ACTING HEAD OF MISSION for SYRIA M/F - based in LEBANON

Beirut | Syria

Organization: SIF - Secours Islamique France
Location: Beirut | Syria
Grade: Mid/Senior level - Mid/Senior - Internationally recruited position
Occupational Groups:
- Disaster Management (Preparedness, Resilience, Response and Recovery)
- Safety and Security
- Shelter and Non-Food Items
- Project and Programme Management
- Managerial positions
Closing Date: Closed

Secours Islamique France (SIF) was created in 1991, and has developed international programs in order to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable populations in France and around the world.

SIF acts wherever humanitarian and social needs require mobilization of emergency relief and implementation of development programs. SIF strictly follows the humanitarian principles of neutrality, independence, and impartiality while implementing programs. SIF respects cultural diversity and provides humanitarian assistance to all people in need, regardless of origin, political or religious affiliation, gender or belief.

SIF is registered and working in Syria since 2008. The SIF team in Syria is implementing projects for the displaced persons in several regions of Syria. Currently, SIF is implementing Shelter and Wash/education projects in partnership with the UNHCR, the UNICEF.

In order to continue its regional humanitarian response to Syrian refugees SIF is urgently recruiting an Acting Head of Mission M/F to develop the mission and the programs in the country in Syria.

Main responsibilities:**

Leadership of the Country Programme

To maintain and develop SIF presence in the country, to coordinate and manage in remote control the overall planning and direction of SIF operations in the country,
To develop and maintain a coherent strategy that contributes to SIF global objectives,
To ensure good communication, collaboration and team spirit within the teams managed,
To assess and respond as necessary to changes in the external environment ensuring these changes are reflected in the country strategy and project plans.

Program Development

To follow up SIF annual strategy for the mission,
To regularly analyze the context, risks, operational access issues and availability of resources, in relation to the program objectives,
To assess the donor environment and opportunities for funding, and ensure concept notes and proposals are developed and submitted in due time,
To supervise the planning and monitoring of project activities and outputs project log-frames, timeframes and budgets.
To supervise the internal and external reporting (financial and narrative) for SIF and institutional donors,
To ensure compliance of operations with local law including NGO law, tax, employment, Health & Safety, Insurance and any other applicable law.

Representation

When in Damascus, directly represent SIF, coordinate and advocate on key issues with local and national authorities, UN agencies, donors and INGOs,
When not in Damascus, remotely support and organize the Head of Program for this tasks,
To develop funding strategies and donor mapping analysis,
To manage external communications in collaboration with the HQs communications department. Act as the contact person with press and media,
To maintain regular communications with HQs using the established procedures.

Staff Management / Human Resources

To provide leadership and management to the team,
To interpret, develop and apply SIF HR policies and terms and conditions, national employment law, consistently and effectively, and ensure that all staff are aware of and comply with these,
To support national and international staff, ensuring that individuals work effectively together as a team to achieve the program objectives,

Logistics

To ensure that appropriate logistic structures and procedures are established and / or are maintained in accordance with the SIF guidelines,
To oversee the timely and efficient planning and implementation of procurement and supply of items in line with project needs,
To ensure adequate management of warehousing, compounds, transportation, goods in kind, and assets according to SIF procedures.

Safety and Security Management

Responsible for the safety and security of all SIF staff and visitors to Syria.

To ensure that a safety and security framework for SIF operations is developed, communicated, adhered to and regularly reviewed,
To monitor the security context and act on any deterioration in this that could affect operations and provide guidance to teams/sites as required,

Administration and Finance

Responsible for all financial management related to the budget provided by both SIF and institutional donors.

To ensure that appropriate administrative and financial guidelines and procedures are established regularly, maintained / updated and adhered to by the team as well as any basic systems required in country,

The task list is neither exhaustive nor restrictive and it is evolving.

Profile

Minimum 5 years of previous experience in humanitarian work, including previous experiences as Country Director, or Deputy Country Director, or Chief of Party with INGOs in similar context.
Substantial experience of strategic thinking, including identifying, analyzing, problem solving and responding to opportunities and challenges and the ability to translate these into practical plans of action.
Extensive experience of securing substantial external funding. Evidence of understanding the challenges of donor and contract management and the implications for program management.
Extensive knowledge and experience of project planning and budget holding; proposal and report writing.
Knowledge and understanding of project management tools (Logical Framework analysis, project cycle management, objectives and indicators etc.)
Strong leadership skills and a supportive management style (experience managing national and expatriate staff) with at least one experience of remote management
Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English (and desirably French and/or Arabic)
Ability to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with partners including local authorities.
Experience of working within an insecure environment with responsibility for security planning, monitoring and management
Confidence and proficience in the use of MS Office, especially Word and Excel.
An understanding of and commitment to SIF mission and values