Deputy Head of Mission for Programs- Iraq- Erbil

Closing date:

Starting Date : 15/02/2022

Duration of Mission : 4 months

PUI all around the world

With its 40 years of experience, Première Urgence Internationale :

  • Supports close to 6 millions beneficiaries
  • With more than 100 Millions € yearly budget
  • Present in 22 countries, on 5 continents

Thanks to the work and commitment of :

  • More than 2000 national staffs
  • Around 200 expatriates from 45 different nationalities
  • And 90 employees at HQ

PUI works in 10 areas of intervention and distinguishes itself by the implementation of an integrated approach in its response. This method aims to identify and understand the needs of all those affected by a crisis. Our teams come together to bring a rapid global response to the basic needs of populations affected by humanitarian crises to help them regain independence and dignity.

Learn more on our historyour valuesour areas of intervention.

Focus on our activities in Iraq

The Iraq mission has been open since 1983. PUI develops its integrated approach to bring help to vulnerable refugees, displaced persons as well as host communities (to avoid marginalization when the pressure on available resources becomes unbearable), in order to improve their living conditions and reinforce their resilience to enable them to regain dignity and autonomy.. Furthermore, PUI provides a humanitarian response to needs arising from movements of population through actions aimed at reinforcing the existing Health system, and providing Mental Health Psychosocial Support to the people in need, but also at providing access to Shelter, to drinking Water, Hygiene and Sanitation. Today, the mission is implementing 4 projects.

What about the Deputy Head of Mission for Programs ?

As Deputy Head of Mission for Programs (DHoMP) you will be responsible for the implementation of the programs across the different bases, ensuring the steering and the development of a pertinent, appropriate and technically sound program strategy.

For this purpose, you will be responsible for :

  • Programs: You will be in charge of program implementation, ensuring that programs progress in accordance with PUI charter and complying with internal technical guidelines and contractual procedures. You will be responsible for the follow up of programs achievement at mission level. You will be in charge of challenging Bases on quality need for improvement.
  • Development/Strategy: You will lead the needs and gaps analysis, and suggest new operations according to the needs identified in direct coordination with the Field and Technical Coordinators. You will lead the donor mapping to develop the fundraising strategy.
  • Human resources: You will manage directly the Technical Coordination Team, and ensure that the Field Coordinators and Deputy Field Coordinators are properly supported by them.
  • Representation: By delegation from the Head of Mission, you will ensure and coordinate PUI’s representation at national level among partners, donors and authorities. You will participate in technical forums (Working groups).
  • Coordination: You will ensure the effective interaction between the Technical Coordination Team and the bases. You will also ensure that the technical coordination department is properly liaising with the support coordinators.
  • Logistics, administrative and financial monitoring: You will be involved in direct collaboration with the Technical Coordinators in the global oversight of links between the technical coordination department and logistics, HR and administrative departments. You will guarantee that the implementation of all activities is done while respecting all internal and external logistics and administrative frames.

The challenges that await you :

  1. Access issues for different reasons including visa issue can limit physical presence in the field. Remote supervision, technical support and staff capacity building would be a challenge the Deputy Head of Mission for Programs (DHoMP) needs to be prepared for.
  2. It is a particular time in Iraq in terms of humanitarian assistances and funding situation. Humanitarian funding has significantly reduced and the focus is shifting from humanitarian to stabilization and development, however, the humanitarian needs and gaps are still significant. This is one of the priority areas for the DHoMP to focus on. The focus will be expanding stabilization and development programs and fundraising efforts aligned with the mission strategy and country context, while also advocating on addressing the humanitarian needs and assistance gaps with proactive fundraising efforts.
  3. PUI Iraq mission has just finalized its 3-year (2022-2024) strategy. The DHoMP will have a key role in operationalizing the mission strategy and translating it into action. In line with the mission strategy and country context, more in depth needs assessments addressing stabilization and development needs in Health, MHPSS, WASH and Shelter sectors and developing programs would be of the priorities.
  4. The DHoMP will ensure the project management tools are reviewed and reassessed to make sure they are user friendly and meeting the needs, and will adapt the tools accordingly.

What you will need to succeed

  • Training : You hold a Master’s degree in a field related to Project Management, international development and/or social sciences. Training in Public Health / Protection / Livelihood and/or Shelter will be valued.
  • Experience : Strengthened by minimum 4 years managing multi-sectorial humanitarian projects (among which at least 2 years in coordination position) and a strong experience in project management, you also have experience in assessing needs and developing proposals, in external representation and in team management. You already worked with Première Urgence Internationale? It would be a definite asset!
  • Skills : You master project management and team management, you demonstrate strong knowledge in donor requirements and expectations, particularly ECHO, BHA, WFP, UNHCR, CDCS, AFD and BPRM, you also have excellent writing skills (especially for proposals and reporting).
  • Qualities : You have strong leadership skills and ability to make decisions, a sense of analysis (discernment, pragmatism) and synthesis. You are a good negotiator and communicator, both in writing and orally. You demonstrate organization skills, rigor, flexibility, capacity to remain calm and level-headed.
  • Languages : English has no secrets for you! All the better, it is mandatory for this position. If you speak Arabic and/or French, it would be a definite asset.

A word from the manager

« PUI is working in the very remote and hard to reach areas to provide humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable and in need people. Our mission is to defend access to basic rights. Iraq is one of those missions where PUI assists population who have been affected by war for decades and are suffering from lack of access to basic services, including IDPs, refugees and host communities in very remote and rural areas. If you have ever thought about being part of a group of experts supporting such vulnerable and needy population in Iraq and around the world, this is the right opportunity for you to achieve your goal. Besides supporting the target population, this will also be a great opportunity for your personal and professional growth as PUI is providing the opportunity for staff growth. »

PUI will offer you

  • Status : Employé(e) with a Fixed-Term Contract
  • Monthly Gross Income : 2 420,00 – 2 750,00 EUR depending on your experience in International Solidarity + 50€ per semester of seniority with PUI
  • Insurance including medical coverage and complementary healthcare, 24/24 assistance and repatriation
  • Housing in individual accomodation
  • Daily Living Expenses (“Per Diem”)
  • Break Policy : 5 working days at 2, 4 and 8 months + break allowance
  • Paid Leaves Policy : 5 weeks of paid leaves per year + return ticket every 6 months

Our commitments

Première Urgence Internationale sees diversity of nationalities, genders, beliefs, profiles and statuses among its Human Resources as a major asset for its humanitarian action, and therefore compels itself to the strict observance of the principle of non-discrimination throughout its recruitment process.

Première Urgence Internationale applies a policy of zero tolerance towards exploitation, sexual abuse and mistreatment, in all its forms, of women, children and all other vulnerable persons. It engages all its staff to promote, disseminate and respect the principles set out in its ethical charter.

Please note that Première Urgence Internationale shall not in any case request a financial contribution for administrative costs related to recruitment. Any such information would be fraudulent, please disregard it.

You recognize yourself in this profile and you adhere to our commitments ? You feel ready to take up the challenge and to join PUI great family ?

How to apply

If you wish to apply, follow this link and fill in the form on our career site.



Leave a Reply