Created in 1991, Secours Islamique France (SIF) is an international non-governmental relief and development organization (NGO). SIF acts in strict neutrality, without distinction of origin, gender or religion, and is dedicated to alleviating the suffering of the world’s most deprived populations.
SIF is registered and working in Syria since 2008. From 2012 on, and over the past 12 years, SIF Syria has been implementing varied types of projects aimed at supporting displaced persons. In 2024, SIF is present and active in 9 different governorates of the country. The initial set up of the mission has evolved, following the increase of activities and funds. The mission’s organization chart currently includes 5 expatriate and 95 Syrian staffs.
Secours islamique France is looking for a Head of Mission M/F for its mission based in Damascus, Syria.
Based in Damascus with the rest of the coordination team, the Head of Mission provides the overall leadership and strategic direction of SIF’s operations in Syria.
The Head of Misson, will be in charge of ensuring general management of the mission that includes: general leadership, internal and external representation, programs coordination, supervision of logistics, administration and finance. HoM is also the top of the security tree at mission level and has such is in charge of all staff’s safety and security in close coordination with Desk Manager and Security Referent based in headquarters.
Your main responsibilities will be the following (evolving and non exhaustive list) :
- The overall program development and program implementation,
- The staff management,
- Guaranteeing the respect of SIF procedures, policies and best practices,
- Representing the SIF toward local authorities, and the different stakeholders (Donors, local NGOs…).
- Identifying and securing institutional donors’ funding
- To maintain and develop SIF’s presence in Syria,
- To coordinate and manage the overall planning and direction of SIF’s operations in Syria,
- To develop and maintain a coherent strategy that contributes to SIF’s global objectives,
- To ensure good communication, collaboration and team spirit within the teams managed,
- To inform HQ on a regular basis on progress made, difficulties and lessons learnt of the mission (monthly basis),
- To monitor the emergency humanitarian situation in the country and advise HQ on the appropriate course of action,
- To assess and respond as necessary to changes in the external environment ensuring these changes are reflected in the country strategy and project plans.
- To represent SIF, coordinate and advocate on key issues with local and national authorities, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, UN agencies, donors and INGOs,
- To develop funding strategies and donor mapping analysis.
Expériences / Formation
KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / EXPERIENCE
Essential :
- Minimum 5 years of Previous experience in humanitarian work, including previous experiences as Country Director, or Deputy Country Director, or Chief of Party with INGOs in similar context.
- Substantial experience of strategic thinking, including identifying, analyzing, problem solving and responding to opportunities and challenges and the ability to translate these into practical plans of action.
- Extensive experience of securing substantial external funding. Evidence of understanding the challenges of donor and contract management and the implications for program management.
- Extensive knowledge and experience of project planning and budget holding; proposal and report writing.
- Knowledge and understanding of project management tools (Logical Framework analysis, project cycle management, objectives and indicators etc.)
- Strong leadership skills and a supportive management style (experience managing national and expatriate staff)
- Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English
- Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office, especially Word and Excel.
KNOW-HOW / SOFT SKILLS
- Ability to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with partners including local authorities.
- Experience of working within an insecure environment with responsibility for security planning, monitoring and management
- An understanding of and commitment to SIF’s mission and values
Desirable :
- Familiarity with the Middle East working context,
- Arabic and French speaking is a plus,
- Knowledge of Emergency response programs.
Salaire
- 6 months, full time, renewable
- Contract start date: As soon as possible
- Remuneration according to profile
- Per diem, guesthouse
- Health insurance – 60% covered by SIF
- Repatriation/liability insurance – 100% covered by SIF
- Break allowance during the 3 and 9 month breaks
- Airfare to and from the mission location to home – paid by SIF at 6 and 12 months
SIF’s commitment :
At SIF, we consider diversity to be an asset. We therefore consider all applications corresponding to the skills required for the position to be filled.
SIF reserves the right to carry out criminal record checks in accordance with current legislation.
SIF respects the humanitarian principle of « Do no harm » and ensures that the safety of children is a primary consideration in all its activities.
SIF has a zero-tolerance policy towards any type of fraud, corruption, moral harassment, abuse or violence of any kind whatsoever, and more generally any breach of legislation, regulations or its code of conduct.
It mobilizes all its staff in the promotion, dissemination and respect of the principles laid down in its charter.
Do you recognize yourself in this profile and support our commitments?
Join our chain of solidarity by applying for this job vacancy.