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: Head of Mission

Code: SR-34-9591

Duty station: Beirut, with regular presence in the four (4) field offices established in Mount Lebanon (Beirut), Bekaa (Zahleh), South (Tyre), and North (Tripoli)

Starting date: 01/01/2025

Contract duration: 12 months (initial 3 months probation contract)

Reporting to: Regional Director for Middle East

Supervision of: Senior management team (SMT); 11 members

Type of duty station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

INTERSOS has been operational in Lebanon, in response to the consequences of the Syrian crisis, since 2012.

The current program focuses on providing timely support to vulnerable Syrian refugees and hosting community members alike, living in hosting communities and in unofficial camps settings. Lately the programming further expanded to respond to the ongoing emergency caused by the Israeli war in Lebanon.

The program covers four (4) Governorates of the Country, from north to the south, through activities coordinated by the Coordination office in Beirut, and implemented through the four (4) field offices established in Mount Lebanon (Beirut), Bekaa (Zahleh), North (Akkar & Tripoli), South (Tyre).

Protection remains the core sector of INTERSOS operations in the country (spanning across General protection, GBV, CP, MHPSS, Legal assistance and protection monitoring components), complemented by Shelter & NFI, elements of WaSH and EiE.

INTERSOS programmes are predominantly through direct implementation but with an increasingly important localization component.

General purpose of the position

The Head of Mission 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 programs.

Main responsibilities and tasks

Strategy and vision:

Is responsible for monitoring and analysing the political and humanitarian situation across the country and surrounding countries through established contacts and carrying out exploratory missions to identify potential fields of intervention. Design, propose, elaborate and develop new strategy of interventions in line with INTERSOS values and principles.

Explore and present funding opportunities that integrate initiatives and leverage impact for the communities; support and direct fund-raising activities with institutional and private donors.

Monitor donor’s priorities and intervention strategies in the country. Guarantee the strict observance and adherence to INTERSOS and donors’ procedures.

Overview the development and implementation of projects and programs and through periodic visits to the areas of intervention, evaluate their evolution and quality as per internal and external standards and requirements, final results and achievements to ensure that organization’s technical and ethical standards are respected and objectives are achieved.

Greenlight project proposals and response to emergencies to be submitted to HQ for approval. Evaluate potential emergency responses in the country and lead on developing additional programs in line with review and assessment results.

Lead the detailed country strategy planning process and prioritising of actions and resources to achieve program objectives.

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.

Follow up, guarantee, and monitor government recognition procedures for the organization in compliance with the host country formalities.

Maintain productive communication with donors and ensure that the assessed needs are communicated to impact donors’ priorities.

Represent INTERSOS in relevant fora.

People management:

Ensure that the senior management team is effective, mutually supporting and sufficiently involved in key decision-making processes.

In coordination with the HR Coordinator, guide and supervise the staff performance process for international and national staff.

Ensure the respect organisational values, Code of Ethics, Organization Management and Control Model, and INTERSOS procedures.

Maintain high ethical standards and promote teamwork and ensure a productive working environment.

Empower staff to meet organizational goals and work as a highly functioning and cooperative team.

Finance, logistics, and supply:

Together with the Finance Coordinator, define and oversee the overall financial management of the mission, striving towards financial sustainability and assuming responsibility for the mission funds management (NGO budget).

Ensure that allocated resources are managed effectively and transparently.

Together with the Logistics and Supply Coordinator, ensure that required and efficient supply services and processes are in place.

Safety and security:

Hold final accountability for security, including development and validation of the country security plan and ensuring adherence to procedures, monitoring of the context development, analysis, and provision of recommendations.

Regularly interact with the Regional Office and the Security Advisor on security issues.

Hold final responsibility for any decision concerning security in the country.

Accountability and quality control:

In collaboration with the SMT is responsible for producing and submitting the mission monthly activity reports.

Continuously assess, analyze, and evaluate the impact of the country program and operations, also through periodic visits to the areas of intervention, in collaboration with the Program Coordinator and MEAL.

Ensure all the policies within INTERSOS Safeguarding Framework are respected by the staff

Together with the MEAL Department, supervise the effectiveness of a complaint feedback mechanism

Oversee program quality and impact in line with established strategic objectives and related indicators.

Oversee program reporting, ensuring compliance with INTERSOS policies and procedures, donor regulations, and national requirements.

Required profile and experience

Education

• University degree Project management, International Affairs, Development, International Political Economy or other relevant field

Professional Experience

• Eight years experience in management positions in humanitarian contexts

Professional Requirements

• Experience with NGOs in developing countries
• Experience with major grants and international donors
• Experience of working within an insecure environment with responsibility for security planning, monitoring and management
• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)

Languages

English is compulsory

Personal Requirements

• Strategic vision
• Good organizational and planning skills
• Leadership, team management and cooperation
• Behavioral flexibility
• Networking, negotiation skills and decision-making skills
• Diplomatic, interpersonal and good communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Strong analytical and practical problem-solving skills
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles