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 Base
Code: SR-28-1824
Duty station: Kandahar
Starting date: 01/05/2021
Contract duration: 6 months
Reporting to: Head of Mission
Supervision of: 5 national staff
Dependents: Non-family Duty Station /non-accompanied
General context of the project
Protracted humanitarian crisis and conflict, displacement, governance failure and a deep socio-economic crisis have had a devastating impact on the Afghan population, namely on the most vulnerable groups, caught up in the active conflict-zones, displaced and returned to the country. The South Region, in particular Kandahar and Zabul Provinces, is amongst the critically affected areas. Political and security situation remains volatile, despite the peace talks: almost 50% of the territory is considered contested with frequents clashes and airstrikes.
INTERSOS has been present in Afghanistan since 2001 with a country office in Kabul and field base in Kandahar City (a sub-base in Qalat is planned to be opened in the next months). INTERSOS focuses on implementing emergency response and relief programs in different sectors: Health, Nutrition, Protection and WASH, serving the conflict-affected population (displaced and not displaced) and with community living in hard-to reach areas. A special focus is dedicated to Extreme Vulnerable Individuals (women, children, person with disabilities, etc.).
The program’s general objective is to contribute to reduce the protection and health risks of hard to reach conflict-affected communities. The proposed program aims to improve access to integrated protection, primary health care (including sexual and reproductive health care) and nutrition services in the conflict affected areas of Maywand, Shahwalikot, Zheray and Spinboldak Districts of Kandahar Province, and Qalat and Shajoy Districts of Zabul Province.
General purpose of the position
The Head of Base is responsible of the management of the base in Kandahar and of the sub-base in Qalat. She/he coordinates the support and program team in order to smoothly implement the projects, in accordance with INTERSOS country strategies, plans and policies, and in collaboration with all the Coordinators.
The Head of Base supervises the logistics, HR and finance sectors in collaboration with the technical coordinators. She/he is also responsible of the security and safety of all the staff, in close collaboration with HoM, and the direct management of bases and offices.
She/he works in close collaboration with Program Coordinator and PMs to ensure a smooth implementation of the projects.
The Head of Base actively participate and collaborate with HoM andthe SMT, regularly reports, ensure the adherence of the activities’ implementation to the INTERSOS Chart and the Humanitarian Principle. She/he also collaborates in the design and implementation of the Mission Strategy.
Main responsibilities and tasks
The Head of Base is responsible of the management of the base in Kandahar and of the sub-base in Qalat. She/he coordinates the support and program team in order to smoothly implement the projects, in accordance with INTERSOS country strategies, plans and policies, and in collaboration with all the Coordinators.
The Head of Base supervises the logistics, HR and finance sectors in collaboration with the technical coordinators. She/he is also responsible of the security and safety of all the staff, in close collaboration with HoM, and the direct management of bases and offices.
She/he works in close collaboration with Program Coordinator and PMs to ensure a smooth implementation of the projects
The Head of Base actively participate and collaborate with HoM and the SMT, regularly reports, ensure the adherence of the activities’ implementation to the INTERSOS Chart and the Humanitarian Principle. She/he also collaborates in the design and implementation of the Mission Strategy.
General
- Support project field staff in the field base in the optimal and efficient organization (in terms of administration, HR and logistics) for a smooth implementation of the projects
- Conduct weekly meetings with the team to review the planning and discuss the main concerns to focus on for the upcoming period
- Prepare and disseminate weekly sit-rep reports
- Support the HoM for the promotion of accountability and commitment to INTERSOS charter and prevention on power of abuse
- Represent INTERSOS in coordination fora at provincial level (INSO, ACBAR, RCT, etc.)
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders (donors, partners, government, etc.) at local level
- Actively participate in SMT and any other meetings as organized by HoM
- Regularly share information with HoM and SMT
Logistics
- Oversee the logistics in Kandahar base, aiming at improving the operations systems and processes and Cooperate with the Logistic coordinator for any logistic and procurement-related tasks in the field base
- Ensure the correct management of logistics and the adherence of procedures in collaboration with LogCo, provide feedback on dysfunctionalities, revise, and approve PR/POs
- Work in close collaboration with the support and program staff on proper management of supply chain, and preparation of the procurement plans
- Guarantee the full functionality of the GH and offices (power, water, internet, phones, spaces, etc.)
Finance
- Manage accountability of Administration and Operations actions in Kandahar base
- Cooperate with the Country Finance Officer and the Country Finance Coordinator for the supervision of the financial and administrative aspects in the field base.
- Human Resources
- Manages and evaluates the performance of the staff directly managed and ensure that evaluation procedures are implemented for the rest of the team
- Ensure the correct implementation of the internal regulations, the recruitment process and all the HR procedures in collaboration with HR Manager, according to guidelines and SOPs
- Security
- Support the HoM providing accurate security and political analysis of the region
- Update the CPPs and SOPs of the field base and of any area of intervention, in close collaboration with HoM
- Create a good network for acquiring and sharing information
- Ensure adequate tracking of national and international staff in the field
Program
- Ensure the close collaboration between Program and Support staff
- Contribute to the design of the Country Strategy
- Play a key role in the implementation of the Strategy of the mission, ensuring the smooth running of INTERSOS humanitarian operations
- Contribute to the writing of new funding opportunities, contributing to develop/design new concepts and proposals under the supervision of the Program Coordinator and in cooperation with the Technical Coordinators
- Monitor, evaluate and support the implementation of the activities
- Participate/Supervise the donor reporting
- Ensure collection of data for reporting and analysis purposes
- Support PMs in the planning, and monitoring of the activities and budget, in close collaboration with the Program Coordinator and the Technical Coordinators
Required profile and experience
Education
- Advanced university degree in humanitarian field or similar academic areas (experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree)
Professional Experience
- At least three years of professional experience in similar position in the humanitarian field in countries outside of his/ her residence, with at least two years as senior management level
- At least two years of working in potentially insecure environment as expatriate staffs, with proven experience of security management, is required.
- Excellent writing, reporting and communication skills.
- Proven experience of managing staff with cultural diversity, with experience of local recruitment and
Professional Requirements
- Excellent level of understanding in humanitarian and human rights principles and standards
- Negotiation skills
- Very good knowledge on policies and guidelines of INTERSOS and donors
- Excellent analytical skills, observation and analysis capacity
- Very good knowledge of Microsoft Office (including MS Word, Excel, Power-point or other presentation software, Outlook and Skype)
- Readiness to commit and adhere to the values, mission and vision of INTERSOS
Languages
- Excellent written and spoken English
- Pashto written and spoken is preferable (not compulsory)
Personal Requirements
- Responsive, motivated, good communicator flexibility to respond to changing nature of humanitarian context and operational difficulties
- Ability to communicate openly and maintain good relationship within the team, government and other local authorities, donor, and other stake holders
- Willingness to take responsibility
- Ability to cope with stress, and live in environment with very basic living condition
- Strong team spirit and ability to work in an intercultural environment
- Attention to detail and structured way of approaching tasks (well organized), and to plan ahead and result oriented (pro-active)
- Able to ensure quick quality delivery in stressful environment (stress-resilient)
- Ability to adhere to deadlines and respect line management
- Practical and problem-solver
How to apply:
Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below:
Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password, citizenship and Skype address), sign-up and apply attaching your CV and motivation letter in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.
In case you encounter severe difficulties applying through the platform, you can send an email attaching your CV and motivation letter (both in PDF version) via email to recruitment@intersos.org, with subject line: “Platform issue – SR-28-1824 – Head of Base”.
Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references, including the line manager during your last job. Family members are to be excluded.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.