HR Coordinator for Central Northern Europe and Balkans

CONTEXT

MSF has currently diverse operations in Belgium, Poland and Serbia, and is willing to keep responding to migration health challenges in the Central Northern Europe and Balkans, depending on the evolution of the migration dynamics and humanitarian needs.

Serbia-based project (1) - Since 2014, MSF has provided humanitarian and medical care to people on the move (PoM) transiting the Balkan Route, deploying Mobile Response Units (MRUs) across the North Balkans. These units offer consultations, mental health, sexual and reproductive health services, as well as water and essential items, addressing gaps due to limited access to healthcare services by the PoM, medical referrals, and shrinking humanitarian presence in the region.

Belgium-based project (1)– Since 2017, MSF offers essential healthcare and other humanitarian services to excluded migrants: medical consultations, psychological support, health promotion and vaccination for adults and unaccompanied minors; medical support to migrants held in administrative detention centres; and infection prevention and control activities.

Poland-Based Projects (2) - MSF has been active in Poland since 2022, currently running two key projects:

• Tuberculosis Patient Support: This project focuses on supporting patients affected by tuberculosis, primarily individuals displaced from Ukraine. MSF collaborates closely with the Polish Ministry of Health to modernize treatment protocols, facilitate the import of advanced medications, and promote an ambulatory care approach.

• Emergency Medical Assistance at the Belarus–Poland Border:MSF provides emergency medical care to people on the move who have endured difficult journeys and violence while crossing the border. In addition, the project strengthens the capacity of local civil society organizations by training volunteers to address the basic medical needs of migrants.

The team in Poland additionally provides administrative and logistic support to OCB’s operations in Ukraine.

With a regional scope, MSF also monitors cross-border crises, coordinating preparedness and support for emergencies, such as recent floods in Bosnia. 

As HR Coordinator for Central Northern Europe and Balkans, you will report directly to the Coordinator for Central Northern Europe and Balkans and be under the functional supervision of the HR Officer of cell 4. As part of your main objective, you will support HR and management teams in shaping and implementing HR strategies in their projects within your geographical area. 

The Coordinator and Medical Coordinator for Central Northern Europe and Balkans are also based in Belgium.

A Finance Coordinator, Logistics Coordinator and Supply Coordinator will complement the coordination team. These positions are likely to be based in Poland, Serbia or Greece.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is being created with the aim of ensuring adequate HR support to MSF projects in Belgium, Poland and the Balkans while strengthening the migration answer at regional level

Transversal role

• Is an active member of the Coordination Team for the projects based in Central Northern Europe and Balkans

• Designs a transversal HR strategy for the geographical area, in particular in terms of knowledge transfer, mutualization of ressources, operational agility and regional advocacy capacity

• Coordinates the human resources management and administrative issues of the coordination set-up

• Promotes internal (interprojects) and external (intermissions) mobility of key staff identified and support the development of plans to ensure mobility across the Central Northern Europe and Balkans

Functional HR referent for the projects

• Is responsible for all HR management and administrative issues of the whole area, ensuring they are aligned with legal requirements, HR vision and Responsible Employer frame.

• In collaboration with the HR managers and project management teams:

  • Contributes to planning and definition of HR in the programs, analyzing local capacities and supporting on identifying the optimum team set-up to properly achieve programs’ objectives and identifying key indicators in order to follow up the results, and revise the HR plan accordingly

  • Is responsible for the follow-up of the HR budget and plan and accountable for both

  • Defines HR strategies at project level to ensure the program counts with the capacities and competences needed, in the short, mid and long term (recruitment, remuneration, management and learning & development plans).

  • Defines local policies defining or adapting MSF standard policies to the national requirements

  • Ensures implementation of all HR Policies and Management Guidelines

  • Is the responsible and technical referent for HR and Administration related issues at project level (recruitment, management and development of teams, contracting of national and regional employees’, remuneration of local and regional staff, etc.)

  • Defines and coordinates the local implementation of a fair rewarding policy in the countries of intervention in accordance to MSF policies and local regulations checking monthly calculations of salaries and taxes, in order to ensure internal equity, adequate competitiveness and legal compliance

  • Provides expertise to coordinators, supervisors, and/or activity managers on how to manage HR (team management, conflict management, stress early detection, communication, meetings…)

  • Makes sure that cases linked to behavioural issues are prevented, detected and managed

  • Promotes/ facilitates set-up of and support focal points for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience 

• Master degree in HR management/ administration/ political science is an asset

• At least 2 years of international experience in MSF programs, of which minimum 12 months of experience as HR Coordinator with MSF is essential

Competencies 

• Strategic vision: Capable of developing an operational HR strategy adapted to different contexts

• People and change management & teamwork 

• Planning and organization 

• Leadership (able to set priorities, make choices and assume decisions) 

• Flexibility - Autonomy 

Languages

• Fluency in English, both verbal and written (mandatory)

• Knowledge of French, Dutch, Polish or Serbian is an asset

CONDITIONS

• Expected starting date: 1st of July 2025
• Location: based in Brussels (Belgium)

* Due to legal administrative constraints, candidates must already have the permanent right as Belgian or EU national, and/or valid work permit with mention of "Unlimited access to the labor market" to work in Belgium 

• Contract type: Fixed-term – Full-time
• Contract duration: 12 months (extension possible)
• Mobility: 10-20% with frequent visits to projects in Central Northern Europe and the Balkans
• Salary according to MSF-OCB HQ grid – Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs
• Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
• Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments

Deadline for applications: 15th June 2025 

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 in English or French 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. 

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data. For more information, consult our privacy notice to job applicants.