Interim HR Director

Doctors without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa is a global network of principled professionals who specialise in medical humanitarian work driven by our common humanity and guided by medical ethics. We work together in teams, small and large, to respond to the medical needs of people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics and those excluded from healthcare.

MSF Southern Africa (MSF SnA) is undergoing a leadership transition following the departure of the HR Director. Several critical HR initiatives are ongoing, and the permanent recruitment process is expected to take several months. To ensure continuity, stability, and effective HR governance, MSF SnA seeks an experienced HR leader to serve as Interim HR Director for a fixed 3 month period, renewable based on organisational needs.

The Interim HR Director will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and leadership continuity to the HR function, ensuring that high priority initiatives remain on track, risks are managed, and the HR team remains supported and aligned during the transition period.

The Interim HR Director will oversee the HR department with key functional pillars including Domestic (HQ) HR - Management of HR for MSF SnA section staff (legal and administrative), Field HR - Support to International Mobile Staff (IMS) and Learning & Development (L&D). The role directly supervises six senior HR staff members, providing mentoring, cohesion, prioritisation, and cross functional alignment.

The acting HR Director will continue to provide strategic guidance of HR matters to the General Director and the Leadership team, ensuring alignment with MSF SnA strategic priorities. HR Director will serve as the primary HR interface in the co creation of MSF Ubuntu partners and key intersectional stakeholders. The interim HR Director actively participates in and contributes to relevant MSF HR platforms and governance spaces, serves as the primary HR interface with MSF EA and global HR platforms, and ensures alignment with organisational transformation priorities. The post holder will prioritise the review of the HR structure and set up, implement GGF, strengthen collaboration with MSF EA and represent MSF SnA in the various HR platforms in the movement. The role will foster continuity and compliance in all HR operations.

Full time position for an initial three (3) months, renewable depending on organisational needs and recruitment progress with starting date expected to be ASAP.

Reports to the General Director; works in close collaboration with the Leadership Team, MSF EA counterparts, and the MSF Ubuntu HR leadership.

We are looking for a motivated HR personnel with demonstrable leadership qualities within MSF HR with the following profile;

• Bachelor's in Human Resources Management or other HR qualification.
• Extensive senior HR leadership experience (essential).
• Communicates effectively and fosters open dialogue across the Sections.
• Proven experience within MSF in HR roles at senior/strategic level (required).
• Strong experience in organisational restructuring and managing change.
• Demonstrated ability to operate in complex, multi stakeholder environments.
• Strong stakeholder management and decision making skills.
• Solid knowledge of labour law and HR compliance frameworks.
• Experience within humanitarian/INGO contexts is highly desirable.
• Given the leadership and coordination requirements of the role, full time physical presence in the MSF Southern Africa Johannesburg office is mandatory.

People living with disability are encouraged to apply.

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

MSF values diversity and is committed to creating 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.