Country Director

INTERSOS is an International non-profit humanitarian aid organization that works to bring assistance to people in danger, victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Established in 1992, its actions are based on the values of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equal rights and opportunities for all people and respect for diversity and coexistence, paying particular attention to the most vulnerable and the unprotected. INTERSOS is an independent association which, through its own humanitarian operators, intervenes to effectively answer the needs of people in serious crises situations, mainly in the world's poorest regions, who are suffering, deprived of rights, dignity and essentials goods. It maintains a flexible operating structure.

The Head of Mission represents INTERSOS in Afghanistan, and acts on behalf of the Director General, in leading on initiating and leading the response, including strategy, planning, management, and implementation of the INTERSOS Afghanistan programme.

Strategy and Vision

• Review INTERSOS intervention strategy and programming, as well as assess and analyse the current and mid-term needs in Afghanistan, based on context and security analysis, direct contact with communities, de facto authorities, donors, UN, civil society and NGOs
• Based on the review and assessment, and in collaboration with the HQ Task Force, propose and develop a strategy for INTERSOS programme in Afghanistan in line with INTERSOS values and principles
• Lead on developing additional operational activities, if feasible and in line with review and assessment results
• In view of context analysis, security assessment and taking into account present structure of the Mission, in collaboration with HQ TF work on the adjusted structure of the Mission including in Kabul and provinces
• Lead the detailed annual country strategy planning process
• Lead on prioritising of actions and resources to achieve programme objectives
• 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

Representation and influencing

• Represents the organization in the country and manage relations with the de facto authorities, including with relevant government departments, with extreme care and tact in order to safeguard our impartiality and independence and the ethical standing of the organization, and to ensure smooth and timely implementation of planned interventions
• Proactively represent INTERSOS with donors, partners, local and international stakeholders, and the communities we serve and develop strategic partnerships overall
• Follow up, guarantee and monitor government recognition procedures for the organization in compliance with the host country formalities
• Maintain strong communications with donors and ensure that the assessed needs are communicated to help shape donor priorities
• Represent the Mission in all coordination fora (NGO, de-facto authorities, UN, and others), as per established coordination structure in-country
• Represent INTERSOS programmes with national and international media and participate in community activities as appropriate, being responsible for the development and promotion of communication and advocacy materials highlighting the beneficiaries' needs and the role of the organization in addressing them

Human Resource Management

• Manage the Senior Management Team (SMT) in country, ensuring that all key issues pertaining to programme implementation, as well as administrative, context and security developments are regularly discussed
• In coordination with SMT, coordinate, guide and supervise the mission staff, and evaluate their performance
• Ensure the Mission staff are working in line with organizational values, Code of Ethics and Organization Management and Control Model
• Maintain high ethical standards and treat people with respect and dignity and ensure that the Mission staff adhere with staff compliance with INTERSOS procedures
• Ensures the correct flow of operational information within the mission and with the region and headquarter.

Security

• Overall manage security and safety of INTERSOS staff in-country and proactively follow context analysis, security assessment
• Validate all the mission security plans (at the capital level and at field levels
• Regularly interact with HQ on security issues
• To hold final responsibility for any decision concerning security

Monitoring and Reporting

• Continuously assess, analyse and evaluate the impact of the country operations, also through periodic visits to the areas of intervention
• Oversee programme quality and impact, in line with established programme goals and related indicators.
• Oversee the good functioning of the support services.

Finance

• Coordinate and define the mission financial plan, striving towards financial sustainability, and assume responsibility for the mission funds management, including bank accounts.

Education

Postgraduate degree (MA or LLM) in International Humanitarian Action, International Relations, or a similar relevant field.

Professional experience

At least 7 years of professional experience as Head of Mission, Country Director for International NGO or at least 10 years in roles of increasing level of responsibility.

Professional requirements

• Leadership in managing complex humanitarian programmes in challenging and insecure contexts (7 years of experience in similar positions)
• Proven experience in managing and bringing together an ethnically diverse / multi-cultural team with team members
• Proven representation, negotiation, communication and organisation skills
• Experience in securing funding for country programs from diverse donors
• Demonstrated experience in working with external stakeholders, including host governments, the private sector, the UN, NGO partners and other stakeholders in complex environments
• Sound knowledge of international donors in humanitarian and development contexts
• Previous experience in managing complex security environments, and in ensuring quality supervision also in remote
• Proven experience in strategic planning and negotiation of humanitarian access
• Proven experience in financial and grants management
• Excellent oral and written English skills required
• Knowledge of Dari/Farsi is highly desirable
• Previous experience in the country/area of operation is an asset

Languages

Fluency in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Personal requirements

• Demonstrate flexibility, resilience and ability to maintain positive relationships and composure
• Exhibit awareness of his/her own strengths and development needs
• Manage conflicts in a constructive way
• Confidently able to deal with authorities and donors
• Proactive and collaborative approach to work
• Able to work independently as well as being a strong team player
• Contributes to the development of tools and methods that might be useful in the field of work
• Ability to integrate and work well within multi-ethnic and multicultural teams

General Conditions

Non family duty station

Please submit your applications by filling the INTERSOS Standard Job application form (https://www.acbar.org/applicationform) along with an updated CV and Cover letter to jobs.afghanistan@intersos.org or can send the hard copy of the applications to any of the INTERSOS offices. Please note that applying without filling job application form may result in disqualifying the applications to review for shortlisting

Please indicate the position title, Vacancy Number, and Location in the Subject Line of your email otherwise your application will not be considered.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted with and called for a test/Interview.

Qualified People with Physical Disabilities and Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.