Head of Base – Afghanistan At INTERSOS

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 Base

Code: 28-7300

Duty station: Kandahar

Starting date: 05/07/2023

Contract duration: 12 months

Reporting to: Country Director

Supervision of: 6 National staffs

Dependents: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

Over 40 years of conflicts and political turmoil have taken a massive cumulative toll on the people of Afghanistan. A total of 18.4 million people, almost half of the total population, have been estimated by the UN to need humanitarian assistance prior to recent events. Severe droughts are recurring in Afghanistan, currently resulting in nearly 14 million people in acute food insecurity, with over 3 million children facing severe malnourishment. The recent displacement of 550,000 people is adding to an estimated 2.9 million people who remain internally displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance, while winter months are around the corner.

INTERSOS has been working in Afghanistan since 2001, with a country office in Kabul, and field bases in Kandahar and Zabul provinces. In recent years INTERSOS has been focusing its assistance based on integrated community-based approach that includes primary health care (including sexual and reproductive health care), nutrition and protection programmes serving conflict-affected populations, particularly in hard-to-reach areas, with a special focus on socially excluded individuals, including women, children and persons living with disabilities.

With its operational approach and active engagement with the communities, INTERSOS has been enjoying strong community acceptance and operational access. All INTERSOS activities continue to be implemented in Afghanistan at present time, with no operational restrictions and with full inclusion of female staff.

It is widely anticipated that Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation may deteriorate further, given that the international support to key essential and social services – food aid, health, education, and other essential services, is currently frozen. Although humanitarian aid can not replace this gap, the international assistance that prioritises urgent humanitarian needs will be essential.

At the same time, unless the operational environment with all its impediments (including in relation to banking/cash transfers and counter-terrorism measures) does not improve, the response will continue to be a challenge.

Recognising that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan will require a more intensified international humanitarian assistance, INTERSOS remains in Afghanistan to deliver its ongoing activities, and potentially scale up its response.

General purpose of the position

The Head of Base is responsible of the management of the base in Kandahar as well as supporting the Zabul Base. She/he coordinates the support and program team in order to smoothly implement the projects, in accordance with INTERSOS country strategies, plans and policies, and in collaboration with all the Coordinators.

The Head of Base supervises the logistics, HR and finance sectors in collaboration with the technical coordinators. She/he is also responsible of the security and safety of all the staff, in close collaboration with the Country Director, and the direct management of bases and offices.

She/he works in close collaboration with Programme Coordinator and Programme Managers to ensure a smooth implementation of the projects.

The Head of Base actively participate and collaborate with Country Director (CD) and the Senior Management Team (SMT), regularly reports, ensure the adherence of the activities’ implementation to the INTERSOS Chart and the Humanitarian Principle. She/he also collaborates in the design and implementation of the Mission Strategy.

Main responsibilities and tasks

Management

• Support project field staff in the field base in the optimal and efficient organization (in terms of administration, HR and logistics) for a smooth implementation of the projects
• Conduct weekly meetings with the team to review the planning and discuss the main concerns to focus on for the upcoming period
• Prepare and disseminate weekly sit-rep reports
• Support the CD for the promotion of accountability and commitment to INTERSOS charter and prevention on power of abuse
• To maintain and follow the complaint response mechanism (CRM).
• Represent INTERSOS in coordination fora at provincial level (INSO, ACBAR, HRT, AWG etc.)
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders (donors, partners, government, etc.) at local level
• To lead and develop strategies for access issues encountered in the south, with guidance from CD.
• Actively participate in SMT and any other meetings as organized by CD
• Regularly share information with CD and SMT
• To support the Zabul base when needed.

Logistics

• Oversee the logistics in Kandahar base, aiming at improving the operations systems and processes and coordinate with the Logistics Coordinator for any logistic and procurement-related tasks in the field base
• Ensure the correct management of logistics and the adherence of procedures in collaboration with Logistics Coordinator, provide feedback on dysfunctionalities, revise, and approve PR/POs
• Work in close collaboration with the support and program staff on proper management of supply chain, and preparation of the procurement plans
• Guarantee the full functionality of the guesthouses and offices (power, water, internet, phones, spaces, etc.)

Finance

• Manage accountability of Administration and Operations actions in Kandahar base
• Cooperate with the Country Finance Coordinator for the supervision of the financial and administrative aspects in the field base.

Human Resources

• Manages and evaluates the performance of the staff directly managed and ensure that evaluation procedures are implemented for the rest of the team
• Ensure the correct implementation of the internal regulations, the recruitment process and all the HR procedures in collaboration with the HR Coordinator, according to guidelines and SOPs

Security

• Support the CD providing accurate security and political analysis of the region
• Update the CPPs and SOPs of the field base and of any area of intervention, in close collaboration with CD
• Create a good network for acquiring and sharing information
• Ensure adequate tracking of national and international staff in the field

Programme

• Ensure the close collaboration between Program and Support staff
• Contribute to the design of the Country Strategy
• Play a key role in the implementation of the Strategy of the mission, ensuring the smooth running of INTERSOS humanitarian operations
• Contribute to the writing of new funding opportunities, contributing to develop/design new concepts and proposals under the supervision of the Program Coordinator and in cooperation with the Technical Coordinators
• Contribute to monitor, evaluate and support the implementation of the activities
• Contribute to donors reporting
• Ensure collection of data for reporting and analysis purposes
• Support PMs in the planning, and monitoring of the activities and budget, in close collaboration with the Program Coordinator and the Technical Coordinators

Required profile and experience

Education

• Advanced university degree in humanitarian field or similar academic areas (experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree)​

Professional Experience

• At least 5 years of professional experience in similar position in the humanitarian field in countries outside of his/ her residence, with at least two years as senior management level
• At least 3 years of working in potentially insecure environment as expatriate staffs, with proven experience of security management, is required
• Excellent writing, reporting and communication skills.
• Proven experience of managing staff with cultural diversity, with experience of local recruitment.​

Professional Requirements

• Excellent writing, reporting and communication skills.
• Proven experience of managing staff with cultural diversity, with experience of local recruitment

Languages

• Excellent written and spoken English​

Personal Requirements

• Responsive, motivated, good communicator flexibility to respond to changing nature of humanitarian context and operational difficulties
• Ability to communicate openly and maintain good relationship within the team, government and other local authorities, donor, and other stake holders
• Willingness to take responsibility
• Ability to cope with stress, and live in environment with very basic living condition
• Strong team spirit and ability to work in an intercultural environment
• Attention to detail and structured way of approaching tasks (well organized), and to plan ahead and result oriented (pro-active)
• Able to ensure quick quality delivery in stressful environment (stress-resilient)
• Ability to adhere to deadlines and respect line management
• Practical and problem-solver