Receptionist



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 40,000 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 teams in 32 countries, including the UK, 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, 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.

Hours: 40 hours per week

Duration: Permanent contract

Salary: £26,090.56 per annum (£22,590.56 p/a non-London weighting)

SERVICES DEPARTMENT

The Finance and Services Department’s main purpose is to facilitate the smooth running of the MSF UK London office and being the main point of contact for any office-based issues This department is a key support function to all the other departments within MSF UK.

The Services team is formally made up of the Office Manager, Office Manager Assistant, Receptionist and the Volunteer Coordinator, headed up by the Head of Finance & Services. However, it is a function that liaises directly with a number of cross-departmental groups within MSF UK, as well as with our office volunteers. Our role to ensure the smooth running of the office covers not only the day to day management of reception and office facilities, but also extends to creating a positive working environment and office culture as a whole. This is particularly with our strategic focus on “office as community”, and how we can use our influence to promote diversity and inclusion, and wellbeing. We see the Receptionist role as critical to our success in this area.

JOB PURPOSE

The role of the Receptionist is to be the first point of contact for visitors and callers to MSF UK, manning the reception, answering calls and undertaking a range of other general office support and administrative tasks. The MSF UK reception is supported by a rota of volunteers; they are line managed by the Office Manager but the Receptionist is responsible for assigning work as required. The role will also encapsulate support to the Office Manager.

This is not your average reception role. We are looking for someone who has a creative spark and can get excited about new projects and delivering on them. We are looking for an ambassador for part of our Strategic Plan as ‘Office as Community’. We want to keep staff engaged on events we put on and help to create a positive work environment by building a community feel in the office. We are also looking for someone who is interested in Climate Change and what we can do to reduce our carbon footprint.

This role will fit someone who is bright, creative and willing to try new things. Someone who is proactive and able to assists with any job no matter how big or small and willing to explore different options.

Please download the job description and person specification below for full details of the role.

Essential Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• Previous office, reception and front of house experience
• Proven verbal communication skills with a good, clear telephone manner
• Good written skills including the ability to write clearly and accurately
• Computer literate, with keyboard skills and experience of word-processing, (Microsoft Word) combined with ability to acquire other skills as necessary (e.g. databases and spreadsheets)
• Excellent organisation skills with the ability to multi-task to manage a busy reception desk
• Confidence to delegate tasks and manage expectations of those requesting assistance
• Friendly and helpful manner
• ‘Can do’ attitude and flexibility to prioritise a varied workload
• Ability to work effectively across teams and build good working relationships
• Ability to stay calm under pressure
• Genuine interest in and commitment to the humanitarian principles of MSF

Candidates must have right to work in the UK.

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.

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.

Recruitment Timetable

• Closing date for applications: 17 March 2022, 11.59pm (GMT)
• Interviews: W/C 28 March 2022
• Preferred start date: ASAP