Domestic Human Resources Manager

About MSF

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.

Doctors Without Borders team members are on the ground, working directly every day. We bear witness and describe what is happening, to raise awareness about the experiences of the people we assist and the situations where we work. We alert the public to emerging crises, acute emergencies and serious challenges, such as lack of access and exclusion from healthcare, and to mobilise support for MSF’s work and social mission, provoking change.

Today, MSF is present in more than 70 countries, where thousands of MSF doctors, nurses, logisticians, water-and-sanitation experts, and other medical and non-medical professionals work together to bring essential health services to people caught in humanitarian crises. MSF South Africa is in Johannesburg with an office in Cape Town too. MSF SA is governed by the MSF Southern Africa Association, which is made up of more than 300 members from seven countries in the region.

Job Purpose:

The DHR Manager is responsible for managing and strengthening MSF Southern Africa’s HR function by ensuring the effective implementation of HR strategies, policies, systems, and processes.

In addition to overseeing domestic HR operations, the role plays a key support function to MSF Ubuntu, contributing to operational readiness, organisational transition, and alignment of HR practices to operational and field realities. The position requires sound professional judgement, strong coordination skills, and practical experience in operational or program HR contexts to support both current office needs and future operations.

Department: Human Resources Department

• Report to: Senior HR Manager
• Job Family: HR Generalist
• Supervises (Function): Domestic HR Officer
• Position Level: 8

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities

 HR Operational Planning and Organisational Readiness

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the HR operational plan, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy and MSF Ubuntu priorities.
• Provide informed HR input into Ubuntu-related planning, including staffing models, organisational design, and HR systems readiness for operational contexts.
• Identify and mitigate HR risks associated with organisational growth and the transition to operations.
• Support MSF Southern Africa’s move towards operations by strengthening HR systems, processes, and team capacity to effectively support both office-based and operational environments, drawing on operational or field HR experience.

HR Policy, Compliance, and Governance

• Maintain, implement, and monitor HR policies and procedures in line with South African labour legislation, MSF standards, and operational requirements.
• Ensure consistent, transparent, and fair application of HR policies across the organisation.
• Support the adaptation or interpretation of HR policies where operational or Ubuntu-related contexts require additional guidance.

HR Administration, Remuneration, and Benefits

• Oversee HR administration processes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Manage remuneration and benefits administration, including communication of changes to staff.
• Ensure HR systems and processes are robust enough to support increased organisational and operational complexity.

Payroll Management

• Supervise payroll processes to ensure accurate and timely salary payments.
• Resolve payroll-related queries and oversee payroll audits and reconciliations.
• Ensure payroll systems are aligned with organisational growth and operational needs.

Performance Management

• Implement and oversee the performance management system (PMS).
• Analyse PMS data to identify trends, development needs, and organisational risks.
• Support managers in applying performance management processes fairly and effectively, including within Ubuntu-related structures.

Discipline, Grievance, and Employee Relations

• Provide technical HR support and guidance on disciplinary and grievance matters.
• Ensure fair, consistent, and legally compliant handling of employee relations cases.
• Report on trends and risks related to employee relations to support informed decision-making.

Staff Management and Capacity Building

• Manage and develop the Domestic HR team, including performance management, coaching, and skills development.
• Strengthen the HR team’s understanding of operational and field HR realities through knowledge-sharing and exposure.
• Promote collaboration between domestic HR and Ubuntu stakeholders.

Budget and Financial Management

• Contribute to the preparation, monitoring, and forecasting of the HR budget in collaboration with Finance.
• Track HR-related expenditure (staffing, benefits, etc.) and report on variances.
• Provide HR input into budget planning linked to organisational growth and operational readiness, including Ubuntu-related staffing and structural needs.
• Ensure HR financial decisions align with MSF policies, funding constraints, and risk management principles.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Act as a key HR focal point on HR-related matters.
• Build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, including management, staff representatives, and operational counterparts.
• Liaise with external service providers and authorities as required.

Requirements

Education

• NQF Level 7 qualification in Human Resource Management, Industrial Psychology, Business Management, or a related field (required).
• Qualification or training in project, programme, or operational management (advantageous).

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in Human Resources Management or a related HR role.
• At least 2 years’ HR experience in a field, program, or operational context within MSF or an international NGO (required).
• Experience supporting or working within complex, multicultural, or humanitarian environments.
• At least 2–4 years’ experience in staff management or team coordination.

Languages

• English at professional working proficiency.

Competencies

• Commitment to MSF principles and values.
• Cross-cultural awareness.
• Behavioural flexibility and stress management.
• Analytical thinking and strategic vision.
• Planning, organising, and results orientation.
• Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, and leadership.
• People management and development.
• Networking and relationship building.
• Security awareness and risk sensitivity.

Remuneration and resources:

• The Salary R 48 209,76
• 13th Cheque in November.
• 100% Medical aid contribution.
• 10% additional pension allowance.
• Transport allowance.
• Cell Phone Allowance.
• Work-life balance: Daily flexi-hours and 2 days working from home are possible.
• Diverse team composition; Collaborate with a global network of talented professionals, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise from around the world
• Resources needed, such as working space, computer, internet, stationery, and other resources, will be made available.

Commitment/Contract Duration:

• Length of commitment: Permanent role

Closing date: 20 January 2026

Start date: ASAP

Apply here

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

NB: Information

The protection of your personal data is important to MSF SnA. 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 SnA will not use your personal data in any other way not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

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.

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.

By applying, the applicant acknowledges that he/she has read, understood and accept this document.