Emergency Pool Mobile Human Resources Coordinator

at Médecins Sans Frontières
Published October 20, 2026
Location Brussels, Belgium
Category Human Resource  
Job Type Full Time  

Description

CONTEXT

Within the Operations Department of MSF Belgium (Operational Center Brussels - OCB), our Emergency Pool (E-Pool) has as primary function to intervene directly and quickly with medical activities in crisis situations such as conflicts, epidemics, outbreaks and natural disasters while guaranteeing the quality of interventions. It is also tasked with the monitoring and identification of crises that may arise.

The E-Pool consists of one E-Pool Coordinator and a deputy, and two Emergency Coordinators based in Brussels. In addition to the Emergency coordinators, the E-Pool unit is composed of technical referent officers in Supply, Logistics, Human Resources (HR) and Finance.

The E-Pool also includes a Mobile Emergency Team deployed in emergency operations and composed of different profiles of coordinators and technicians. Members of the E-Pool Mobile Team travel at short notice to any context where the E-Pool is leading interventions, operating in a roving capacity. They undertake successive several short-term assignments between 6 weeks to 3 months, though in exceptional cases, it may extend beyond 3 months.

As E-Pool Mobile HR Coordinator, you are deployed on short-term assignments to support emergencies led by the Emergency Pool in Brussels, primarily in the role of HRCo, though other HR functions may be covered as needed (HR Manager). You demonstrate a hands-on approach, strong adaptability and cultural sensitivity, working under the supervision of the Country Coordinator and the HR Officer overseeing the emergency. Assignment priorities are defined by the E-Pool HR Officers.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Define, adapt and implement HR strategies and policies to meet urgent operational needs in rapidly evolving contexts, ensuring continuity and quality of HR management across different countries
Act as a strategic partner to operations, ensuring that emergency interventions have the HR capacity and support required to respond effectively
Act as the functional HR referent for projects
Prioritise critical HR actions, maintain legal and administrative compliance, and ensure that MSF remains a responsible employer in fast-changing, high-pressure environments
Contribute to intervention strategy and coordination, prioritising urgent HR needs during the opening, implementation and closure of emergency interventions
Ensure that HR policies and practices are adapted to the emergency context and implemented quickly and effectively
Lead fast-track recruitment and onboarding for Country-Based Staff and International Mobile Staff, ensuring rapid deployment and a good fit with the operational context
Establish the HR structures and systems required to respond to emergencies, ensuring that workforce capacity is aligned with operational needs
Monitor the HR budget and workforce plan and remain accountable for both
Provide immediate support and guidance to project teams on HR management, conflict resolution and team dynamics
Ensure that behavioural issues are prevented, identified and managed appropriately
Lead safeguarding risk assessments and the implementation of appropriate prevention measures
Promote and facilitate the implementation of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives
Oversee administrative and legal compliance, ensuring that contracts, payroll records and other required documentation are accurate, processed on time and stored on the programme’s Digital Desk
Support performance management and staff development, with a focus on operational impact and staff resilience, and identify needs for coaching or technical support
Coordinate staff movements and accommodation with the logistics department and the International Mobility Unit (IMU), ensuring operational readiness and smooth transitions
Monitor HR fundamentals to assess and improve the quality of HR, administrative and legal management during emergency interventions
REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience

Degree in HR management or administration is desirable

At least 12 months of international programme experience as HR Manager with MSF (or with another International NGO at project level)

At least 6 months of international MSF programme experience as HRCo is mandatory

Experience in unstable and/or highly insecure context is essential

Experience as HR Coordinator in another International NGO is an asset

Competencies

Capacity to develop an HR strategy

Strategic partner of the operations (HR-OPs oriented)

Capacity to rapidly identify and respond to legal and HR risks in complex environments

Behavioural flexibility and cross-cultural awareness

Leadership, People management and development

Teamwork and Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Resistance to stress

Planning and organization, setting priorities

Conflict management

Solution oriented and capacity to adapt quickly

Capacity to live and work in highly insecure contexts

Knowledge of MSF OCB internal HR tools

Strong computer literacy (Microsoft 365 tools)

Languages

Proficiency in English and French, both spoken & written is mandatory
Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese or Russian is an asset
Other

Availability to travel to any country on short notice

Please Send your resume/CV