HR Assistant – Supporting Humanitarian Excellence in Akwa at MSF

In the heart of crisis and medical emergency, the strength of a humanitarian mission lies in the people who power it. By joining our team, you become a vital link in the chain of medical aid, ensuring that the healthcare professionals on the front lines have the logistical and administrative support they need to save lives. This role is not just about paperwork; it is about building the foundation of a team that provides impartial care to those caught in conflict, disasters, and healthcare exclusion.

Job Summary

The HR Assistant serves as a cornerstone of project operations, ensuring that all human resource functions are executed with precision, transparency, and legal integrity. You will be responsible for maintaining the health of our workforce through diligent contract management, accurate payroll processing, and the meticulous upkeep of personnel records. Your work directly enables our medical teams to focus on their patients, knowing that the administrative pillars of the mission are secure.

Key Responsibilities

Administrative & Legal Compliance

  • Contract Lifecycle Management: Draft and manage employment agreements and amendments, ensuring every contract aligns with local labor laws and organizational standards.
  • Personnel Records: Oversee the integrity of digital and physical staff files, ensuring that all documentation is accurate, up-to-date, and compliant with data protection standards.
  • Regulatory Liaison: Manage social security and tax filings to ensure the organization meets all statutory obligations and fiscal requirements in Nigeria.
  • Lease Oversight: Monitor rental agreements for mission facilities, proactively notifying management of upcoming renewals or transitions.

Payroll & Workforce Logistics

  • Payroll Accuracy: Prepare monthly salary disbursements and slips, ensuring that every staff member is compensated correctly and on schedule.
  • Daily Worker Coordination: Maintain a responsive pool of daily workers, facilitating their integration into various departments and managing their time-tracking and payment documentation.
  • Facility Management: Supervise the essential support staff, including cooks and cleaners, ensuring high standards of workplace maintenance and office supply management.

Recruitment & Talent Support

  • Hiring Assistance: Support the full recruitment cycle by preparing assessment tools, organizing testing venues, and maintaining clear communication with all applicants throughout the selection process.
  • Onboarding & Induction: Act as the first point of contact for new international and national arrivals, providing comprehensive briefings on project culture and local living arrangements.
  • Performance Monitoring: Track staff evaluations and professional development files within the internal HR system (Homere) to foster a culture of growth.

Why This Role is Important

Human resources in a humanitarian context is the engine that keeps the mission moving. Without an organized, legally compliant, and well-supported workforce, medical interventions cannot happen. By ensuring that recruitment is fair, staff are paid on time, and the work environment is welcoming, you directly contribute to the stability and effectiveness of life-saving medical projects in Anambra State.

Essential Qualifications & Skills

  • Academic Background: A University Degree in Human Resource Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
  • Professional Experience: Ideally, you possess at least two years of experience in an administrative or HR capacity. Experience within an NGO or the development sector is highly valued.
  • Language Mastery: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English, Igbo, and Pidgin English are mandatory.
  • Technical Proficiency: Strong command of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Excel) and a comfort level with digital HR databases.
  • Core Competencies: A deep commitment to humanitarian principles (Neutrality, Impartiality, and Independence), the ability to thrive under pressure, and a collaborative team spirit.

About the Organization

We are a global, independent movement that provides medical assistance where the need is greatest. Our teams act rapidly to provide aid to victims of armed conflict, epidemics, and natural disasters, operating without regard to race, religion, or political affiliation. We believe in the power of medical ethics and the right of all people to receive professional healthcare. In Nigeria, we work tirelessly to bridge the gap in healthcare access through emergency response and long-term medical projects.

Benefits & Expectations

  • Salary: We offer a competitive humanitarian salary package, commensurate with experience and organizational scales.
  • Contract: This is a “Definite” contract period based in Akwa, Anambra.
  • Work Environment: You will join a dynamic, multicultural team dedicated to professional excellence and ethical medical practice.

Application Details

  • Location: Akwa, Anambra State (Preference given to local residents).
  • Deadline: 27th December, 2025.
  • How to Apply: Eligible candidates are invited to submit their application (Cover Letter, CV, and relevant certifications, including NYSC discharge/exemption) via our Online Application Portal.

Tips for Applicants

  1. Tailor Your Cover Letter: Don’t just list your duties; explain why you are passionate about the humanitarian mission and how your HR skills can support it.
  2. Highlight Language Skills: Since Igbo and Pidgin are essential for the context in Akwa, be sure to emphasize your fluency in these languages.
  3. Demonstrate Integrity: In HR, ethics are everything. Provide examples of how you have handled sensitive information or complex administrative tasks with transparency in the past.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Both men and women are strongly encouraged to apply.