict management
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Solution oriented and capacity to adapt quickly
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Capacity to live and work in highly insecure contexts
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Knowledge of MSF OCB internal HR tools
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Strong computer literacy (Microsoft 365 tools)
Languages
- Proficiency in English and French, both spoken & written is mandatory
- Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese or Russian is an asset
Other
- Availability to travel to any country on short notice
CONDITIONS
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Expected starting date: As soon as possible
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Location: Carried out in the countries of intervention (all contexts, including high-insecurity contexts) - based in the country of residence in between assignments
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Contract type: Fixed term contract – Full-time
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Contract duration: 12 months
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Salary as per MSF mobile staff salary grid
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High Mobility Allowance
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The contractual terms, conditions and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidate and in respect of MSF standard function and salary grid for mobile staff
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Medical insurance 100% covered as per international package; 45 days annual paid leaves; Accomplishment bonus of 1.5-month salary upon completion of a 12-month contract
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Not a family position
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Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
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Adhere to the MSF Behavioural Commitments
Deadline for applications: 1st of November 2026
How to apply?
➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button
➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position
➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload (preferably in PDF format)
Position only open to candidates with previous MSF experience! No MSF experience? Check out other job offers on our website.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
MSF values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
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