Head of Mission - Syria

Capo Missione-Emergenza

Descrizione

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-53-9889

Duty station: Damascus with frequent visits to other bases

Starting date: 01/10/2025

Contract duration: 9 months

Reporting to: Regional Director

Functional Supervisor: N/A

Supervision of: SMT Team

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

Syria continues to endure one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, even after the significant political shifts of late 2024 with the overthrow of the Assad regime. Nearly 14 years of conflict have left the country grappling with immense needs, widespread displacement, a crumbling economy, and significant challenges for humanitarian operations.

Humanitarian Needs, Pervasive Displacement, Economic Collapse & Damaged Infrastructure and ongoing humanitarian access challenges are prevalent in the ongoing response.

INTERSOS has been operating in Syria since 2019 based in Damascus and is currently present in Rural Damascus, Hama and Idlib governorates. Given the many humanitarian gaps, humanitarian and early recovery needs, compounded by a changing operating environment, INTERSOS is looking to expand and evolve its operations in the country.

The key humanitarian needs identified and to which INTERSOS is responding in the country are:

Healthcare: Nearly half of primary healthcare facilities are non-functional, contributing to preventable diseases and alarming rates of child malnutrition.

Education: Thousands of schools are damaged or destroyed, leaving millions of children out of school and risking a "lost generation."

Protection: Syria's humanitarian crisis is fundamentally a protection crisis, with interventions directly aimed at safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of affected populations. The protection sector is a critical component of the overall humanitarian response, addressing widespread vulnerabilities and risks.

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

Eight years experience in management positions in humanitarian contexts

Experience in the Syrian crisis response or the Middle East is considered an advantage

Professional Requirements

Extensive leadership and management experience

Proven track record in country operations management and supervision, including in volatile security environment

Languages

English is a must

Arabic is considered an advantage

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

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below:

https://www.intersos.org/field/#intersosorg-vacancies/vacancy-details/684811dec2165102e5c4ea7d/

Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password and citizenship), sign-up and apply by attaching your CV in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.

Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references: two line managers and one HR referent. Family members are to be excluded.

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