Head of Mission – RCA At INTERSOS

INTERSOS is a non-profit, non-governmental humanitarian organization whose objective is to assist victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. INTERSOS bases its action on the values ​​of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equal rights and opportunities for all peoples, respect for diversity, coexistence, and attention to the most vulnerable social groups.

Terms of reference

Job title : Head of Mission

Code: SR-46-9502

Country: Central African Republic (CAR)

Duty station : Bangui

Start date : 01/03/2025

Contract duration : 12 months

Under the supervision of: Regional Director

Dependents: Mission Department Coordinators

Duty station: No family

General context of the project

The Central African Republic (CAR) is experiencing recurrent conflict, political exploitation, and extreme poverty. The third most fragile and violent country in Africa (Global Peace Index, 2020), it has high levels of poverty (the World Bank, 2020, estimates that 70% of the population lives below the international poverty line of USD 1.90/day).

According to the HNO report published in January 2024, 2.8 million people, or 46% of the Central African population, will be extremely vulnerable in 2024, to the point that humanitarian assistance alone is not enough for their well-being. One in five Central Africans is either internally displaced or a refugee, mainly in neighboring countries (OCHA, 2024). About 2.5 million people (41 percent of the population analyzed) are facing high levels of acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or higher) between April 2024 and August 2024, including nearly 521,000 people in Phase 4 (Emergency) (IPC, 2023).

Security is still volatile across the country.

General objective of the position

The Country Director represents INTERSOS in-country and acts on behalf of the Director General, providing leadership and decision-making on INTERSOS operations, ensuring strategic coherence in mission direction and compliance with organizational and donor regulations. The Country Director promotes effective advocacy, maintains team morale, safety and well-being, while managing resources, delegating specific tasks as necessary, and maintaining oversight and accountability.

Main responsibilities and tasks

Strategy and vision

• Lead the development and updating of the country strategy, within the framework of INTERSOS’ overall strategic plan, values ​​and principles.
• Lead the development of additional operational activities based on the results of the review and evaluation.
• In collaboration with the regional office, adjust the mission structure based on context analysis, security assessment, planned operational response and available resources.
• Plan, organize and control resources to achieve mission and program objectives
• In collaboration with the Programme Manager, lead the development of the country programme in line with strategic objectives and evaluation findings, help identify new sources of funding and maintain an adequate portfolio
• Explore and promote strategic partnerships that integrate initiatives and leverage the organization’s impact in the country.
• Explore funding opportunities with institutional and private donors at the national level and support at the regional or global level for the country concerned.

Representation and advocacy

• Represent the organization and manage relations with authorities, ensure the smooth and timely implementation of planned interventions and preserve impartiality and independence
• Ensure, ensure and control the procedures for government recognition of the organization in compliance with the formalities of the host country
• Maintain productive communication with donors and ensure assessed needs are communicated to impact donor priorities.
• Represent INTERSOS in relevant forums
• Define, develop and lead the country’s advocacy strategy and represent INTERSOS in national and international media and participate in community activities as appropriate.

Personnel management

• Ensure that the country leadership team is effective, mutually supportive and adequately involved in key decision-making processes.
• In coordination with the Head of Operations, guide and supervise the staff performance process
• Ensure compliance with organizational values, the Code of Ethics, the Organizational Management and Control Model and INTERSOS procedures
• Maintain high ethical standards, promote teamwork and ensure a productive work environment
• Empower staff to achieve organizational goals and work as a highly functional and cooperative team

Finance, logistics and procurement

• In collaboration with the Head of Operations, define and oversee the overall financial management of the mission, striving to ensure financial sustainability and assume responsibility for the management of mission funds (NGO budget)
• Ensure that allocated resources are managed efficiently and transparently
• In collaboration with the Head of Operations, oversee the definition and implementation of all procurement, logistics and ITC strategies, ensuring the relevance and consistency of logistics and procurement systems, the adequacy of the means made available and compliance with the INTERSOS standard, protocols and procedures in order to promote the development of the mission and optimize the impact of the projects.

Safety and security

• Support the Security and Access Coordinator and the Area Coordinator while assuming final responsibility for security, including the development and validation of the country security plan and ensuring compliance with procedures, monitoring context development, analysis and formulation of recommendations
• Interact regularly with the regional office on security issues.
• Take final responsibility for any decisions regarding security in the country

Accountability and quality control

• Continuously assess, analyze and evaluate the impact of the country program and operations, including through periodic visits to intervention areas, in collaboration with the Head of Programs and the Head of Operations
• Oversee the quality and impact of the program in accordance with established strategic objectives and related indicators
• Oversee programme reporting, ensuring compliance with INTERSOS policies and procedures, donor regulations and national requirements

Required profile

Education

Bachelor’s degree in international affairs, development, international political economy or other relevant field

Professional experience

8 years of experience in the field of humanitarian aid

Professional requirements

• Ability to manage a large team
• Solid knowledge of financial management
• Experience working with major grants and international donors
• Essential computer skills (Word, Excel and Internet)

LANGUAGES

• Working language French
• Knowledge of English desired
• Local language (Sango) is an asset

Personal requirements

• Good organizational skills
• Leadership, teamwork and cooperation
• Behavioral flexibility
• Negotiation and decision-making skills
• Diplomatic, interpersonal and communication skills
• Understanding of principles, standards and best practices in humanitarian operations
• Commitment to INTERSOS Principles