Human Resources Advisor, Operations Job 2026 – Join MSF Ubuntu’s Humanitarian Team
Organisation: Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Ubuntu
Position: Human Resources Advisor, Operations
Contract: Full-time, 3-year renewable contract (maximum 6 years)
Start Date: 1 October 2026
Application Deadline: 21 July 2026
Are you an experienced Human Resources leader looking to make a meaningful impact through humanitarian work? Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Ubuntu is recruiting a Human Resources Advisor, Operations to support country programmes across Africa. This is an exceptional opportunity for senior HR professionals who are passionate about developing high-performing teams while contributing to life-saving humanitarian operations.
The successful candidate will play a strategic role in ensuring that MSF operations have the right people, structures, and workforce strategies to deliver quality healthcare to communities affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, and humanitarian crises.
About Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Ubuntu
Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) is one of the world’s most respected international humanitarian organisations. It provides impartial medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and healthcare exclusion regardless of race, religion, nationality, or political affiliation.
MSF Ubuntu is the newest Operational Directorate within the MSF movement. Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because we are”, the directorate places communities at the centre of humanitarian decision-making while strengthening collaboration between MSF’s Southern and Eastern Africa offices.
The organisation promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and safeguarding, creating a workplace where professionals from different backgrounds can contribute their expertise to improve humanitarian responses worldwide.
Human Resources Advisor, Operations Job Overview
The Human Resources Advisor, Operations serves as the primary HR strategic partner for operational teams. The role ensures country programmes have the workforce, organisational structures, leadership support, and HR systems needed to achieve operational objectives.
Working closely with Operations Managers, HR Coordinators, and country leadership teams, the successful candidate will provide both strategic guidance and practical HR support throughout the employee lifecycle.
This position combines operational HR leadership, workforce planning, talent management, organisational development, and policy implementation across multiple humanitarian programmes.
Key Responsibilities
As the Human Resources Advisor, Operations, your responsibilities will include:
Strategic HR Partnership
- Serve as the principal HR advisor for operational programmes.
- Develop country-level HR strategies aligned with operational priorities.
- Support workforce planning and organisational design.
- Advise field leadership during regular programmes, emergency responses, and exploratory missions.
- Balance immediate operational staffing needs with long-term workforce sustainability.
HR Governance and Compliance
- Ensure consistent implementation of MSF Ubuntu HR policies.
- Promote compliance with employment legislation and organisational standards.
- Identify workforce risks affecting programme delivery.
- Improve HR systems, governance, and operational processes.
- Support safeguarding and duty-of-care commitments.
Talent Management and Organisational Development
- Support succession planning and leadership development.
- Guide programme managers on employee relations and conflict resolution.
- Strengthen performance management systems.
- Monitor HR metrics and workforce trends.
- Improve employee retention and organisational effectiveness.
Leadership and Capacity Building
- Act as the functional lead for HR Coordinators across programme countries.
- Provide mentoring, coaching, and technical HR support.
- Assist with recruitment and onboarding of HR professionals.
- Promote knowledge sharing and HR best practices throughout the organisation.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate with Operations, HR, Finance, and support departments.
- Contribute HR expertise during operational planning.
- Support emergency deployments when required.
- Participate in institutional learning and continuous improvement initiatives.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should possess:
- At least 7 years of senior Human Resources leadership experience
- A minimum of 3 years working in humanitarian programme countries in a senior HR coordination role
- Experience within MSF or international humanitarian organisations is highly desirable
- Experience developing and implementing HR systems and processes
- ERP system experience is considered an advantage
- Strong knowledge of labour legislation and HR best practices
- Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills
- Ability to work effectively in multicultural and complex environments
Core Competencies
Successful candidates should demonstrate:
- Strategic thinking
- Leadership and people development
- Strong communication skills
- Cross-cultural awareness
- Planning and organisational skills
- Service orientation
- Innovation and initiative
- Team collaboration
- Networking and relationship building
- Security awareness
- Commitment to MSF humanitarian principles
Duty Station and Travel
The position will initially be based in one of the following locations:
- Harare, Zimbabwe
- Johannesburg, South Africa
- Nairobi, Kenya
The final duty station will depend on the assigned operational portfolio.
Applicants should be prepared for 20%–50% international travel, supporting humanitarian operations and country programmes.
Contract and Benefits
MSF Ubuntu offers:
- Full-time employment
- Three-year renewable contract
- Maximum contract duration of six years
- Competitive salary based on MSF reward policies and local conditions
- International humanitarian work experience
- Opportunities for leadership development
- Work within a globally respected humanitarian organisation
- Diverse multicultural working environment
MSF’s Commitment to Diversity and Safeguarding
MSF Ubuntu welcomes applications from candidates whose backgrounds may not perfectly match every listed qualification. The organisation encourages professionals from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
Safeguarding remains a core organisational priority. Successful applicants will undergo rigorous background verification, safeguarding screening, and recruitment checks before appointment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit:
- A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English
- A Letter of Motivation in English
Important: Applications submitted without a motivation letter will not be considered.
Applications are open to both local and international applicants.
Application Deadline: 21 July 2026
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
APPLY ON THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Why Consider a Career with MSF Ubuntu?
Joining MSF Ubuntu means becoming part of one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations while contributing directly to strengthening healthcare systems and emergency responses across Africa. The Human Resources Advisor, Operations role offers the opportunity to influence strategic workforce planning, develop future humanitarian leaders, and ensure that life-saving programmes have the skilled teams they need to serve vulnerable communities.
If you have extensive HR leadership experience and are passionate about humanitarian work, this position provides a rewarding opportunity to combine strategic HR expertise with meaningful global impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply?
Both local and international candidates who meet the experience requirements are encouraged to apply.
When does the position start?
The successful candidate is expected to begin on 1 October 2026.
Is international travel required?
Yes. The role involves approximately 20%–50% travel depending on operational needs.
Is previous humanitarian experience required?
Yes. Applicants should have experience in humanitarian organisations, preferably with MSF or a similar international NGO, particularly in programme-country HR leadership roles.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit:
- An English CV
- An English Letter of Motivation
Applications missing the motivation letter will not be reviewed.
