Country Director – Sudan At International NGO Safety Organisation

Organisation Background

Founded in 2011, the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) is an international non-governmental organisation that supports humanitarian aid workers by establishing safety coordination platforms in insecure contexts. INSO provides registered NGOs with a range of free services, including real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, safety-related data and mapping, crisis management support, staff orientations and training.

INSO provides daily support to more than 1000 NGOs operating in 16 of the world’s most insecure countries.

INSO is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands- the international city of peace and justice.

INSO in Sudan

In 2022, INSO received a letter of invitation from a group of NGOs that was supported by donors working in Sudan. INSO wants to establish its services in the country based in Khartoum. We are now looking for a Country Director to register and start-up INSO Sudan. If registration is successful, this position will be extended.

Job Summary

As the start-up Country Director, you will manage the initial set up of the platform. You will successfully register INSO with relevant national and local authorities and network with relevant stakeholders. You will plan the structure of the program, secure funding and recruit the INSO Sudan Team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Start-up Phase (3 months)

Scoping and registration

• Lead a two-week scoping to identify INSO’s programming priorities.
• Engage with authorities for the successful registration of INSO.
• Prepare the internal strategy document in collaboration with the Regional Director.
• Communicate with NGO partners, UN agencies and other stakeholders to establish lasting relationships.
• Draft and implement a security management protocol.
• Develop the strategy for the mission structure, logistical set up and longer-term strategy with the relevant HQ program and support referents.
• Create successful proposals with the Regional Director and Grants Manager to secure donor funding.

External Representation

• Liaise with relevant authorities to ensure transparency on INSO activities and facilitate registration process.
• Effectively represent and protect INSO’s principles and actively promote INSO as an integral member of the humanitarian community.
• Represent INSO towards senior humanitarian leadership on issues affecting humanitarian access and safety.

Country Office Management (post start-up extended contract)

Following the start-up phase, you will be responsible for leading, managing and directing the ongoing program implementation.

Program strategy and management

• Hire and manage the Country Office team including direct supervision of senior management and general oversight of the program, operations, and finance teams.
• Provide dedicated, effective leadership across the program and ensure cohesion across all functions.
• Develop overall strategy and deliver annual program planning.
• Steward INSO resources effectively and transparently in full compliance with internal and donor policies.
• Liaise with Regional Director and HQ technical referents of each department.
• Responsible for the safety and security of the staff, program and assets.

Representation and synergies

• Maintain and build the reputation of the organisation.
• Effectively represent and protect INSO’s principles of independence, impartiality and neutrality; promote INSO as an integral member of the humanitarian community.
• Maintain donor engagement and actively track country-specific funding opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with donor regulations and requirements and produce high-quality, compelling donor proposals and reports that underscore INSO’s impact.
• Engage with third parties, including local government, the UN, diplomatic missions, and military forces.
• Participate in external coordination activities related to safety and security coordination and access.

Program support and monitoring

• Oversee the overall delivery of INSO services, ensure that program targets and objectives are met and quality is maintained.
• Deliver strategic analysis to senior humanitarian leadership.
• Lead crisis management support to individual NGO partners or the NGO community at large during critical incidents.

Mandatory Requirements

Essential:

• Master’s Degree-level of education or equivalent work experience in a relevant field.
• Fluency in English.
• 3 years of relevant work experience as an NGO Country Director or equivalent; start-up experience desired.
• Experience with management of multi-donor projects. Knowledge of donor policies and procedures (DG ECHO, SDC, USAID-BHA, FCDO).
• Experience with budget management, monitoring, donor liaison and reporting.
• Proven analytical skills.
• Solid understanding of principles and practices in broad humanitarian action, NGO safety and risk management, humanitarian access, and civil-military coordination.
• Excellent networking, diplomatic, and representative communication skills.

Nice to Have:

• Recent experience or sound knowledge of Sudan.
• Working knowledge of Arabic would be an asset.
• Detailed understanding of INSO mandate and services.
• Previous INSO experience (as a team member, member of INSO’s country advisory board or as a beneficiary).

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to identify issues and find a resolution.
• Excellent communication, organizational and managerial skills.
• Strong work ethic and capacity to take responsibility for your actions.
• Ability to work under pressure.
• Confidentiality, integrity and an ability to sense conflicts-of-interest.

Terms & Conditions: Initial 3 months contract, 4 calendar days annual leave per month, global medical coverage (excluding USA), $200,000 AD&D coverage. This contract may be extended if the registration is successful.

INSO’s Safeguarding Policy

INSO is fully committed to safe recruitment, selection and vetting of all potential new staff, trustees and volunteers and we will ensure rigorous compliance with our Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policy throughout the recruitment process.