INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Head of Mission
Code: SR-49-1903 Duty Station: Abuja (50%) with frequent filed visits to other field bases (50%)
Starting date: 28/06/2021
Contract duration: 12 Months (probation contract of 4 months)
Reporting to: Regional Director WA
Supervision of: All the Coordinators of the mission, Head of Base included
Dependents: Family Duty station
General Context of the Project
Since 2009, the Boko Haram insurgency has crippled north eastern Nigeria. Borno State continues to be most affected, with over 1.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). Recent advances by the Nigerian Army and the Multinational Joint Task Force have improved humanitarian access in 22 of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno, but have also revealed the extent of the crisis. In newly accessible areas, basic infrastructure has been destroyed, essential services are non-existent, and most local governance systems are not functional.
In support to the UN-led coordinated humanitarian response in the region, INTERSOS is implementing 10 projects addressing critical gaps in Health, Nutrition, WASH, Protection, Food Security, Livelihoods, and Camp Coordination and Camp Management services for a highly vulnerable population in the accessible host communities in of Ngala, Bama, Dikwa, Banki, Damasak, Monguno, Magumeri, Konduga, and Maiduguri Metropolitan Center, Borno State, Nigeria.
General Purpose of the Position
The Head of Mission legally and officially represents the Organization in Nigeria– granted with powers conferred by proxy by the Secretary General upon appointment to the post - and acts under the supervision of the Regional Director and in accordance with its specific directions
He / She is responsible for the planning, management and implementation of the country program on the basis of defined strategies and indications.
Main Responsibilities and Tasks
The Head of Mission represents the Organization and is responsible for the planning, management and implementation of the country program on the basis of defined strategies and indications.The HoM manages and coordinates the operations and human resources in the country and is responsible to:
Communication and Representation:
Establish and maintain collaborative relations with Local Authorities and Institutions, Donors, International Agencies, NGOs and other stakeholders
Follow up, guarantee and monitor government recognition procedures for the organization in compliance with the host country formalities
Monitor donor’s priorities and intervention strategies in the country as well as to map and approach new donors
Planning and Implementation:
Define country priorities based on context and needs analyses; monitor donor intervention strategies in the country; design, promote and elaborate new interventions in collaboration with Programme Coordinators and all other coordinators
Assess, promote and submit new projects, following the procedures defined and promoting a spirit of participation among beneficiaries at all management stages, ensuring the transparency of the intervention
Supervise, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the country operations - and all related administrative, financial, human resources, logistics and security aspects - ensuring timely and quality assistance delivery, as well as cost efficiency and accountability, in compliance with INTERSOS and donors guidelines, regulations and procedures
Information and Reporting:
Continuously assess, analyse and evaluate the impact of the country operations, also through periodic visits to the areas of intervention
Finance:
Define the mission financial plan, ensuring self-sufficiency and consistency of expenses, and assume responsibility for the mission funds management, including bank accounts
Human Resources:
Coordinate, guide and supervise the mission coordinators under his/her supervision and evaluate their performance through IRP
To ensure the respect for the values, Code of Ethics and Organization Management and Control Model of INTERSOS within the mission
Ensure personnel compliance with procedures foreseen by INTERSOS’ Organization Management and Control Model
Proactively participate in relevant coordination meetings
Ensure all the IRPs of expat staff are done properly and shared with HR HQ;
Security:
Validation of all the mission security plans (CPP) of all the bases and ensure its update
Interaction on the Country security issues with HQ (Security Advisor), the Security Coordinator, the Head of Base and other relevant actors
Hold final responsibility for any decision concerning security.
Education
University Degree in Social Sciences, Political Silence, International Relations, Humanitarian and International Cooperation or related fields.
Professional Experience:
At least 5 years of professional work experience as head of Mission or other management/coordination positions in humanitarian / development contexts
Proven experience in management of large staff teams and good leadership.
Professional Requirements:
Proven experience in management of UN, USAID and ECHO funds.
Languages:
Proficient knowledge of English is required
Knowledge of French / Italian is an asset.
Personal Requirements:
Excellent communication skills (both verbal and in writing)
Proactive attitude
Ability to work in insecure remote contexts and to adapt to basic living conditions in remote / isolated areas