Rewards Specialist

Job Title: Rewards Specialist

About MSF

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Southern Africa is part of a global network of medical humanitarian professionals guided by medical ethics and shared humanity. We deliver essential healthcare to people affected by conflict, disasters, epidemics, and exclusion from medical services. Our teams work directly on the ground in over 70 countries, bearing witness to crises, raising awareness, and advocating for change to improve access to healthcare.

MSF Southern Africa is based in Johannesburg with an office in Cape Town and is governed by the MSF Southern Africa Association, comprising over 300 members from seven regional countries.

Job Summary

The Rewards Specialist will play a critical role in shaping and managing MSF Southern Africa’s rewards and organizational design framework. This position will lead on job evaluation, benchmarking, pay structures, and the implementation of the Global Grading Framework (GGF), ensuring consistency with international standards while remaining compliant with South African labour market practices.

As the expert on rewards, the Specialist will partner with the Rewards Specialist in Kenya, the benchmarking unit in Norway, and other stakeholders to deliver competitive, equitable, and transparent compensation policies. The role also contributes to broader organizational design initiatives, supporting structural alignment and role clarity across the office.

Department: Human Resources Department

Reports to: HR Director (administratively)

Functional Supervision: Rewards Specialist, MSF Eastern Africa

Position Level: 8

Main Purpose of the Role

The Rewards Specialist will be responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of rewards management and organizational design for MSF Southern Africa. The role will serve as the primary focal point on matters relating to job evaluation, pay structures, grading systems, benefits alignment, and the implementation of global rewards frameworks within the South African context.

Working under the functional supervision of the Rewards Specialist in Kenya, the incumbent will ensure the effective implementation of the Global Grading Framework (GGF), adoption of rewards review changes, and alignment of local practices with MSF’s international movement-wide standards, while also ensuring compliance with South African labour market practices and legislation.

Key Responsibilities

Rewards & Compensation Management

• Serve as the primary contact and subject matter expert for all rewards-related matters within MSF Southern Africa.


• Implement and maintain the Global Grading Framework and other movement-wide rewards policies.


• Conduct job evaluations, ideally using the HAY methodology or equivalent.


• Provide expert advice on compensation and benefits structures, including salary scales, allowances, and benefits.


• Monitor and analyse local market trends to ensure competitive positioning and internal equity.


• Support annual salary reviews and adjustments in line with organizational policies and benchmarking data.

Organizational Design & Workforce Planning

• Support organizational design initiatives, ensuring alignment between structures, roles, and compensation frameworks.


• Provide guidance on job profiles, role clarity, and organizational structures.


• Collaborate with management to ensure that grading and job classification reflect organizational needs.


• Partner with the leadership on workforce planning to anticipate staffing needs, ensure cost-effective structures, and prepare the organization for future growth and talent requirements.

Policy Development & Implementation

• Develop and or review and align local rewards policies with MSF’s global frameworks and best practices.


• Advise on policy adjustments to reflect legal, market, and organizational developments.


• Ensure compliance with South African labour law in relation to compensation and benefits.

Stakeholder Engagement & Capacity Building

• Work closely with HR colleagues, managers, and employees to ensure understanding and transparency of the rewards system.


• Build capacity within HR and management teams on grading, benchmarking, and rewards frameworks.


• Act as liaison between the Southern African office, the Rewards Specialist (Kenya), the benchmarking unit, and external consultants.

Competencies

• Strong knowledge of job evaluation methodologies (preferably HAY), compensation frameworks, and organizational design principles.


• Ability to analyse complex data, interpret benchmarking results, market surveys, and pay structures, assess market trends, and conduct cost-benefit and financial analyses to provide sound, evidence-based recommendations.


• Ability to align rewards practices with organizational goals and global frameworks.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain complex rewards concepts in a simple, transparent manner.


• Ability to work with diverse stakeholders at different levels (locally, regionally, globally).


• Strong capacity to address challenges with innovative and compliant solutions.


• Understanding of the South African labour market, legal environment, and socio-economic context.


• Commitment to MSF principles and values.

Educational Background & Professional Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Industrial Psychology, or related field (required).


• Master’s degree or professional certifications in Compensation & Benefits, HR, or Organizational Design (advantageous).


• 5 years of progressive HR/rewards management experience, with at least 3 years focused on compensation and job evaluation.


• Demonstrated expertise in compensation design and salary benchmarking, with the ability to apply this knowledge in both local and global contexts.


• Demonstrated experience in applying job evaluation methodologies, preferably HAY.


• Proven experience in organizational design, job architecture, and policy development.


• Experience in the non-profit/INGO sector will be an advantage.


• Familiarity with global HR/rewards practices, frameworks, and trends.

Additional Information

• The role will be based in Johannesburg with possible international travel when required.


• The position requires close collaboration with both local and international teams and may involve participation in global rewards review projects.

Languages

• English at professional working proficiency.

Remuneration and resources:

• The Salary R 48 209,76


• 13th Cheque in November.


• 100% Medical aid contribution.


• 10% additional pension allowance.


• Transport allowance.


• Cell Phone Allowance.


• Work-life balance: Daily flexi-hours and 2 days working from home possible.


• Diverse team composition; Collaborate with a global network of talented 
  professionals, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise from around the world.


• Resources needed such as working space, computer, internet, stationery, and other resources will be made available.

Commitment/Contract Duration:

Length of commitment: Permanent role

Closing date: 30 January 2026 

Start date: ASAP

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

NB:The protection of your personal data is important to MSF SnA. By submitting your application, you consent to MSF using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. MSF SnA will not use your personal data in any other way not foreseen for purposes of recruitment.

MSF values diversity and is committed to create an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of disability, gender identity, marital or civil partnership status, race, colour or ethnic and national origins, religion or belief, or sexual orientation, and all other diversity characteristics.

Lately MSF is a civil society initiative that brings together individuals committed to the assistance of other human beings in crisis. As such MSF is by choice an association. Each individual applying for MSF roles does it out of conviction and is ready to uphold the values and principles of MSF.

By applying, the applicant acknowledges that he/she has read, understood and accept this document.

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