Iraq: Head of Mission - Iraq

INTERSOS is an independent non-profit humanitarian organization committed to assist the victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, and respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable and unprotected people.

1. Terms of reference

Job title: Head of Mission (HoM)

Location: The post holder will be based in Erbil with missions to Baghdad and other Iraqi Governorates, as necessary

Reporting to: Regional Director

Starting date: asap

Duration of contract: 1 year

Dependents: No

2. General context of the mission

INTERSOS had been working in Iraq from 2003 till 2010 with programs aimed at responding to urgent material safety needs and enhancing access to basic social services for vulnerable individuals and communities in Central and Southern Iraq, Baghdad and Kurdistan. Over the years, INTERSOS operations developed encompassing activities in health care, legal protection and assistance, warehousing and distribution of essential goods, mine/UXO clearance, shelter, water and sanitation, psychosocial support and education targeting internally displaced people and voluntary returnees, as well as host communities, with special focus on most vulnerable groups (children, women, elderly and persons with special needs).

Following the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation which is negatively affecting also the neighboring countries, in November 2013 INTERSOS has resumed the operations in the area to contribute towards ensuring emergency relief and social protection assistance for the Syrian refugees fleeing their home in search of safety. Furthermore, since the surge in violence between armed groups and government forces with fighting spreading into Central and Northern Iraq, in July 2014 INTERSOS has extended its operations in the Kurdistan Region and is currently providing services and activities aimed at assisting both Syrian refugees and Iraqi IDPs in camp and non-camp settings, with interventions mainly concentrated on the Community Services, Protection, Food Security and Education Sectors. INTERSOS is now planning to further contribute towards assisting vulnerable conflict-affected civil population in the whole of Iraq by expanding the on-going activities in terms of geographical target areas and sectors of expertise to properly respond to unmet needs and detected gaps. Within the framework of the current Contingency Plan for the Mosul humanitarian operation, INTERSOS is directly engaged in preparedness and pre-positioning, specifically in Ninewa and Salah al-Din Governorates, concentrating in health, NFIs and shelter and protection activities.

3. Tasks and responsibilities

The general purpose of the post is to represent INTERSOS in Iraq, and act in accordance with specific directions from and supervision of the Regional Director.

The HoM manages and coordinates the operations and human resources in the country and is responsible to:

· 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, with special attention to the registration process in Iraq and in the Kurdistan Region.

· Define country priorities based on context and needs analyses; monitor donor intervention strategies in the country; design, promote and elaborate new interventions.

· 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.

· Continuously assess, analyze and evaluate the impact of the country operations, also through periodic visits to the areas of intervention.

· Define the mission financial plan, ensuring self-sufficiency and consistency of expenses, and assume responsibility for the mission funds management, including bank accounts.

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

· Proactively participate in relevant coordination meetings.

4. Required profile/experience

· Advanced university degree. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

· At least 5 years of professional work experience as Head of Mission or other management/ coordination positions in humanitarian/development contexts.

· Previous experience in Middle East is an asset

· Proven experience in management of UN and ECHO funds.

· Proven experience in management of large staff teams.

· Proficient knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is an asset.

Technical competencies:

· Ability to set high standards for quality of work

· Ability to analyze and integrate information from a wide range of sources

· Ability to administrate funds, logistics and human resources

· Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

· Mastery of IT tools (MS Office package, internet, e-mail, etc.)

Behavioral competencies:

· Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with analytic approach

· Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish effective working relations with staff, beneficiaries and other stakeholders

· Ability to take initiative and work autonomously

· Ability to achieve results effectively, considering the need for speed, scale and quality

· Ability to integrate and work well within multiethnic and multicultural teams

· Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships

Qualified applicants are requested to submit their curriculum vitae, motivation letter and 2 referencesto:recruitment@intersos.org, specifying in the subject ‘HoM Iraq”**

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview