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- Tasks: Support international teams with HR and finance tasks, from payroll to staff management.
- Company: Join Médecins Sans Frontières, a leading humanitarian organisation making a real impact worldwide.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, work in diverse environments, and enjoy opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference while developing your skills in a dynamic, multicultural setting.
- Qualifications: Basic bookkeeping, HR management, and fluency in English; French or Arabic skills are essential.
- Other info: Commit to a minimum of nine months and be ready for an adventure!
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
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Being a human resources/finance administrator is a fun and varied job.
In an emergency, you may be required to arrange the tripling of the workforce in a project in a matter of weeks, while in a regular project, you may work on building training programmes for local Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) staff.
You’ll take care of much of the day-to-day running of the project, from payroll to managing the international staff compound. Ultimately, you will be responsible for ensuring that the project has the right people to ensure its success.
Responsibilities
As an HR/finance administrator, you act as support to the entire international team, managing their accommodation and food, supporting the project coordinator, and liaising with the capital office to ensure that the project is run in line with local laws and customs.
In smaller projects, you may also manage the supplies for the project.
Management of local staff
As an HR/finance administrator, you work very closely with local staff—arranging for their recruitment, training, accommodation, contracts, and payment.
A large part of your work is to build the capacity of these local staff as well as ensure safe and fair working conditions.
Day-to-day tasks
Our HR/finance administrators come from a wide range of backgrounds, from management and social sciences to finance and HR professionals.
They are usually based in the projects, and their tasks over the month may include some or all of the following:
- Arranging payroll for all host country staff
- Managing payment and administration of daily workers
- Working with the domestic staff to ensure that the accommodation bases are in good order
- Planning the HR for the project and arranging recruitment or terminations as necessary as the project evolves
- Working with the department heads to ensure that host country staff are managed well
- Managing the project budget
- Supporting the project coordinator with the security and coordination of staff
It can involve long hours and hard work, but it is a wonderful opportunity to work closely with staff across all departments, ensuring that MSF\’s impact as an employer on the local community is positive.
Application guide
Read our guide on the application process for all overseas roles.
Role requirements
Skills and expertise in the following areas:
- Basic bookkeeping
- HR management
- Proven ability as a manager or team leader
- Office and supply management experience are also desirable
- Previous overseas volunteer experience within a humanitarian setting
- Available for a minimum of nine months
- Minimum of three months’ work, volunteering, or travel experience in low-income countries
- Willingness to work in unstable areas
- Adaptable and able to work in a multicultural team
- Flexible and able to manage stress
- Able to provide training and supervision to others
- Previous experience in training and supervising others
- Fluency in English and a minimum of B1 level in French (according to CEFR)
Languages
We\’re currently only looking for HR/Finance Administrators with good French or Arabic skills.
- Minimum (high) B1 level in French or Arabic
Your language level may be tested during the recruitment process.
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HR/finance administrator employer: MSF UK
Contact Detail:
MSF UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR/finance administrator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific HR and finance practices in humanitarian settings. Understanding how these differ from corporate environments can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in HR or finance roles within NGOs. They can provide insights into the job's demands and may even refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your French or Arabic language skills, as fluency is a requirement for this role. Consider taking a short course or engaging in conversation practice to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for situational interview questions that assess your adaptability and stress management skills. Think of examples from past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges in multicultural teams.
We think you need these skills to ace HR/finance administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in HR and finance. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed staff, handled payroll, or worked in multicultural environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for humanitarian work and your adaptability in challenging environments. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your skills in HR management and team leadership.
Highlight Language Proficiency: Since the role requires fluency in English and a minimum of B1 level in French or Arabic, clearly state your language skills. If you have any certifications or proof of language proficiency, include them.
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you have previous overseas volunteer experience, make sure to detail it. Highlight how this experience has prepared you for the challenges of working in unstable areas and managing local staff.
How to prepare for a job interview at MSF UK
✨Showcase Your Multicultural Experience
Given the diverse environment you'll be working in, it's crucial to highlight any previous experience in multicultural teams. Share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with individuals from different backgrounds.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
The role requires someone who can handle stress and adapt to changing situations. Prepare to discuss instances where you've had to pivot quickly in your work or manage unexpected challenges effectively.
✨Highlight Your HR and Financial Skills
Make sure to emphasise your expertise in HR management and basic bookkeeping. Be ready to provide examples of how you've managed payroll, recruitment, or training programmes in past roles.
✨Prepare for Language Proficiency Testing
Since fluency in French or Arabic is a requirement, brush up on your language skills. Be prepared for potential language assessments during the interview, and consider practising common HR-related vocabulary in your chosen language.
