Head of Mission at Cooperazione Internazionale

Description of the role

• The Head of Mission (HoM) provides leadership and strategic direction of COOPI's operations in Sudan in collaboration with the Regional Coordinator, and is responsible for the implementation and development of the country program in line with COOPI's organizational and country strategy, policies and procedures. The HoM is also responsible for the management and capacity building of the staff, securing donor funding and to represent the organization to the government, donors, and other appropriate bodies – including clusters, UN agencies and the media.

Main responsibilities

Organization and management

• Strategy and planning : verify and propose to the Regional Coordinator the intervention priorities to consolidate the organization's opportunity to be more involved in the country. Contribute to the definition of the Country Strategy
• Program extension: coordinate the processing, writing and documents' preparation for presenting new projects
• Visibility: cooperate with the Communication and Fund-Raising office for all communication, awareness and fundraising activities implemented in and for the country
• Procedures: coordinate and monitor the projects, guaranteeing the correct implementation in conformity with the contractual obligations and donors' procedures, and in line with COOPI's procedures and management standards

Administration and finance

• Economic and financial management: is responsible for the country's economic result. Supervise the financial management in collaboration with the Country Administrator and ensure – through the administrative function – that all financial reporting deadlines and donor/COOPI's procedures are respected. Participate in the projects/coordination budget preparation. Has the signature for all COOPI's bank accounts in the country

Logistics

• Country office management: is responsible for all different aspects related to the country office management, such as economic and financial situation, local regulations, office organization charts, logistics, local and expatriate personnel management, in conformity with the organization's guidelines. Guarantee the respect of the country's legislation and administrative regulation

Safety and Security

• Staff security: is responsible for the expatriate staff security, for the correct implementation and respect of the general security rules

Human resources

• Staff management: is responsible for the local staff management. Participate and support the Regional Coordinator and the Human Resources office in the selection of the expatriate staff. Coordinate and monitor the country's expatriate management staff

Reporting

• Is responsible for supervising the preparation of project reports and all the monitoring documents requested
• Ensure the transmission of all official and administrative project documents to the central headquarters

Institutional relations

• Manage relations with the main institutional donors for the ongoing projects. Represent COOPI in the country/area by engaging in relationships with institutions, NGOs, local and international organizations and partners to guarantee the quality implementation of the projects. Is responsible for the organization's reputation in country

Requirements

Essentials

• University degree in relevant subjects
• A minimum of five years of relevant working experience is required
• At least three years of demonstrated successful experience in international relief and development in a similar position is required
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication, negotiation skills, multi-tasking and organizational skills
• Experience in liaising with governmental/local authorities, IOs and NGOs
• Demonstrated ability to work in stressful environments and under pressure
• Proven capacity in managing a team is essential
• Fluency in English language
• Computer literate

Plus

• Experience in logistics, procurement and security matters is a strong advantage
• Previous work experience in East Africa is a plus
• Experience in working in conflict-prone environments a plus