Head of Mission – Niger

Position description

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 – Niger

Code: SR-54-9722

Duty station: Niamey, with frequent visits to other bases

Starting date: 15/05/2025

Contract duration: 28/02/2026

Reporting to: Regional Director West Africa

Functional Supervisor: N/A

Supervision of: 5 members of Senior Management Team

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

Niger has always been a transit country for mixed migratory flows from sub-Saharan countries to North Africa and Europe. In recent years, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated due to the deteriorating security situation in neighboring countries (Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso) and the growing presence of armed extremist groups in border areas, leading to massive population displacements and new influxes of asylum seekers. Moreover, with recent migratory movements linked to the Libyan crisis and to EU countries’ policies regarding migrants, the country has also begun to face major protection needs related to migrants and asylum seekers.

INTERSOS, in collaboration with UNHCR, is setting up an operation in the country to strengthen protection and assistance to vulnerable refugees/asylum seekers.

During 2021, INTERSOS has also extended its operations in the Tahoua region (Tassara and Tillia departments) to provide assistance in the Protection and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene sectors to the most vulnerable people affected by the growing insecurity in the region.

General purpose of the position

The Head of Mission legally and officially represents the Organization in Niger (powers of attorney granted by the Secretary General upon appointment to the post) and acts under the supervision of the Regional Director and in accordance with his/her specific directives.

The HOM is responsible for planning, managing and implementing the country program on the basis of defined strategies and guidelines.

The HOM manages and coordinates operations, human and financial resources, logistics and security in the country of assignment.

Main responsibilities and tasks:

Communication and representation:

• Represent INTERSOS at national level;
• Establish and maintain relationships with local institutions, donors, NGOs, international agencies and other relevant stakeholders;
• Establish, guarantee and monitor government recognition procedures for the organization and formalities in the host country;
• Be the point of contact for the press and media.

Project planning and implementation:

• In coordination with Regional Director, define country priorities in accordance with context and needs analysis. Monitor donor strategies and priorities in the country, and evaluate, promote and develop new projects;
• Plan mission activities and verify their implementation; supervise, monitor and evaluate project implementation, including periodic visits to areas of operation;
• Approve project reports and interim and final financial reports, and assume responsibility for presentation to donors;
• Ensure compliance with INTERSOS procedures (e.g. procurement of goods, works, and services).

Information and reporting:

• Transmit information received from headquarters to field teams;
• Responsible for the continuity and quality of field-to-headquarters reports;
• Write monthly reports on country operations for the Regional Director.

Finance:

• With the support of the Country Administrator, verify monthly mission expenses and ensure compliance with financial planning;
• Assume responsibility for the management of mission funds (including bank accounts);
• Define economic and financial planning for the mission, ensuring self-sufficiency and consistency of expenditure.

Human resources:

• Be ultimately responsible for the management of expatriate and national human resources:

For expatriate staff:

• Reception and organization of briefings and debriefings;
• Identification of human resources needs, preparation of job profiles, validation of the mission organizational chart;
• Individual follow-up: support, advice and evaluation of team members (interim and end-of-mission assessments);
• Regular evaluation by hierarchical superiors.

For local staff:

• In coordination with the HQ, define the national personnel management policy; ensure the implementation of the mission’s internal rules and regulations.

Security:

• Responsible for developing/updating mission security plans (capital and bases);
• Monitoring and documentation of in-country security issues;
• Interaction on in-country security issues with HQ (Security Referent) and with all concerned actors;
• Follow team movements and ensure compliance with security rules;
• Ultimately responsible for all safety-related decisions.

Qualifications

Education

• University degree in economics, administrative and financial management, political science. University diploma in humanitarian affairs.
• Alternatively solid field experience

Professional Experience

• At least 3 years’ experience as Head of Mission or other coordination and management position in emergency humanitarian contexts.

Professional Requirements

• Proven technical skills.
• High management and planning skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent analytical and writing skills.

Languages

• Fluent French (spoken, read, written) is indispensable.
• Good knowledge of English.

Personal Requirements

• Strong humanitarian commitment and motivation.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, with little supervision and under pressure.
• Strong communication, written and oral, and relationship-building skills with experience in team management.
• Ability to take initiative and work autonomously.
• Respect for INTERSOS policies (Charter of Values, PSEA and CP Charters) and humanitarian principles.

Application instructions

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