CONTEXT
Within MSF, recruitment responsibilities are shared worldwide between different stakeholders and geographical locations such as HR Teams in projects, Partner Sections and Operational Centers (OC). Our common goal is to answer to MSF human resources (HR) needs in changing environments. Within MSF OCB (Operational Center Brussels) People & Workforce Department, the Recruitment Unit (RU) oversees:
- Recruitment of International Mobile staff (IMS) to answer to OCB HR operational needs
- Recruitment process and support for OCB HQ positions based in Brussels or worldwide
- Methodological support to the projects and expertise for the recruitment of Locally Hired Staff (LHS)
- Talent attraction and employer branding strategy and activities
As referent and expert in recruitment, we aim at supporting and/or framing OCB’s recruitment strategies, policies, processes and/or activities to attract and select motivated and qualitative global diverse and mobile workforce. We strive for more coherence and for the implementation of our core MSF recruitment principles in all recruitment activities: respect, equity, non-discrimination and transparency.
As a Talent Acquisition Specialist, you go beyond the operational execution of recruitment. You own the recruitment process and serve as a strategic HR partner for HQ departments and programs. You integrate staffing needs discussions and workforce analysis into broader HR planning. As a technical referent in recruitment, you ensure a structured and reliable approach, contribute to the continuous improvement of practices, and advise on strategic workforce topics in collaboration with HR business partners and line management. You report to the Head of OCB Recruitment
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
To contribute to operational needs by providing quality HR to the Operational Centre of MSF Brussels (OCB). In alignment with OCB’s recruitment principles, criteria, policies, and procedures, this position entails:
- Lead and own recruitment processes for assigned HQ and IMS positions, ensuring end-to-end quality, compliance with MSF standards, and transparent, efficient decision-making in collaboration with hiring managers and HR business partners
- Act as a strategic HR partner by integrating staffing needs discussions and recruitment planning into annual HR strategies, aligning recruitment decisions with workforce planning and programmatic priorities. Help emergency set-up to structured mass-recruitment and tailored specific recruitment process
- Provide expert guidance and technical leadership on selection tools, competency-based assessments, and best practices in evaluation and recruitment methodology
- Collaborate closely with HR counterparts to connect recruitment insights with broader talent initiatives, including retention, staff development, and workforce planning
- Contribute to HR marketing and outreach efforts, such as co-organizing recruitment campaigns, webinars, and information sessions, including tailored sessions for Locally Hired Staff (LHS), to strengthen MSF’s employer brand and attract qualified talent
- Engage as an active and supportive member of the Recruitment Unit, fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and achievement of collective goals
ROLE – SPECIFIC TASKS
As the owner and referent for recruitment processes across the global workforce, you ensure that MSF OCB’s recruitment strategy responds effectively to the diverse and evolving needs of our programs and departments. This includes Locally Hired Staff (LHS), International Mobile Staff (IMS), and HQ Head Office staff, with tailored responsibilities and partnerships at each level.
Locally Hired Staff (LHS) – Supporting Program HR Teams
- Advise and accompany program HR teams throughout the recruitment cycle, from planning to selection.
- Build local capacity by providing technical and methodological support for transparent, competency-based recruitment
- Promote shared standards and act as a liaison between projects and OCB HR to harmonize practices and ensure continuous improvement
- Facilitate knowledge transfer and promote shared recruitment standards, ensuring alignment with MSF principles while respecting local contexts and labor markets
- Support emergency set-up to put in place or reinforce their workforce ad-hoc, as partner and active service from the initial discussion
International Mobile Staff (IMS) – Strategic Workforce Mobilization
- Lead full-cycle recruitment for assigned IMS profiles, ensuring operational needs are met efficiently and in line with OCB priorities
- Partner with MSF entities to align on profiles, share insights, and streamline recruitment across the movement
- Provide technical expertise, analyze data and market trends, and feed insights into workforce planning and talent development in collaboration with marketing unit
- Act as a technical referent for IMS recruitment, ensuring coherence, efficiency, and consistency with OCB’s operational priorities
Head Office (Headquarters) – Strategic Talent Partnership
- Partner with directors and managers to translate staffing needs into clear recruitment strategies and timelines.
- Advise on role definitions, selection criteria, and interview methods aligned with MSF’s values and priorities.
- Design and lead recruitment processes that are transparent, inclusive, and adapted to the needs of each department.
- Foster continuous improvement by sharing lessons learned, analyzing outcomes, and proposing innovations that strengthen recruitment effectiveness across all levels
Collaborative Scope
- Gather and analyze recruitment data, market trends and MSF ambitions to anticipate emerging needs and inform long-term workforce planning
- Promote cross-departmental collaboration to ensure that the recruitment process is integrated with onboarding, talent development, and retention strategies
- Promote the Global Recruitment Policy, foster understanding of its pillars, and ensure consistent application across all recruitment activities
CONDITIONS
- Expected starting date: As soon as possible
- Location: Brussels (Belgium)
- Contract type: Open-ended contract – full-time
- Homeworking: homeworking per week possible as per internal policy
- Salary according to MSF-OCB Head Office salary grid
- Meal Vouchers - Hospital Insurance (DKV) – Pension Plan – 100% reimbursement for public transportation costs
- Adhere to the MSF principles and to our managerial values: Respect, Transparency, Integrity, Accountability, Trust and Empowerment
- Adhere to the MSF Behavioral Commitments
Deadline for applications: 2nd of April 2026
How to apply?
➢ Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button on the vacancy page
➢ You will be directed to the online application form for this position
➢ It should take 5-10 minutes to complete. Thank you in advance for having your CV and motivation letter ready to upload (PDF format)
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
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, color or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
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