Role Overview
Under the supervision of the DESK Manager, the Head of Mission for Kenya / Somalia will be based 50% in Kenya and 50% in Somalia, and will regularly travel between both missions to ensure effective coordination and oversight. In this capacity, the Head of Mission provides overall leadership and strategic direction for SIF’s operations in both Kenya and Somalia.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for SIF operations in Kenya and Somalia, ensuring effective coordination and strategic alignment with SIF global objectives. Continually monitor the humanitarian context to adapt country strategy.
- Program Development & Management: Lead the development and implementation of SIF’s country strategy and programs by overseeing assessments, proposal development, project implementation, donor compliance, and overall program monitoring to ensure relevance, impact, and sustainability.
- Representation & Advocacy: Represent SIF with national authorities, donors, UN agencies, and NGOs. Strengthen partnerships, promote SIF’s mission, and ensure effective communication and advocacy at national and international levels.
- Staff Management: Provide leadership and management to national and international staff. Oversee recruitment, performance management, adherence to HR policies, and development of staff capacities to support mission objectives.
- Logistics & Operations: Ensure effective logistical management of mission operations by overseeing procurement, supply chain, asset management, and logistical procedures in compliance with SIF guidelines.
- Safety & Security: Establish and maintain an effective security framework. Monitor the security context and coordinate with relevant actors to mitigate risks for all staff and operations.
- Financial & Administrative Management: Oversee the financial and administrative management of the mission, ensuring sound budgeting, financial monitoring, accounting systems, and compliance with SIF and donor financial procedures.
Candidate Profile
- Education: 5 years' higher education in international cooperation, humanitarian project management or an equivalent degree.
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years' experience in the field, including at least 2 years specifically as Head of Mission.
- Skills: Strong management, writing, and contextual analysis skills (security and humanitarian context). Proficient in project cycle management tools.
- Competencies: Ability to work on both urgent emergency responses and major long-term projects. Professional responsiveness, rigour, and the ability to deploy rapidly in the field.
- Languages: Excellent written and spoken English. Proficiency in French is highly desirable.
- Technical Proficiencies: Confident in using MS Office, particularly Word and Excel.
Employment Conditions
- Start Date: As soon as possible.
- Contract: French fixed-term contract of 12 months (renewable).
- Benefits: Monthly per diem/guesthouse provided, health insurance (SIF contributes 60%), repatriation insurance (100% covered), break allowance at 3 and 9 months, and airfare provided at 6 and 12 months.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online via the Secours Islamique France (SIF) recruitment platform at app.beetween.com.
