Head of mission Yemen M/F At Secours Islamique France

Secours Islamique France (SIF) is a Non-Governmental Organisation of international solidarity based in France. Founded in 1991, SIF is a non-profit and non-political organisation that intends to help, to bring relief and to protect the lives of those threatened by natural disasters, armed conflicts or by economic collapse. SIF provides its help in respect of the cultural diversity, without any distinction of origin, religion or gender.
Since 2019, SIF is an active partner in Yemen leading many activities in the area of food Security and livelihoods.
The country is also affected by COVID-19 situation. In this tragic context, SIF brought a solution to 1610 displaced persons leaving in extreme uncertainty, by responding to their basic needs with a regular food aid distribution.
To prevent risks linked to the COVID 19 pandemic, 400 emergency hygiene kits that cover the needs of 2800 persons have been distributed, and prevention messages on best hygiene practices have been shared. Those 400 families also received food packages during the ramadan period.
SIF is looking to fill a Head of Mission position based in Aden, Yemen.
You will be under the supervision of the DESK Manager, as part of the SIF Mission Team and you will be supervising the Human Resources, Finance Officers, Program Coordinator and Logistic Supervisor. You will be in charge of providing the overall leadership and strategic direction of SIF operations in Yemen.
Your work will consist of:
Leadership of the Country Programme

Developing and maintaining a coherent strategy that contributes to SIF’s global objectives;
Monitoring the emergency humanitarian situation in the country and advise HQs on the appropriate course of action;
Assessing and responding as necessary to changes in the external environment ensuring these changes are reflected in the country strategy and project plans.

Programme Development

Developing SIF’s short and medium term strategy for Yemen;
Regularly analysing the context, risks, operational access issues and availability of resources, in relation to the program objectives;
Developing and maintaining SIF’s emergency activities and overseeing the scale up of the emergency response.

Representation

Representing SIF, coordinating and advocating on key issues with local and national authorities, UN agencies, donors and INGOs;
Managing external communications in collaboration with the HQ’s communication department. Acting as the contact with press and media;
Maintaining regular communications with HQs using the established procedures.

Staff Management/Human Resources

Providing leadership and management to the team;
Participating/overseeing the recruitment process of national staff;
Interpreting, developing and applying SIF’s HR policies and terms and conditions, national employment law, consistently and effectively.

Logistics

Overseeing the timely and efficient planning and implementation of procurement and supply of items in line with project needs;
Ensuring adequate management of warehousing, compounds, transportation, goods in kind and assets according to SIF procedures.

Safety and Security Management

Monitoring the security context and act on any deterioration that could affect operations;
Ensuring the updating of the Security plan and producing a weekly security report.

Administration and Finance

Overseeing budget preparation and analysis of actual expenditures against the budget;
Establishing and maintaining SIF field accounting systems.
You have worked a minimum of 5 years in humanitarian work, including previous experiences as Country Director, or Deputy Country Director, or chief of Party with INGOs in similar context;
You are very experienced in strategic thinking, including identifying, analyzing, problem solving and responding to opportunities and challenges and the ability to translate these into practical plans of action;
You possess strong leadership skills and a supportive management style of all staff;
You possess strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English;
You have experience of working within an insecure environment with responsibility for security planning, monitoring and management;
An understanding and commitment to SIF’s mission and values are necessary;
Familiarity with the Yemen context and French and/or Arabic speaking would be appreciated.

Working conditions:**