MSF ICO Payroll Officer

MSF ICO Payroll Officer

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

September 15, 2026October 30, 2026BarcelonaSpain
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that provides emergency aid to individuals affected by armed conflict, epidemics, healthcare exclusion, and natural disasters. Founded in 1971, MSF operates in over 70 countries and is known for its commitment to delivering assistance based solely on need, without regard to race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. The organization is structured into 24 sections and 28 associations, with its legal entity registered in Switzerland. MSF International coordinates the activities of these sections and associations, providing essential support and implementing international projects as required. With a workforce of thousands of employees and volunteers, MSF is dedicated to addressing urgent medical needs and advocating for the rights of marginalized populations worldwide.

Job Overview:
The MSF ICO Payroll Officer plays a crucial role in the financial operations of the organization, primarily focusing on the preparation and execution of monthly payroll processes and the administration of employee benefits. This position requires a solid understanding of internal policies, including the IRP2 and Mobile Rewards Policy, to ensure that payroll and benefits management is executed with the highest quality. The Payroll Officer will work closely with various teams, including the ICO Finance and Systems Manager, Compensation and Benefits Specialist, HR Referent, and HR Administrators, to maintain accurate payroll records and address any discrepancies. The role also involves training and supporting HR team members in the use of payroll systems and tools, ensuring compliance with GDPR regulations, and participating in audits related to salary and benefits. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Payroll Officer's duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to: preparing and administering payroll by incorporating various elements such as unused leave payouts, salary advances, allowances, and individual expense reimbursements; collaborating with the ICO Compensation and Benefits Specialist and HR team to conduct checks that ensure the accuracy and quality of payroll; providing technical feedback on payroll results; maintaining records of payroll abnormalities; coordinating the post-payroll salary remittance process; acting as the operational reference for Convera regarding post-payroll matters; training HR team members on the Convera tool; supporting the reconciliation of payroll with financial records; ensuring smooth enrollment of employees in retirement and health insurance plans; managing special insurance-related cases; following up on long-term sick leaves; ensuring accurate data capture on HRIS; participating in HRIS testing; safeguarding compliance with GDPR in payroll administration; advising on potential compliance risks; supporting salary and benefits audits; training new team members; and collaborating with other HR team members and overseas counterparts on common projects.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of one year of experience in payroll, HR, or finance administration, preferably within MSF or a similar organization. A strong knowledge of MSF's compensation and benefits policies, such as IRP2, is essential, along with familiarity with administrative policies and processes. The ideal candidate should demonstrate the ability to work independently with minimal supervision, possess excellent analytical skills, and exhibit strong interpersonal and communication abilities. A pragmatic approach, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of accuracy are also required.

Educational Background:
While the job posting does not specify particular educational qualifications, candidates are generally expected to have a background in finance, human resources, or a related field. Relevant certifications or training in payroll management or HR administration may be advantageous and could enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of relevant experience in payroll, HR, or finance administration. Experience within MSF or a similar humanitarian organization is highly desirable, as it provides familiarity with the specific policies and procedures that govern payroll and benefits management in such contexts. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their ability to handle payroll processes effectively and efficiently, as well as their capacity to work collaboratively within a team.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is essential for this role, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Knowledge of French is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's ability to interact with a broader range of colleagues and stakeholders within MSF's international framework. Additional language skills could be beneficial, depending on the specific operational context of the position.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is permanent and is offered at a 100% workload. The deadline for applications is set for 22 September 2026, with a starting date anticipated for 1st November 202
  • MSF reserves the right to conduct interviews with shortlisted candidates on a rolling basis to expedite the recruitment process. The successful candidate will typically be offered a contract in the MSF office located in their country of residence at the time of application. MSF is committed to fostering an inclusive culture and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including various genders, ages, sexual orientations, nationalities, races, religions, and abilities. The organization also emphasizes its commitment to preventing abuse and misconduct in its operations.
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