MEDECINS SANS FRONTIERES UK
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provides life-saving emergency relief and longer-term medical care to some of the most vulnerable and excluded communities around the world. As an independent medical humanitarian organisation, we deliver care based only on need, regardless of ethnic origin, gender, religion or political affiliation.MSF relies on donations from private individuals and organisations for the majority of its income. This private funding gives MSF the freedom to respond where needs are greatest and to speak out publicly, free from any political interference.
MSF has around 67,000 local and international staff working in over 70 countries, in some of the most challenging places in the world. Our medical humanitarian projects are supported by offices in 44 countries, including the UK and Ireland. These teams recruit staff, organise fundraising, and raise awareness on the humanitarian crises our colleagues are witnessing, as well as running different and diverse support activities. MSF offices are spread across Europe, North and South America, Asia, Africa and Australasia.
At MSF UK/IE, we support MSF's operations by building relationships with our supporters, increasing awareness of our work, raising funds, providing specialist medical expertise, ensuring MSF staff have access to relevant higher education programmes, catalysing change on medical humanitarian issues, and recruiting field staff.
MSF UK/IE personnel are dynamic, hard-working, enthusiastic and committed to MSF's values and aims. In addition MSF continues to build upon its presence in Ireland to become a widely recognised, accepted and respected humanitarian organisation among Irish audiences, and within the Irish humanitarian and political sector.
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A maternity cover opportunity to step into a central role supporting planning, risk, policy and governance across MSF UK at a time of organisational growth and change.
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Mon Fri
Duration: 13 month FTC
Location: London - hybrid, 2 days per week in London office (Including Wednesdays)
Salary: £ 54,452.47 - £ 66,553.01 per annum
Salary is offered in line with our pay framework and typically starts at the entry point of the band. Salary increases are considered annually and are subject to our appraisal and performance review process.
Job Purpose:
As part of MSF UK’s strategic ambition to take a transformational approach to organisational change, strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness of our enabling functions, support organisational growth, and continue to reduce risk, the Policy, Risk and Planning Team has been expanded into a new General Direction Support Unit. This new Planning and Accountability Unit comprises the existing team alongside two newly created teams: the Change Delivery Team and the Transparency and Accountability Team.
In addition to taking on new functions, some functions currently sitting within the Policy, Risk and Planning Team are being transitioned to other teams within the Planning and Accountability Unit as new posts are recruited. The role-holder a vital role in maintaining the quality and continuity of current team functions while new teams are being established. They will also support the development of new functions within the team, particularly business continuity planning and extending support to MSF Ireland. Once the new structure is in place, the post-holder will be responsible for ensuring an effective handover of responsibilities and for building strong working relationships within the wider Planning and Accountability Unit.
Please download the full job and person specification below for further details.
Knowledge Skills and Experience:
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Experience of and/or qualification in programme or project management using a recognised methodology (e.g. MSP, PRINCE2, APMP, PMI)
- Experience in organisational strategy and business planning
- Experience of working with controlled documents and maintaining information governance
- Experience of working with subject matter experts to draft, develop and refine policies
- Experience or qualification in risk management
- Experience or qualification in legal, regulatory, contracting and compliance settings
- Knowledge of line management practice and/or experience as a line manager
- Intermediate knowledge of data protection and information security
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in the English language including the production of briefings, governance papers, policies and internal communications
- Experience in the practical use of personal IT equipment and Microsoft Office 365 suite. The ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within a hybrid working environment utilising Teams, SharePoint, One Drive and Yammer.
How to Apply:
Please apply on our website by submitting a copy of your CV together with a letter of motivation (please upload as one document) by the closing date.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application checklist
Recruitment timetable:
- Closing date for applications: 10 August 2026, 12.00pm (BST)
- First round interviews: Week commencing 17 August 2026
- Projected Start Date: 12 October 2026
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Accessibility
We are committed to removing barriers for people with specific accessibility needs. If you need an adjustment to the recruitment process to be considered for the role, please let us know by contacting [email protected]
Examples of adjustments we can make:
- offering you an alternative if you are unable to use our online application system
- providing necessary information, such as the job description or assessment materials, in an alternate format
allowing you to have someone with you during an interview for example, a Sign Language interpreter.
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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
We are a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive organisation. MSF UK thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Please read our Equality & Diversity policy for more information.
MSF UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from all sections of our diverse community.
Safeguarding
MSF UK/IE is dedicated to safeguarding everyone who comes into contact with the organisation, for whatever reason and however brief. All posts are subject to safer recruitment process which include robust reference requests, scrutiny of employment history and where applicable criminal record and barring checks.
Our safeguarding commitment is underpinned by policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the organisation. On joining MSF UK/IE you will be required to attend safeguarding training to ensure responsibility for and maintaining safe working practice and to safeguard our teams, beneficiaries, and communities.
Right to work in the UK
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Employment sponsorship will NOT be offered by MSF UK for this role. Please click here to check whether you have the right to work in the UK.
For questions, issues or further information, please contact [email protected].
Please apply as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the application early if we find a suitable candidate.
We look forward to receiving your application!
