Human Resources Coordinator

CONTEXT 

MSF has worked in Brazil for over 30 years in a context of deep social inequalities and unequal access to healthcare. Since 2018, MSF Operational Centre Brussels (OCB) has implemented direct operations, initially supporting migrants and refugees, and later expanding to Indigenous health, emergency response, and public health. 

In 2026, the programme focuses on the Rio de Janeiro Tuberculosis Prison Project, improving access to TB care for people deprived of liberty, while maintaining engagement in emergency preparedness, advocacy, and institutional collaboration with MSF Brazil and regional referents. 

The programme operates within a shared institutional setup with MSF Brazil and Cell 5 (Latin America & Caribbean), requiring strong coordination and compliance with OCB standards. To support this environment, MSF OCB is recruiting a Human Resources Coordinator (HRCo). 

As HRCo, you oversee HR strategy and policy implementation across the programme, ensure alignment with operational needs and OCB standards, act as a strategic partner to operations, and are fully accountable for MSF’s employer responsibilities, including legal and compliance matters. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES 

1. Strategic HR Leadership & Workforce Planning 

• Translate programme priorities (TB Prison Project, emergency preparedness, advocacy) into short-, mid-, and longterm workforce strategies
• Adapt the Coordination Team structure to a singleproject programme, clarifying roles, reporting lines, and decisionmaking
• Ensure HR systems support the transition from multiple projects (Marajó, Yanomami) to Rio TB Prison Project
• Anticipate emergency and future staffing needs through scenario planning, surge mechanisms, and training plans 

2. Recruitment, Matching & Talent Management 

• Define HR needs and coordinate recruitment and IMS matching in compliance with Brazilian labour law (CLT) and OCB policies
• Manage a diverse workforce (countrybased and mobile staff), including operational constraints such as Portuguese language requirements
• Analyse the labour market, define recruitment strategies, and identify effective sourcing channels
• Maintain an emergency pool to ensure rapid mobilisation capacity
• Promote internal and interprogramme mobility through a programmespecific mobility approach aligned with MSF standards 

3. Governance, Compliance & Institutional Coordination 

• Ensure coherent HR governance within a shared institutional setup (OCB, MSF Brazil, Cell 5)
• Coordinate closely with MSF Brazil on legal matters, audits, payroll, benefits, HR systems, and outsourced services
• Ensure full compliance of HR policies, contracts, and procedures with Brazilian legislation and MSF standards
• Guarantee accurate documentation, HR data quality, system use, monthly closing, and HR reporting 

4. HR Policies, Systems & Professionalisation 

• Define, adapt, and implement local HR policies, SOPs, and guidelines in line with MSF frameworks
• Oversee induction, training, performance management (PMS), and career development
• Identify training and development needs, including highpotential staff, aligned with future programme priorities
• Integrate safeguarding, behaviour & ethics, and diversity & inclusion across the HR lifecycle
• Define and coordinate a fair, competitive, and compliant reward policy 

5. Support Operations & People Management 

• Provide HR analysis and workforce planning for the TB Prison Project, including scaleup and technical specialisation
• Ensure HR operational support during emergencies (recruitment, deployment, contracts, health and safety, administration)
• Advise on HR aspects of advocacy initiatives, including contractual and legal considerations
• Coach managers on people management, communication, conflict management, and stress prevention
• Prevent, detect, and manage conflicts and behavioural issues 

6. Team Leadership, Administration & Duty of Care 

• Act as programmelevel HR and Administration technical referent
• Line manage the HR and administration team
• Ensure structured staff lifecycle processes (briefings, induction, end of assignment, debriefing, knowledge capitalisation)
• Ensure safe, healthy, and compliant working conditions in coordination with medical and logistics teams
• Coordinate staff movements (visas, travel, accommodation, per diems) 

7. Coordination, Representation & Strategic Contribution 

• Contribute actively to Country Coordination Team decisionmaking and strategic planning
• Plan, monitor, and report on HR operational and budgetary needs
• Report on HR indicators to support programme adjustments and strategic decisions
• Represent MSF with authorities and external stakeholders on HR and administrative matters  

• Contribute to the longterm alignment and harmonisation of practices between OCB and MSF Brazil 

   

REQUIREMENTS 

Education & Experience 

• Degree in HR management or related administrative studies is mandatory
• Minimum 3 years of HR management experience with MSF or a similar INGO is mandatory
• Minimum 6 months of international MSF experience as HR Coordinator is mandatory
• Experience in mediation and conflict management is mandatory
• Experience in training, coaching, mentoring, and team supervision is mandatory
• Experience in emergency contexts is an asset
• Knowledge of the Brazilian legal framework is an asset
• Knowledge of MSF OCB internal HR tools is an asset
• Computer literacy (Microsoft 365 tools) 

Languages 

• Proficiency in English and Portuguese, both written & spoken is mandatory 

   

CONDITIONS 

• Expected starting date: As soon as possible
• Location: based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Contract type: Fixed-term contract – full-time
• Contract duration: 9 months
• Salary according to MSF salary grid
• The contractual terms, conditions and salary will be established according to the official residence of the selected candidate (mobile staff contract if not resident in Brazil, local contract otherwise)
• Family position possible
• 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: 26th of April 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   

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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