Background

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a leading international independent medical humanitarian organisation, providing expert medical relief to vulnerable populations at times of conflict or disaster. Operating in over 71 countries, MSF provides both life-saving emergency relief and longer-term assistance to make basic healthcare services available to the most vulnerable or excluded communities.  MSF Netherlands in Italy coordinates the Search and Rescue operations in the central Mediterranean which provide lifesaving activities and basic assistance operating with own ship.

Scope and objectives of the position

Assisting the Finance & HR Coordinator in the implementation and follow-up of the Finance/HR activities of the mission, while executing the accountancy and administration related tasks for Coordinaton, according to MSF protocols, standards and procedures in order to ensure documentary traceability and compliance to local labour and fiscal regulations. 

Main responsibilities

Finance and Accounting

  • Perform accounting activities and record financial transactions in Unifield, ensuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with MSF accounting procedures and the chart of accounts. 
  • Process supplier payments, ensuring proper authorization and supporting documentation. 
  • Perform account reconciliations and support monthly and annual closing procedures. 
  • Maintain accurate financial records and ensure the proper filing and traceability of supporting documents. 
  • Support budget monitoring, financial reporting, audit preparation and follow-up of administrative and contractual deadlines.
  • Use MSF financial tools and reporting systems to ensure timely and reliable financial information.

Human Resources

  • Support recruitment, onboarding and personnel administration, including employment contracts, amendments, personnel files and contract expiry monitoring.
  • Collect and verify monthly payroll variables, including leave, absences and other salary adjustments, supporting accurate and timely payroll processing.
  • Maintain and update HR records and databases, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with applicable Italian labour and data protection requirements. 
  • Support holiday planning, staff training administration and the monitoring of employment-related documentation and deadlines. 

MSF Tools, Procedures and Compliance

  • Ensure the correct use of Unifield and other applicable MSF tools, templates and procedures within the assigned responsibilities.
  • Support the Fin/HR Coordinator with the compliance, internal control and document management procedures.
  • Support the Fin/HR Coordinator with the preparation of documentation for internal and external audits and ensure timely follow-up of identified discrepancies.
  • Monitor relevant changes in Italian tax, labour and social security regulations and report potential implications to the Finance and HR Coordinator. 
  • Contribute to the improvement of administrative workflows, reporting tools and document archiving systems.

Specific Accountabilities

General Administrative Support

  • Provide administrative support to the Finance and HR Coordinator, including reporting, document preparation, meeting support and translation when required.
  • Coordinate routine administrative interactions with suppliers, service providers and external consultants.
  • Maintain updated records of contracts, insurance policies, recurring expenses and administrative deadlines.
  • Perform other related duties as delegated by the Finance and HR Coordinator. 
  • Assist with staff onboarding, briefings, training coordination, annual holiday planning, travel logistics (tickets, airport informations), and ensuring valid work/travel permits.
  • Assist with budgets, accounting, treasury, reporting, donor requirements, and auditing procedures and ensuring strict documentation quality and confidentiality.
  • Monitor local legal and fiscal changes, ensure internal regulations are followed, and maintain strict compliance with MSF standards (chart of accounts, cash security rules, etc.).
  • Track rental/service contracts and insurance expiration dates to coordinate timely payments and renewals. 

Requirements

Education
  •  Desirable, certificate or diploma in business, HR Management or similar education. 

Experience
  • Essential: At least two years of relevant experience in finance, accounting, HR or administration. 
  • Desirable: Previous experience with MSF or another international NGO. 

Languages
  • Fluent written and spoken Italian (C1) and English (B2) 

Knowledge
  •  Essential computer literacy (word, excel, internet)
  •  Good working knowledge on MS Office 
  • Desirable: Previous experience with Unifield or other MSF financial and administrative tools.
  • Good organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to handle confidential financial and personnel information with discretion. 

Competencies
  • Results and Quality Orientation
  • Teamwork and Cooperation

Conditions

Contract: Fixed term contract (6 months), full-time. Level I of Italian CCNL Commercio Terziario Distribuzione e Servizi. 

Candidates should hold a work permit to work in Italy.

Gross Annual Salary: Euro 36,400 depending on MSF experience of the candidate.

Location: Rome (coordination)

Starting Date: As soon as possible

Application procedure:

To apply for this role, please submit your application to sar-jobs@oca.msf.org   

Subject: FIN/HR Coordinator assistant_Your Surname 

Including the following: 

  • CV (in English)

  • motivation letter (in English) 

 

  • Availability 

  • 2 contacts for references

The application deadline is 5th November 2026

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.  

Applicants not invited for interview within 4 weeks from the closure of the vacancy may consider their applications unsuccessful.  

MSF-Netherlands is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No employee, or applicant for employment, shall be discriminated against in any term or condition of employment because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, or sexual orientation. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are core values. We expect this same commitment from our staff.