Head of Mission – Ethiopia

WORK CONTEXT

CESVI has been registered in Ethiopia since 2018 and has been actively working in refugee camps in Tigray, as well as with pastoralist communities in Oromia (Borena Zone) and the Somali Region. The organization’s current programs in the country focus on building resilience among pastoralist communities (particularly in the areas of livelihoods), humanitarian assistance, and disaster risk reduction (DRR), with a strong emphasis on anticipatory action.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The collaboration will start in March 2025.

The Head of Mission will be based in Addis Ababa with frequent travel to the projects’ areas.

The Head of Mission (HoM) will work under the supervision of the Regional Manager (RM) abd the regional team based in Nairobi (Kenya) and in collaboration with the Area Administrative Coordinator (AAC) based in Bergamo (Italy) and the National Project Managers (PMs).

As Head of Mission s/he will be in charge of the overall management of the mission and Lead in the definition and development of Ethiopia Programme strategy.

In further detail:

Coordination and overall supervision of Country’s programmes and procedures:

• Oversee projects and provide support to staff to ensure timely achievement of objectives, adherence to deadlines, and efficient use of resources.
• Monitor both technical and administrative activities in coordination with the Regional Office, following the established timeline.
• Conduct regular field visits, document observations, and meet with staff to assess project implementation, identify issues, and develop solutions.
• Coordinate staff to ensure timely submission of activity and implementation reports for ongoing and new projects, as well as financial reports to donors, in collaboration with the AAC and Regional Office.
• Supervise the administration and application of CESVI’s internal procedures within the country.
• Work closely with the the Administrative Team to verify project accounting, expenses and planning and project cashflow.

Management of CESVI offices, goods, documentation and procurement:

• Ensure efficient supervision and operation of CESVI offices.
• Oversee the management and safeguarding of assets and goods.
• Manage procurement procedures in collaboration with the Regional Office, the HQ and the Administrative Team.
• Supervise the proper filing, archiving, and conservation of project documentation.
• Oversee and coordinate the potential opening of new offices, in collaboration with the Regional Office, to support operations in the country.
• Supervise the monitoring and organization of field operational offices, working with Project Managers and Administrators to ensure their smooth operation.
• Ensure compliance with CESVI’s internal procedures within the country.

Human Resources management:

• Oversee all local human resources in relation to contracts, ensuring operations comply with local employment laws, including NGO regulations, tax laws, health and safety, insurance, and other relevant legislation. Conduct regular meetings with staff to assess activity implementation, identify challenges, and develop solutions.
• Ensure the consistent application of CESVI’s HR policies, terms, and conditions.
• Organize and supervise capacity-building initiatives and staff development programs in collaboration with the Project Managers and the Regional Office.
• Participate in the final stages of recruitment for both expatriate and national staff, when necessary.
• Provide training and information to local staff on key policies, including CESVI’s Human Resources Policy, Staff Code of Conduct, the Code of Conduct of the host country (if applicable), Safeguarding Policies, Anti-Corruption and Fraud Policies, CESVI’s Ethical Code, and conflict resolution and complaints management procedures.

Leadership in Defining and Developing the Ethiopia Programme Strategy:

• Contribute to the development of the Country Strategy Paper in collaboration with the RM.
• Identify key intervention sectors, areas, and needs in the country in coordination with the Regional Office and in collaboration with the Project Managers.
• Regularly update the Country Strategy Paper and implement related recommendations, in coordination with the RM and Project Managers.
• Ensure adherence to the Country Strategic Plan.
• Keep the Regional Office and the HQ regularly informed about any risks related to the implementation of the country strategy or the need for strategic revisions.
• Collaborate with the Regional Office to develop new programme initiatives, while guiding ongoing emergency operations towards an integrated long- and medium-term regional program.
• Support the evaluation of activities in the country, facilitating the capitalization and dissemination of achievements and best practices within CESVI.

Coordination and representation with stakeholders

• Manage and coordinate relations with local and international partners, particularly with Alliance 2015 members in the country.
• Participate in networking meetings on behalf of CESVI.
• Promote and organize meeting with donors, institutions, NGOs, local government and international agencies, in close collaboration with the Project Managers.

Writing and submitting new proposals, donors’ acquisition

• In collaboration with the HQ and the Regional Office, monitor calls for proposals relevant to Ethiopia.
• Liaise with potential donors, and collaborate with the Regional team, the Area and Project/Program Managers to write and submit new proposals.
• Build and maintain donor relationships by promoting CESVI’s programs through active participation in forums and workshops, as well as organizing ad hoc meetings.
• Develop new project proposals aligned with CESVI’s areas of expertise, in close cooperation with the HQ, regional team, the country team and based on assessments at the national or regional level.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• University degree Project management, International Affairs, Development, International Political Economy or other relevant fields.
• Strong background in DRR and preparedness, anticipatory action and humanitarian assistance is a strong asset.
• Minimum 7 years senior leadership experience in international development or humanitarian work, preferably in East Africa and with INGOs.
• Proven ability to lead strategy development and execution in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Good knowledge of main donors’ regulations (EU, ECHO, UN system, AICS – Italian Agency for Development Cooperation).
• Proven success in mobilizing significant resources from institutional donors, private sector, and other non-traditional donors.
• Experience cultivating partnerships with government agencies, partners, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Flexible and with a positive attitude.
• Proactive attitude in problem solving Strategic thinking and innovation.
• Self-motivated, able to take initiative, resilient and able to work independently.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work cooperatively.
• Highly result oriented with the ability to manage workload and stress.
• Computer literacy, particularly in Microsoft Office Programs (Outlook, Excel, TEAMS, etc.) as well accounting packages & other database competencies.
• Advanced knowledge of English written and spoken.

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

• Prior working experience in East Africa
• Working knowledge and experience in Ethiopia
• Capacity building and training skills
• Knowledge of Italian written and spoken

SAFEGUARDING

CESVI has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a child or a vulnerable adult by any of our staff, related persons or partners.

CESVI commitment to being a safe organization begins with the staff recruitment process which includes meticulous checks, such as criminal records checks or check disclosure of previous convictions, to ensure children and vulnerable people are safeguarded and abuse is prevented. Safeguarding checks are part of the selection process performance.

HEALTH SAFEGUARDING

CESVI pays particular attention to safeguarding the health of all the human resources of the Organisation. Therefore, in order to protect its staff, an assessment of their suitability for the position in each mission is carried out before departure. Such assessment is done by the Occupational Doctor of the Organisation, who will also examine the vaccination coverage.

SALARY PACKAGE

Contract duration: 12 months, with possible extension

Salary: 3900 – 4300 € monthly/gross

House allowance: 350 € monthly

Insurance coverage

1 round-trip flight every 12 months and refund up to 230€ for visa renewal flight fares.