Secours Islamique France Head of Mission Job in Nairobi Kenya

Vacancy: Head of Mission Kenya M/F

Secours Islamique France (SIF) is a Non-Governmental Organization of international solidarity based in France. 

Founded in 1991, SIF is a non-profit and non-political organization that intents to help, to bring relief and to protect the lives of those threatened by natural disasters, armed conflicts or by economic collapse.

SIF intervenes in more than 30 countries around the world through operations of emergency relief, rehabilitation and development.

SIF provides its help in respect of the cultural diversity, without any distinction of origin, religion or gender.

In response to the current crisis in Kenya, SIF is expanding its humanitarian response. In view of this operation, SIF is recruiting a head of Mission (M/F).

He/ She will provide the overall leadership and strategic direction for SIF’s operations in Kenya and for the overall program development and implementation.

He/she will be responsible for the management of the staff, for representing the organization and managing the security of the mission.

The position in based in Nairobi.

Missions and activities:

Leadership of the country Program

• Establish, maintain and develop SIF’s presence in Kenya
• Establish, coordinate and manage the overall planning and direction of SIF's operations
• Develop and maintain a coherent strategy that contributes to SIF's global objectives
• Assess and respond as necessary to changes in the external environment ensuring these changes are reflected in the country strategy and project plans

Program management

• Develop and maintain a coherent medium to long term strategy in the Horn of Africa that contributes to SIF's global objectives
• Monitor the humanitarian situation in Kenya and work with Program Coordinator on the appropriate course of action
• Ensure context changes are included and reflected in the country strategy and project plans
• Participate in senior level coordination forum for Kenya

Staff Management / Human Resources

• Provide leadership and management to the Kenya coordination team
• Develop a staffing structure and ensure the roles are filled when funding is secured, for programme implementation to start
• Ensure required resources are mobilized and appropriate to the programme goals/size and review staff levels as the situation evolves. Ensure that personnel are funded within the frame of programme budgets
• Ensure line manage senior staff, including regular performance management and appraisals
• Support national and international staff, ensuring that the individuals work effectively together as a team to achieve the programme objectives
• Ensure the transfer of knowledge and skills development

Representation

• Represent SIF, coordinate and advocate on key issues with local and national authorities, UN agencies, donors, INGOs and NNGOs.
• Develop collaborative and open working relationships with partners and beneficiaries
• Meet key representative of Ministries of Kenya government, to understand the system and priorities
• Identify the sponsors and contribute to reinforce professional relations
• Undertake discussions with donors in country and develop funding strategies and donor mapping analyses
• Draw up a financial plan according to the operational objectives
• Write or supervise the financing proposals
• Check and transmit regularly the various reports to the sponsor
• Manage external communications in collaboration with the communications department in HQ. Act as the contact person with press and media
• Liaise and maintain regular communications with various HQ department using the established procedures

Security management

• Responsible for the safety and security of all SIF staff and visitors to Kenya
• Ensure that a safety and security framework for SIF operations in Kenya is developed, communicated, adhered to and regularly reviewed
• Monitor the security context (including participating in local/national INGO/UN security meetings) and act on any deterioration in this that could affect operations and provide guidance to teams/sites as required
• Facilitate the evacuation of field based teams if necessary
• Ensure timely and accurate security / incident reports are sent to HQ
• Maintain regular contact with security key actors

Profile:

• Minimum 5 years of previous experience in humanitarian work, including previous experiences as Country Director, or Assistant regional director, or Chief of Party with INGOs in similar context
• Considerable overseas experience in establishing country programs within an international NGO preferably in the emergency sector with a focus on food security, livelihood, WASH, Shelter other cross cutting issues
• 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
• Ability of raising the profile of an organization, strategically networking with government agencies, donors and other international agencies, and using the media as appropriate
• Significant people management, ability to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with partners including local authorities.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of project planning and budget holding; proposal and report writing
• Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English (and desirably French and/or Arabic)
• Familiarity with Horn of Africa context (especially Kenya)

Terms and Conditions:

• Wages to be defined according to profile + per diem
• 1 year contract
• Guesthouse
• 2 days of paid vacation per month
• Return ticket provided, at the beginning and at the end of the mission (only for the country of origin)
• Vacation period of one week, each three months (salary maintained)

How to Apply:
To apply, please send a resume and a cover letter to: rhp@secours-islamique.org.
 

Closing date: 14 Dec 2014