Head of Human Resources, Operations ( HROps)

About MSF:

Organisational Context

Medecins Sans Frontieres / Doctors Without Borders Southern Africa Section (MSF- SnA) is a humanitarian organization undergoing significant transformation, including the rollout of Ubuntu Operational Directorate in collaboration with MSF East Africa, MSF-UK and MSF Spain as well as strategic policies, operating models, and organizational structures to enhance program impact to the populations we serve and operational efficiency. MSF SnA has a strategic partnership with MSFOCB-Operational Directorate. In alignment with MSF movement evolution, MSF-SnA seeks to strengthen its people management systems, leadership capacity, and organizational culture to better respond to evolving humanitarian needs.

Job Purpose

The Head of Human Resources, Operations (HROPs)  provides strategic and operational leadership for the Operational HR function across MSF Southern Africa and the Ubuntu Operational Directorate. The role is responsible for ensuring the organization is effectively staffed to meet current and future operational needs through the development and implementation of Program HR strategy, workforce planning, recruitment, employee wellbeing, retention, policy development and HR operational excellence.The role leads the Operational HR Unit and works collaboratively with Operational Centres, Operational Directorates and other key stakeholders to ensure consistent, high-quality HR practices that support organisational priorities, operational effectiveness and the delivery of humanitarian programmes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership and Governance

• Develop and implement the Operational Human Resources strategy aligned with MSF Southern Africa's strategic objectives, operational priorities and global HR direction.
• Lead the continuous review and enhancement of Operational HR policies, frameworks, standards and procedures to ensure they remain relevant, effective and aligned with MSF principles.
• Provide strategic advice to the Human Resources Director and senior leadership on workforce trends, Operational HR risks, organisational capability and emerging people priorities.
• Ensure effective governance of the HR function through compliance monitoring, quality assurance, risk management and implementation of audit recommendations.
• Represent MSF Southern Africa in relevant intersectional HR platforms, working groups and collaborative initiatives to influence and strengthen Field HR practice across the movement.
• Promote innovation and continuous improvement based on data to enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of Field HR services.

2. Workforce Planning and Talent Management

• Develop and implement a strategic workforce planning framework aligned with organisational strategy and operational priorities.
• Lead workforce planning, forecasting and talent pipeline development to ensure the timely availability of qualified field staff.
• Analyse workforce trends, labour market developments and operational needs to inform strategic workforce decisions.
• Oversee recruitment targets, deployment readiness and workforce capacity to support operational delivery.
• Develop and implement talent management initiatives that strengthen programs worker engagement, career development, succession planning and retention.
• Monitor workforce performance indicators, identify workforce risks and implement appropriate interventions to address capability gaps.
• Collaborate with Operational Centres, Operational Directorates and other movement partners to strengthen workforce planning and talent mobility.
• Drive continuous improvement in workforce planning, talent management and people analytics to support evidence-based decision-making.

3. Recruitment and Deployment

• Lead the development and implementation of recruitment and deployment strategies that ensure the timely placement of qualified field staff to meet operational needs.
• Oversee the end-to-end programs recruitment and deployment process, ensuring efficiency, quality, fairness and compliance with MSF policies and standards.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with universities, professional bodies and other talent sources to strengthen recruitment pipelines.
• Promote MSF Southern Africa as an employer of choice through targeted attraction, outreach and employer branding initiatives.
• Monitor recruitment and deployment performance, identify bottlenecks and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service delivery.
• Ensure accurate recruitment reporting and provide insights to support workforce planning and operational decision-making.
• Act as a recruitment referent for Ubuntu country programs and support recruitment in programs.

