TEMPORARY HR ADVISOR (COUNTRY PROGRAMS)
Description
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent medical humanitarian organization. As a non-profit, self-governed movement of over 63,000 dedicated professionals, we provide life-saving medical assistance to people affected by armed conflict, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and exclusion from healthcare.
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Our work is guided by medical ethics and the principles of impartiality, independence, and neutrality. We act based on need, and when we witness injustice, we speak out. Our commitment to professionalism and humanity can mean the difference between life and death.
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People are our priority. At Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)/ Artsen zonder Grenzen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that encourages and supports the diverse voices of our employees. We encourage diverse applicants including individuals of all gender identities, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, ethnic background, religions, beliefs, social and marital status, people with different abilities and all other diversity characteristics and how they intersect together.
With immediate effect, MSF OCA is looking for a:
Temporary HR Advisor (Country Programs)
(Based in Amsterdam or another European contracting office)
As HR Advisor, you will be the main HR focal point for a portfolio of missions and the primary HR contact for the Operations teams supporting those programmes. You will work closely with HR Coordinators in the field, Operations colleagues, and other HQ stakeholders, providing guidance on HR policies, processes, staffing, and people management practices.
You will translate organizational HR frameworks into practical solutions that fit local contexts, support the implementation of key HR initiatives, and ensure a strong connection between field realities and HQ.
This 5-month leave cover offers a valuable opportunity for someone with HRCo experience to step into an advisory role and gain broader exposure to the People & Culture function from a headquarters perspective.
Main responsibilities
- Serve as the primary HR focal point for assigned country programmes and operational teams.
- Build strong working relationships with HR Coordinators and provide ongoing coaching, guidance, and support.
- Advise field teams on HR policies, procedures, people management practices, and workforce planning.
- Support the implementation of HR initiatives and ensure alignment with organizational policies and operational needs.
- Collaborate closely with Operations teams and act as a trusted HR partner and sparring partner.
- Monitor HR processes and support missions in achieving high-quality HR standards and practices.
- Identify challenges in the field and coordinate appropriate support from headquarters.
- Contribute to the development and improvement of HR policies, tools, and ways of working by bringing field perspectives and feedback.
- Support leadership development, performance management, staff engagement, learning and development, and other HR-related initiatives.
- Facilitate collaboration between country programmes and relevant HQ stakeholders.
- Share best practices and contribute to continuous improvement across the HR Advisor team.
- Stay informed about mission contexts and provide guidance tailored to operational realities.
- Conduct regular field visits to strengthen relationships, understand local challenges, and provide hands-on support.
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Candidate profile
- Previous experience as an HR Coordinator (HRCo) within MSF is required.
- Mandatory MSF experience in both field missions and headquarters environments.
- At least 5 years of experience in HR, including significant experience advising, coaching, and supporting managers and teams.
- Strong understanding of MSF operations, field realities, and HR practices in humanitarian contexts.
- Experience managing and coaching remote teams and stakeholders.
- Solid knowledge of MSF OCA policies, processes, and ways of working.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and influence stakeholders.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic and fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
- Solution-oriented, collaborative, and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Strong planning, coordination, and organizational skills.
- Willingness to travel regularly to country programmes.
- Excellent command of English; French is an asset.
- Available to start in November
We offer
- An employment contract for the duration of 5 months.
- A gross monthly salary with a range between 4,269€ and 5,877€ gross per month (if based in Amsterdam). Your exact salary will depend on your relevant work experience.
- 30 days off (based on a full-time employment)
- A competitive pension plan
- 8% holiday allowance paid out with the salary in May
- Discounted daily lunch at the office
- Commuting allowance (terms and conditions apply) & work from home allowance
- An environment that fosters diversity, with colleagues from around the world representing various cultures and background
- L&D will support you with a variety of learning and development opportunities with internal and external trainings and courses
Please note that your exact salary and conditions will depend on your primary residence. Due to the short contract duration and expedited hiring timeline, we are only able to consider candidates who already have the legal right to work within the Schengen Area . Please note that visa sponsorship and relocation support are not available for this position.
Application
We welcome you to apply directly via our website and upload a letter of motivation + Curriculum Vitae (in English).
The closing date for applications is the 4th of October 2026.
Information
If you are interested in this post and would like additional information about the recruitment procedure, the terms and conditions or the organisation, please contact: [email protected]
If you are interested in this position and would like more information, please contact: [email protected]