Detachment & Mobility Specialist – People and Workforce Department (m/f/x) – Brussels – MSF Belgium
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international humanitarian aid organization that provides assistance in more than 70 countries to populations in distress, to victims of natural or manmade disasters and to victims of armed conflicts, without discrimination and irrespective of origin, religion, creed or political affiliation.
Detachment & Mobility Specialist – People and Workforce Department (m/f/x) – Brussels – MSF Belgium
CONTEXT
Médecins Sans Frontières's mission is to alleviate suffering, promote health, and save lives in increasingly complex, unpredictable humanitarian scenarios. Our programs require strategic support and an agile surge response; to achieve these goals, our People and Workforce posture is becoming integrated, context adapted and future oriented.
In 2025, the MSF Operational Center Brussels (OCB) resolved to move from an administrative HR approach to a more strategic People and Workforce model, strengthening the collaboration with the operations department.
As of January 2026, the People and Operations Delivery (POD) model will be introduced: a structure built on clear interfaces with Operations, HR Officers, and back-office. It will bring key people-related expertise such as workforce planning, administration and compliance, duty of care, and emergency readiness closer to MSF OCB programs and projects realities.
The model will continue to evolve throughout 2026 - 2031 to improve workforce planning, retention, learning, safeguarding, and overall operational support.
The Detachment & Mobility Specialist ensures the effective coordination and implementation of OCB workforce mobility activities across projects, HQ, and hubs, in line with staffing priorities and operational needs. The role facilitates staff mobility processes, supports matching of profiles to needs, and contributes to staff development through structured and equitable mobility opportunities.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Mobility Coordination & Implementation
* Implement the mobility framework and processes across projects, regions, and HQ
* Ensure consistent application of mobility modalities (secondments, shadowing, gap-filling, internships, emergency deployments)
* Support alignment of mobility activities with staffing plans and operational priorities
* Contribute to the continuous improvement of mobility frameworks based on operational feedback
Stakeholder Interface & Network Management
* Act as the primary operational focal point for mobility-related matters
* Maintain an effective network of L&D Managers, HRCOs, HROs, PMs, and HQ stakeholders
* Facilitate communication, coordination, and problem-solving between programme and HQ actors
* Promote understanding and uptake of mobility practices across projects
* Support stakeholders alignment with global mobility orientations
Mobility Operations & Data Management
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date data on staff available for mobility (profiles, availability, competencies, evaluations)
* Ensure validation of mobility pools, particularly for Country Based Staff
* Apply and monitor selection criteria for mobility eligibility
* Provide a clear operational overview of mobility flows, gaps, and constraints
* Contribute data and insights to workforce planning processes (e.g., ARO inputs)
Matching & Deployment Facilitation
* Identify staffing needs and opportunities for mobility in coordination with PMs and HROs
* Facilitate matching between available staff and vacant positions, ensuring operational relevance
* Support timely deployment of staff through mobility solutions, including in emergency contexts
* Provide visibility on available talent pools and staffing gaps
* Escalate critical gaps and contribute to prioritization discussions
Staff Development through Mobility
* Support the use of mobility as a tool for staff development, particularly for CBS
* Ensure assignments are properly prepared and followed up (objectives, briefings, debriefings, evaluations)
* Collaborate with L&D stakeholders to link mobility with career development pathways
* Contribute to strengthening equitable access to mobility through practical implementation
Continuous Improvement & Programme Support
* Identify operational bottlenecks and propose practical improvements to mobility processes and tools
* Conduct targeted project visits to strengthen implementation and address constraints
* Contribute to improving coordination, communication, and efficiency of mobility practices
* Monitor key indicators and provide regular feedback to the Global workforce planning lead
* Provide operational input to improve systems, processes, and tools
REQUIREMENTS
Education & Experience
* University degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or Social Sciences, or equivalent by experience
* Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience in HR (staffing, workforce planning etc)
* Previous MSF international experience in countries of intervention
* Practical knowledge of HR processes, tools, and data management systems
* Experience working in complex and multicultural environments
* Experience in staff mobility, recruitment, career development, or talent management is an asset
Competencies
* Strong analytical, negotiation, and decision-making skills
* Ability to operate at strategic and operational interface
* Strong communication, mitigation and problem resolution skills, interpersonal skills
* Strong Networking and Liaison as well as diplomatic skills to ensure sustainable engagement across all departments and all stakeholders
* Excellent ability to work in a multicultural environment successfully and to demonstrate commitment and support for diversity, gender-responsive, inclusive, and non-discriminatory behavior and attitudes
* Capacity to coordinate projects and multiple stakeholders across different locations
Languages
* Proficient level in English, written and spoken is mandatory
* Good knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic written and spoken is an asset
For complete job description and to apply, visit:
https://www.msf-azg.be/en/job/detachment-mobility-specialist
HOW TO APPLY:
? Submit your application via the 'Apply here' button
? 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 (in PDF format)
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