Senior Legal and Administration Advisor

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Position Title: Senior Legal and Administration Advisor
Location: Geneva
Country: Switzerland
Deadline Date: 4th of August 2024

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an international, independent, medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people 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 providing assistance based solely on need, without regard to race, religion, gender, or political affiliation. MSF International serves as the legal entity that unites MSF’s 28 Institutional Members, including 24 sections and various offices such as Branch Offices and Satellites. Based in Geneva, MSF International plays a crucial role in coordinating, informing, and supporting the MSF Movement while implementing international projects and initiatives as required.

Job Overview:
The Senior Legal and Administration Advisor (SLAA) position has been created in response to the increasing complexity of the legal and administrative environment in Switzerland and the EU, as well as the growing dimensions of MSF International. The role is essential for addressing the new responsibilities of the International Contracting Office (ICO) for Internationally Mobile Staff not contracted by MSF sections (IMS-NCRs). The SLAA will be expected to strengthen the HR team's capacity to respond to complex demands from authorities and staff, while also adapting to the evolving expectations from staff and participating in HR developments initiated by the MSF movement. This position is pivotal in ensuring that the HR and ICO teams are well-equipped to handle the intricacies of Swiss legal and administrative matters, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and effectiveness of MSF's operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The SLAA will provide expert advice on various legal and administrative Swiss HR matters, particularly when complexities exceed standard practices. Responsibilities include advising on labor law, social insurances, pensions, bilateral accords, detachment, continued insurance, and reporting obligations. The SLAA will also manage Swiss social security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security matters, which may involve invoicing, reconciliation, coverage reviews, and specific investigations as needed. Additionally, the SLAA will monitor new legal and administrative regulations in Switzerland and the EU, ensuring their implementation within MSF International's procedures. The role includes supporting the HR team during onboarding and offboarding processes, identifying and advising on the definition or updates of new or existing processes for staff and the HR team, and mentoring HR and ICO team members to enhance their administrative skills. The SLAA will also manage complex individual files and provide guidance on contractual issues and processes related to Swiss labor regulations for employment outside of Switzerland. Furthermore, the SLAA may manage cross-administrative dossiers with other MSF sections and provide specialist advice on cross-administrative evolution within the MSF movement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of Swiss labor law and social security regulations, as well as experience in HR administration within an international context. The ideal candidate should demonstrate excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex legal frameworks and provide clear, actionable advice. Strong communication skills are essential, as the SLAA will interact with various stakeholders, including HR staff, administrators, and relevant authorities. The ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural environment and adapt to changing circumstances is also crucial.

Educational Background:
A degree in law, human resources, or a related field is required. Advanced qualifications or certifications in labor law or HR management will be considered an asset. Candidates should have a solid foundation in legal principles and practices, particularly as they pertain to employment and social security in Switzerland.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in legal and administrative roles, preferably within an international organization or NGO. Experience in HR management, particularly in dealing with complex legal and administrative issues, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the MSF movement and its operational context will be advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in French is highly desirable due to the working environment in Geneva. Knowledge of additional languages, particularly German or Italian, would be considered a plus, as it may facilitate communication with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position offers a permanent contract at 70% capacity, with 50% dedicated to International Organization Human Resources and 20% to the International Contracting Office. The deadline to apply for this position is August 4, 2024, with a starting date of October 1, 202

• The role is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and may involve interactions with MSF offices in other countries.