Country Director– Yemen

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: Country Director

Code: SR-35-8268

Duty station: Aden and Sana’a, with regular field visits to other bases in Yemen

Starting date: 01/09/2023

Contract duration: 12 months, till 31/08/2024

Reporting to: Regional Director

Supervision of: Multiple coordinators (7)

Dependents: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

In 2023, Yemen remains one of the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and aid operation. Over 8 years of war and armed conflict killed and injured tens of thousands of civilians, causing immense suffering for the Yemeni people. The economy and the currency continued to collapse as foreign reserves were depleted and the government was unable to subsidize food and other commodities for which Yemen is 90% import-reliant. The situation was exacerbated by the global COVID-19 turndown which led to a sharp drop in remittances, the largest source of foreign currency and a lifeline for many families where 80% of people live below the poverty line. As a result, millions more people cannot afford to meet their basic needs. A fuel crisis in the North, part of a dispute over the use of revenues, led to chronic fuel shortages and price hikes. Government capacity to regularly pay salaries and pensions to public employees has been hindered and public services have been degraded. Yemen is also vulnerable to natural hazards. Heavy rains and flooding regularly devastate communities, causing deaths and injuries, again destroying infrastructure and livelihoods, and increasing diseases spread and displacement. The impact of the drivers of the crisis is most visible in the growing risk of famine and acute severe malnutrition, disease outbreaks, conflict casualties, forced displacement (4 million IDPs) and reversal of past development gains. In addition, the conduct of the parties to the conflict has had a profound impact on the aid operation – particularly humanitarian access, aid delivery and independent data collection/assessments.

General purpose of the position

The Country Director represents INTERSOS in the country and acts on behalf of the Director General, leading the organization’s response, including strategy design, planning resources, management and implementation of programmes.

Main responsibilities and tasks

Strategy and vision

• Analyse the needs in the country based on context and security analysis, direct contact with communities, authorities, donors, UN, civil society and NGOs. Review intervention strategy and programming
• Propose and develop a strategy for the programme in the country in line with INTERSOS Strategic Plan and INTERSOS values and principles
• Lead on developing additional operational activities in line with review and assessment results
• In collaboration with HQ adjust the structure of the mission based on context analysis, security assessment and foreseen operational response
• Plan, organise and control resources to achieve mission goals
• Lead the detailed Country Strategy planning process
• Lead on prioritising actions and resources to achieve programme objectives
• Assist the Head of Programme in identifying new sources of funding and maintain adequate donor funding levels to sustain the identified program and support activities
• Explore and promote funding opportunities that integrate initiatives and leverage the impact of the organisation in the country.
• Explore and promote fund-raising activities with institutional and private donors at country level and support at regional or global level for the country of concern.

Representation and advocacy

• Represent the organisation and manage relations with the authorities ensuring smooth and timely implementation of planned interventions and safeguarding impartiality and independence
• Represent INTERSOS with communities, donors, partners, local and international stakeholders and develop strategic partnerships
• Follow up, guarantee and monitor government recognition procedures for the organisation in compliance with the host country formalities
• Maintain strong communications with donors and ensure that the assessed needs are communicated to impact on donors priorities
• Represent the mission in all coordination fora (NGO, authorities, UN, and others) as per established coordination structure in the country
• Present INTERSOS operations with national and international media and participate in community activities as appropriate. In coordination with the Communication department is responsible for the development and promotion of communication and advocacy materials highlighting the affected population in needs and the role of the organization in addressing them

HR management

• Manage the SMT ensuring that key matters regarding the programme implementation, context and security developments, and administration are regularly discussed
• In coordination with the SMT, coordinate, guide and supervise the mission staffs and overview the performance process
• Ensure the staffs respect organisational values, Code of Ethics, Organization Management and Control Model, and INTERSOS procedures
• Maintain high ethical standards and manage people with respect. Promote teamwork and ensure a productive working environment for staff members
• Ensure the correct flow of operational information within the mission, with the region and HQ
• Empower staff members to meet organizational goals and work as a highly functioning and cooperative team

Security

• Assess the security and follow the context analysis. Is responsible for the security and safety of the staffs and for any decision concerning security
• Validate all the mission security plans (at capital and field level)
• Regularly interact with HQ on security issues
• Hold final responsibility for any decision concerning security

Monitoring and reporting

• Continuously assess, analyse and evaluate the impact of the country operations, also through periodic visits to the areas of intervention
• Oversee programme quality and impact in line with established programme goals and related indicators
• Oversee the good functioning of all the departments
• Oversee program reporting, ensuring compliance with INTERSOS policies and procedures, donor regulations and local law

Finance

• With the support of the Head of Operations, coordinate, define and oversee the overall financial management of the missions, striving towards financial sustainability and assume responsibility for the mission funds management (NGO budget).
• Hold final responsibility on the management of INTERSOS bank accounts in the country

Required profile and experience

Education

University Degree in Social Sciences, Political Sciences, International Relations, Humanitarian and International Cooperation or related field.

Professional Experience

• 8 years experience in humanitarian aid settings
• At least 5 years of professional work experience as Head of Mission or other management/ coordination positions in humanitarian/development contexts. Previous experience in the Middle East is an asset. At least 1 previous experience as HoM in a similar context.
• Proven experience in management of UN, BHA and ECHO funds.
• Proven experience in management of large teams and good leadership.
• Exposure to sector of programs (Protection, Health). Direct experience in those sectors is a plus

Professional Requirements

• Ability to manage big team
• Strong knowledge of financial management
• Experience working with major grants and international donors
• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
• Capacity to work under preassure

Languages

• Fluency in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Knowledge of Arabic will be considered an asset

Personal Requirements

• Shows flexibility, availability and adaptability
• Manage conflicts in a constructive way
• Support and advise colleagues and contribute to their development
• Confidently able to deal and negotiate with authorities and donors
• Proactive and collaborative approach to work
• Ability to integrate and work well within multi-ethnic and multicultural team