Head of Mission-Sudan

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-40-9379

Duty station: Port Sudan, with frequent field visits to other locations

Starting date: 16/09/2024

Contract duration: 12 months

Reporting to: Regional Director

Supervision of: Coordinators, Liaison Officer

Functional Supervisor: n/a

Type of duty station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

The fighting inside Sudan is having devastating humanitarian effects both inside the country and in the wider region. Sudan faces a complex set of challenges, including ongoing conflict, economic difficulties, and the weakening of critical infrastructure in areas like healthcare, banking, and telecommunications.

As of February 21, 2024, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to persistent clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has reached a total of 6,326,416 individuals (1,261,060 households).

These figures make Sudan the country with the highest number of IDPs in the world.

The humanitarian situation across all 18 Sudanese states remains dire, with over 24.8 million people in need of assistance.

INTERSOS first operated in Sudan in 2004, primarily in West Darfur State (Genina, Habila, Forobaranga, Garsila, Um Kher) and Khartoum, partnering with the Italian Cooperation, UN agencies, and ECHO in the sectors of Protection, WASH, and Food Security.

The mission was closed in 2015 due to a decrease in humanitarian needs.

Despite this, INTERSOS has continued to support Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries by providing humanitarian assistance.

Given the renewed deterioration of the humanitarian situation, INTERSOS is currently working to reactivate its presence in Sudan to respond to the crisis in the country.

General purpose of the position

The Head of Mission represents INTERSOS in the country and acts on behalf of the Director General, leading the organization’s response, including strategy design, planning resources, management and implementation of programs.

Main responsibilities and tasks

Strategy and vision:

• Is responsible for monitoring and analysing the political and humanitarian situation across the country and surrounding countries through established contacts and carrying out exploratory missions to identify potential fields of intervention. Design, propose, elaborate and develop new strategy of interventions in line with INTERSOS values and principles.
• Explore and present funding opportunities that integrate initiatives and leverage impact
• for the communities; support and direct fund-raising activities with institutional and private donors.
• Monitor donor’s priorities and intervention strategies in the country. Guarantee the strict observance and adherence to INTERSOS and donors’ procedures.
• Overview the development and implementation of projects and programs and through periodic visits to the areas of intervention, evaluate their evolution and quality as per internal and external standards and requirements, final results and achievements to ensure that organization’s technical and ethical standards are respected and objectives are achieved.
• Greenlight project proposals and response to emergencies to be submitted to HQ for approval. Evaluate potential emergency responses in the country and lead on developing additional programs in line with review and assessment results.
• Lead the detailed country strategy planning process and prioritising of actions and resources to achieve program objectives.

Representation and advocacy:

• Represent the organisation and manage relations with the authorities ensuring smooth and timely implementation of planned interventions and safeguarding impartiality and independence.
• Follow up, guarantee and monitor government recognition procedures for the organisation in compliance with the host country formalities.
• Maintain a productive communication with donors and ensure that the assessed needs are communicated to impact on donors’ priorities.
• Represent INTERSOS in relevant fora.

People management:

• Ensure that the senior management team is effective, mutually supporting and sufficiently involved in key decision-making processes.
• In coordination with the HR Coordinator, guide and supervise the staff performance process for international and national staff.
• Ensure the respect organisational values, Code of Ethics, Organization Management and Control Model, and INTERSOS procedures.
• Maintain high ethical standards and promote teamwork and ensure a productive working environment.
• Empower staff to meet organizational goals and work as a highly functioning and cooperative team.

Finance, logistics and supply:

• Together with the Finance Coordinator, define and oversee the overall financial management of the mission, striving towards financial sustainability and assume responsibility for the mission funds management (NGO budget).
• Ensure that allocated resources are managed effectively and transparently.
• Together with the Logistics and Supply Coordinator, ensure that required and efficient supply services and processes are in place.

Safety and Security:

• Hold final accountability for security, including development and validation of country security plan and ensuring adherence to procedures, monitoring of the context development, analysis and provision of recommendations.
• Regularly interact with the Regional Office and the Security Advisor on security issues.
• Hold final responsibility for any decision concerning security in the country.

Accountability and quality control:

• In collaboration with the SMT is responsible to produce and submit the mission monthly activity reports.
• Continuously assess, analyse and evaluate the impact of the country program and operations, also through periodic visits to the areas of intervention, in collaboration with the Program Coordinator and MEAL.
• Ensure all the policies within INTERSOS Safeguarding Framework are respected by the staff
• Together with MEAL Department, supervise the effectiveness of a complaint feedback mechanism
• Oversee program quality and impact in line with established strategic objectives and related indicators.
• Oversee program reporting, ensuring compliance with INTERSOS policies and procedures, donor regulations and national requirements.

Required profile and experience

Education

• University degree Project management, International Affairs, Development, International Political Economy or other relevant field

Professional Experience

• At least eight (8) years experience in managerial positions in humanitarian contexts

Professional Requirements

• Experience with NGOs in developing countries
• Experience with major grants and international donors
• Experience of working within an insecure environment with responsibility for security planning, monitoring and management
• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)

Languages

• Fluency in English (written and spoken)

Personal requirements

• Strategic vision
• Good organizational and planning skills
• Leadership, team management and cooperation
• Behavioral flexibility
• Networking, negotiation skills and decision-making skills
• Diplomatic, interpersonal and good communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Strong analytical and practical problem-solving skills
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles