MSF Ubuntu Human Resources Advisor, Operations Job 2026: International Humanitarian HR Leadership Opportunity
Are you an experienced Human Resources professional looking to make a meaningful impact in global humanitarian work? MSF Ubuntu (Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders) is recruiting a Human Resources Advisor, Operations for a three-year renewable contract starting on 1 October 2026.
This is an exciting opportunity for senior HR leaders who are passionate about supporting life-saving humanitarian operations while working with one of the world’s most respected international medical organizations.
About MSF Ubuntu
MSF Ubuntu is the newest Operational Directorate of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Inspired by the African philosophy of Ubuntu – “I am because we are”, the directorate places communities at the center of humanitarian decision-making while strengthening collaboration across MSF’s Southern and Eastern African operations.
MSF provides emergency medical assistance to people affected by conflicts, disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
Human Resources Advisor, Operations Position Overview
The Human Resources Advisor, Operations serves as the strategic HR partner supporting humanitarian programmes across multiple countries. The successful candidate will ensure country operations have the right people, organizational structures, and HR systems to deliver effective humanitarian interventions.
Working closely with operational leadership and HR Coordinators, the advisor will provide strategic guidance across the entire employee lifecycle while helping build sustainable, high-performing teams.
Position Summary
- Job Title: Human Resources Advisor, Operations
- Organisation: MSF Ubuntu (Doctors Without Borders)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Contract Duration: 3-year renewable contract (maximum 6 years)
- Expected Start Date: 1 October 2026
- Application Deadline: 21 July 2026
- Travel Requirement: 20%–50% annually
- Risk Category: Medium
- Location: Initial duty station expected in Harare (Zimbabwe), Johannesburg (South Africa), or Nairobi (Kenya), with final location to be confirmed.
Key Responsibilities
The Human Resources Advisor will play a critical leadership role across humanitarian operations by providing strategic and operational HR support.
Key responsibilities include:
Strategic HR Leadership
The successful candidate will:
- Act as the strategic HR advisor to operational teams.
- Develop country-level HR strategies and workforce plans.
- Support humanitarian projects during routine operations and emergencies.
- Balance immediate operational demands with long-term workforce planning.
HR Governance and Compliance
Responsibilities include:
- Ensuring implementation of MSF HR policies and standards.
- Supporting legal and ethical compliance across programmes.
- Managing workforce-related risks.
- Improving HR systems and organizational processes.
Talent Management and Workforce Development
The role also focuses on:
- Workforce performance management.
- Succession planning.
- Talent development.
- Employee retention.
- Organizational change management.
- Conflict resolution support.
- Monitoring HR metrics to improve decision-making.
Leadership and Capacity Building
The advisor will:
- Coach HR Coordinators.
- Strengthen HR leadership across country programmes.
- Support recruitment and onboarding of HR professionals.
- Promote learning and HR best practices across operations.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
The successful candidate will collaborate with operations, HR, and support departments while contributing to emergency responses and institutional learning initiatives.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants should possess significant experience in strategic human resources management within humanitarian or international development environments.
Required Experience
Candidates should have:
- At least 7 years of senior HR leadership experience.
- At least 3 years in a senior HR Coordinator role within humanitarian programme countries.
- Experience developing and improving HR systems and processes.
- Strong understanding of workforce planning and organizational development.
Experience serving as an Operations HR Advisor at MSF headquarters is considered an added advantage.
Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems is also desirable.
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Skills and Competencies
MSF Ubuntu is seeking candidates who demonstrate both technical expertise and strong leadership capabilities.
Key competencies include:
- Advanced Human Resources expertise.
- Business administration knowledge.
- Leadership and people management.
- Stakeholder engagement.
- Labour law knowledge.
- Cross-cultural communication.
- Strategic thinking.
- Planning and organizational skills.
- Team collaboration.
- Problem-solving ability.
- Innovation and initiative.
- Relationship building.
- Commitment to humanitarian values.
- Security awareness.
Why Join MSF Ubuntu?
Working with MSF Ubuntu offers an opportunity to contribute to humanitarian programmes that save lives across Africa and beyond.
Benefits include:
- International humanitarian leadership experience.
- Exposure to multicultural teams.
- Opportunities for professional development.
- Meaningful work supporting vulnerable communities.
- Collaboration with global humanitarian experts.
- Renewable long-term contract.
- International travel opportunities.
Diversity and Inclusion
MSF Ubuntu is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
Applicants whose experience does not perfectly match every requirement are encouraged to apply. The organization recognizes that valuable skills and leadership potential can come from diverse professional backgrounds.
MSF is also firmly committed to safeguarding patients, communities, and employees against all forms of abuse, including Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH). Successful candidates will undergo comprehensive background verification and safeguarding checks.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should prepare the following documents:
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English.
- Letter of Motivation (mandatory).
Applications submitted without a motivation letter will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
Important Dates
- Position: Human Resources Advisor, Operations
- Application Deadline: 21 July 2026
- Start Date: 1 October 2026
- Contract: Three-year renewable
- Travel: 20–50% annually
Final Thoughts
The MSF Ubuntu Human Resources Advisor, Operations position offers an exceptional opportunity for experienced HR professionals who want to combine strategic leadership with humanitarian impact. If you have a strong background in human resources, organizational development, and people leadership within international or humanitarian settings, this role provides the chance to help shape the workforce behind some of the world’s most critical medical and emergency programmes.
With a commitment to diversity, safeguarding, and community-centered humanitarian action, MSF Ubuntu continues to build teams dedicated to delivering quality healthcare where it is needed most.
Application Deadline: 21 July 2026. Early applications are encouraged, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
