Somalia: Head of Mission (Somalia)

General information:

• Position: Head of Mission
• Location: Mogadiszu/Nairobi
• Job term: Permanent/Full-time
• Starting date: ASAP

Organization background:

Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) is a non-governmental organization. For over 20 years, we have been providing relief in emergencies worldwide. We also run missions in several countries in crisis. Our interventions – of both humanitarian and development character – have been carried out in 44 countries so far. We concentrate on ensuring sustainable and stable development of regions suffering the consequences of war and/or natural disasters. We possess long-standing expertise in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), but also implement projects in Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL), as well as Nutrition and Education.

For more information, please refer to www.pah.org.pl

PAH in Somalia

Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) has been operating in Somalia since 2011 with a priority given to the most vulnerable beneficiaries and locations with highest needs - large IDP settlements until 2015 in Jowle (Puntland) and Mogadishu, since 2015 in Banaadir, Afgoye and Jowhar districts.

Since March 2016 PAH has been implementing WASH/FSL project financed by ECHO. Our primary focus is to provide comprehensive WASH assistance especially access to safe drinking water by upgrading the capacity of existing crucial water points and direct provision of water, constructing safe, communal latrines and carrying out hygiene promotion activities to improve the understanding of health impact of safe hygiene and provide means for its practice; while to address FSL needs vulnerable families are targeted with cash assistance.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Lead Mission activities in strategic direction, program quality and growth (1. Set the strategic vision and direction of the country program to serve more people with responsive, high quality programming, and secure the necessary resources; 2. Align programming to the strategy action plan; 3. Identify opportunities for appropriate expansion and growth of programs)

• Ensure efficient staff performance management and staff development (1. Supervise and mentor direct-report staff and lead semi-annual performance reviews; 2. Provide constructive feedback and counsel on appropriate career paths and professional development; 3. Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified care needs of the mission staff)

• Ensure leadership and representation (1. Lead the country program by maintaining open and professional relations with colleagues, promoting a strong team spirit and providing guidance and resources to enable staff to perform successfully; 2. Develop and maintain relations with all stakeholders such as donors, local authorities and other INGOs)

• Take a primary responsibility for a safety and security management on a Mission (1. Monitor the security situation in the region and take proper decisions according to PAH internal rules; 2. Oversee the management of all security issues; 3. Keep security, evacuation and contingency plans up-to-date and accessible for the Mission staff)

• Ensure effective operational management on the Mission (1. Provide optimal efficiency and cost-effectiveness in all functions and operations of the country program; 2. Coordinate budget monitoring process; 3. Develop, review and update policies and procedures in order to achieve compliance with donor and PAH requirements)

• Provide and develop culture of open and constructive communication in the office (1. Ensure healthy and empowering job environment; 2. Maintain open communication with staff members, advisors and colleagues in HQ)

• Report to HQ in terms of Mission activities in timely manner

Main requirements:

• University degree (esp. in management will be an asset),
• Minimum 3 years in INGO management/coordination (including security management in complex security situations, human resource management, understanding of financial accountability procedures),
• Experience in Project Cycle Management and strong project management skills,
• Experience in representing the organization in front of local authorities as well as international donor agencies,
• Strong communication and presentation skills,
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines,
• Strong negotiation and interpersonal skills, and flexibility in cultural and organizational terms,
• Fluent written and spoken English
• Good knowledge of Excel and Word,
• Driving license

What PAH offers:

• A job starting as soon as possible with a probationary period of 3 months,
• A challenging, exciting and active job in an organisation combining emergency and development work,
• Accommodation costs covered,
• Insurance and travel cost covered,
• Approx. 10 working days of leave every 3 months depending on project activities with flights home covered every 3 months

If you are interested in applying for this position, please fill in the application form which available under the link.

Please note, that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.