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-35-9775

Duty station: Aden and Sanaa

Starting date: 15/07/2025

Contract duration: 12 months

Reporting to: Regional Director 

Functional Supervisor: N/A

Supervision of: SMT members, Liaison Officers

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

While the armed conflict is approaching its eighth year, Yemen remains globally the largest humanitarian crisis, with two out of every three Yemenis (20.7 million individuals) requiring some humanitarian and protection assistance.

Where humanitarian needs are primarily driven by the conflict, the intensity of fighting has given no signs of abating but further increased in 2021, causing new displacement or sustaining/compounding displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure. Over 4 million people are currently internally displaced. Yemeni people are exposed to a maximum vulnerability of compounded layers: conflict, displacement, poverty, political-security-social-economic-financial crisis (e.g. +80% of Yemenis living below the poverty line, +40% of Yemeni HHS have lost their primary source of income, while food prices have doubled between 2015 and 2019 and continue to increase). Malnutrition and food insecurity, generalised violence, epidemics (cholera, dengue, diphtheria, measles, etc.), floods, global and inter-country isolation, and the COVID-19 pandemic further contribute to Yemen’s vulnerability. Protection needs are critical in this context: civilian casualties and injuries caused by the fighting, new and protracted displacement, economic decline, depletion of assets and resources, growing food insecurity and malnutrition, limited access to basic services (e.g. clean water, health care, education, etc.), natural disasters and adoption of negative coping mechanisms. Vulnerable groups face disproportionate and specific challenges to their physical and mental well-being. The vulnerability of women and children, especially girls, has dramatically increased. Vulnerable groups face disproportionate and specific challenges to their physical and mental well-being. Out of the 20.7 million people in need in Yemen, 17.9 million require some sort of health assistance, and 9.7 million out of those are in dire need of health assistance. The conflict has produced devastating consequences for the health care system. Only 50% of the health facilities (HFs) are fully functional countrywide, while 37% are partially functional and 13% remain non-functional. The lack of medicines for the treatment of non-communicable diseases, shortages in trauma supplies, widespread malnutrition, disrupted water and sanitation systems, displacement, inadequate maternal and child health care services, and lack of qualified and available health care staff have had a severe and life-threatening impact on the health status of the Yemeni population, putting an incredible strain on the humanitarian community to respond. The economic situation has been progressively worsening, as the Yemeni Rial continues to depreciate and most of the population is not able to meet their basic needs, including affording transportation to and from HFS and the cost of basic medical services. Health analysis from WHO indicates that the leading causes of avoidable death in Yemen are communicable disease, maternal, perinatal and nutritional conditions (together accounting for 50% of mortality) and non-communicable diseases (39% of mortality).

General purpose of the position

The Head of Mission represents INTERSOS in the country and acts on behalf of the Director General, leading the Organisation’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 organisation in compliance with the host country formalities.
• Maintain a productive communication with donors and ensure that the assessed needs are communicated to impact on 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 assume 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 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 to produce and submit the mission monthly activity reports.
• Continuously assess, analyse 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 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 in Project management, International Affairs, Development, International Political Economy or other relevant field.

Professional Experience

• Eight years of experience in management positions in humanitarian contexts.

Professional Requirements

• Experience with NGOs in developing countries.
• Knowledge of 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

• Advanced spoken and written English.

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.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below: 

Work with us – Field

Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password and citizenship), sign-up and apply by attaching your CV in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS. 

Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references: two line managers and one HR referent. Family members are to be excluded.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.