4. Employee Experience, Duty of Care and Wellness

• Lead the development and implementation of duty of care, employee wellbeing and psychosocial support programmes for program staff throughout the employee lifecycle.
• Ensure appropriate systems and support mechanisms are in place to respond to field emergencies, medical evacuations and other staff welfare matters.
• Promote a positive program employee experience by strengthening engagement, wellbeing, resilience and reintegration initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to strengthen duty of care practices and ensure alignment with MSF standards and best practice.
• Oversee employee field preparation

5. HR Operations, Systems and Analytics

• Lead the continuous improvement of HR systems, processes and service delivery to enhance operational effectiveness and employee experience.
• Oversee the integrity, security and effective utilisation of HR information systems and employee data.
• Develop and monitor Field HR performance indicators, dashboards and workforce analytics to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Ensure accurate HR reporting and compliance with organisational standards

6. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with Operational Centres, Operational Directorates, HR colleagues across the MSF movement, and other stakeholders to strengthen Field HR service delivery.
• Represent MSF Southern Africa in relevant intersectional HR forums, working groups and collaborative initiatives, Partner with organisational leaders to understand workforce priorities, provide expert HR advice and develop solutions that support operational objectives.
• Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across departments and movement partners to strengthen organisational capability and improve field workforce outcomes.
• Build strategic partnerships with academic institutions, and other external organisations to enhance talent attraction and strengthen the field workforce pipeline.

7. Financial and People Leadership

• Lead, coach and develop the Field HR team, fostering a high-performing, collaborative and accountable culture.
• Set clear performance expectations, manage individual and team performance, and support learning, development and succession planning.
• Plan, allocate and optimise human and financial resources.
• Develop and manage the Field HR budget, ensuring prudent financial management, compliance and value for money.
• Monitor departmental performance against agreed objectives and implement corrective actions to ensure the achievement of strategic and operational goals.

Requirements:

1. Qualifications

• An NQF 7 qualification in Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, Business Management or similar is required
• A postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management/Development, Business Administration (Human Resource Management), Organizational Management or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution is an added advantage.
  

2. Experience 

• At least eight (8) years' progressive Human Resources experience, including significant experience in senior HR role in Field within MSF or international non-profit sector.
• At least five (5) years' experience leading and developing multidisciplinary HR teams.
• Demonstrated experience in workforce planning, talent management, recruitment, employee relations and organisational change.
• Experience supporting field operations, including workforce deployment, duty of care and staff wellbeing.
• Experience working across multiple countries, cultures and stakeholders within a complex matrix environment.
• Previous experience in a field coordination role within MSF or equivalent field experience in a humanitarian organisation is an added advantage.

3. Technical Knowledge 

• Sound knowledge of Human Resource Management principles and best practices.
• Knowledge of humanitarian workforce management and duty of care principles.
• Understanding of labour legislation and HR governance relevant to the organisation's operating context.
• Experience using Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) and applying workforce data and analytics to support decision-making.
• Strong understanding of organisational development, change management and continuous improvement methodologies

4. Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Leadership and people development.
• Stakeholder engagement and influencing.
• Decision-making and sound judgement.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving.
• Planning, execution and results orientation.
• Effective communication and collaboration.
• Adaptability, resilience and commitment to MSF values.

Terms and Conditions of Employment:

• Open-ended contract.
• Position Level: 9
• Monthly Salary: R61848,75
• 13th Cheque in November.
• 10% additional pension contribution.
• 100% Medical Aid Contribution.
• Transport allowance.
• Cell phone allowance.

Application details:

• The vacancy closing date is 29 October 2026
• Start date: ASAP
• By applying to this position, the applicant confirms they have read, understood and agreed to fully comply with MSF Charter and MSF Behavioural Commitments and Data Privacy Policy.
• In line with MSF’s Safeguarding Principles, successful candidates undergo a rigorous vetting process that includes background checks.
• If you recognize yourself in this profile, we welcome you to apply directly via the https://msfsa.bamboohr.com/careers/429 Vacancy link. The vacancy can be found on various MSF websites, digital channels and other job boards.
• Applicants are required to upload a Curriculum Vitae (in English) as per prescribed formats. 
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• People living with disability are encouraged to apply.

Information

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. MSF will not use your personal data in any other way, not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

MSF is an equal opportunity employer and does not charge any application/recruitment fee.

Lately, MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such MSF is by choice an association. Each individual applying for MSF roles does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation, and all other diversity characteristics.