Head of Mission– Iraq

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.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Head of Mission

Code: SR-29-1815

Duty station: Erbil (70%), Baghdad (30%) , with regular presence in field offices

Starting date: 01/05/2021

Contract duration: 12 months

Reporting to: Regional Director for Middle East

Supervision of: Senior management team (SMT) members

Dependents: Accompanied Duty Station ( partner, no family)

General context of the project

As a frontline INGO, INTERSOS presence in Iraq will continue to be essential to deliver aid and to respond to acute humanitarian needs in both Federal Iraq and KRI and to address most pressing humanitarian needs in the following sectors: protection, education and health.

INTERSOS established its presence in KRI (Erbil Suleymanya) and in Federal Iraq from North (West Ninewa, Baa’j, Tel Afar, as well as East Ninewa in Mosul governorate) to the South (SAD governorate, Balad, Tikrit, Shirqat), focusing its intervention in and out of camps.

General purpose of the position

The Head of Mission represents the Organization in the country of assignment and 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 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 intervention.
• 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, analyze 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 account

Human Resource:

• Coordinate, guide and supervise the mission staff, and evaluate their performance.
• 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

Security

• Validation of all the mission security plans (Capital and projects)
• Interaction on the Country security issues with HQ (Security Referent) and relevant actors
• To hold final responsibility for any decision concerning security

Required profile and experience

Education

• Post-graduate or professional qualification, in development, humanitarian, management or related subjects;
• Security training.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant working experience in Senior Management Position (CD/HoM), and in Humanitarian Emergency context.

Professional Requirements

• Extensive experience working at a senior management level in medium to large-scale programmes in the humanitarian sector; knowledge of and experience in the Middle East context highly desirable.
• Proven record of solid programme management skills.
• Demonstrated skills in people and financial management, as well as previous experience working in environments that require sensitivity and relationship-building skills.
• Extensive experience in networking, representation and liaison capacity, as well as strategic vision and leadership.
• Demonstrate commitment towards diversity, equality and inclusion.

Languages

• Fluency in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of Italian and/or Arabic is an asset

Personal Requirements

• Strong people management and capacity to build and lead a multicultural team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work and integrate in a multicultural team
• Problem solver, dynamic, mature
• Confidently able to deal with authorities and donors
• Pro-active approach to work
• Able to work independently and under high pressure
• Flexibility, capacity of managing stress, good diplomatic skills
• Available to share accommodation facilities when required
• European Driving license B “desirable