Kenya: Head of Mission Kenya M/F

Secours Islamique France (SIF) is a Non-Governmental Organization of international solidarity based in France. Founded in 1991, SIF is a non-profit and non-political organization that intents to help, to bring relief and to protect the lives of those threatened by natural disasters, armed conflicts or by economic collapse.

SIF intervenes in more than 30 countries around the world through operations of emergency relief, rehabilitation and development.

SIF provides its help in respect of the cultural diversity, without any distinction of origin, religion or gender.

In response to the current crisis in Kenya, SIF is expanding its humanitarian response. In view of this operation, SIF is recruiting a head of Mission (M/F).

He/ She will provide the overall leadership and strategic direction for SIF’s operations in Kenya and for the overall program development and implementation.

He/she will be responsible for the management of the staff, for representing the organization and managing the security of the mission.

The position in based in Nairobi.

Missions and activities:

Leadership of the country Program

Establish, maintain and develop SIF’s presence in KenyaEstablish, coordinate and manage the overall planning and direction of SIF's operationsDevelop and maintain a coherent strategy that contributes to SIF's global objectivesAssess and respond as necessary to changes in the external environment ensuring these changes are reflected in the country strategy and project plans

Program management

Develop and maintain a coherent medium to long term strategy in the Horn of Africa that contributes to SIF's global objectivesMonitor the humanitarian situation in Kenya and work with Program Coordinator on the appropriate course of actionEnsure context changes are included and reflected in the country strategy and project plansParticipate in senior level coordination forum for Kenya

Staff Management / Human Resources

Provide leadership and management to the Kenya coordination teamDevelop a staffing structure and ensure the roles are filled when funding is secured, for programme implementation to startEnsure required resources are mobilized and appropriate to the programme goals/size and review staff levels as the situation evolves. Ensure that personnel are funded within the frame of programme budgetsEnsure line manage senior staff, including regular performance management and appraisalsSupport national and international staff, ensuring that the individuals work effectively together as a team to achieve the programme objectivesEnsure the transfer of knowledge and skills development

Representation

Represent SIF, coordinate and advocate on key issues with local and national authorities, UN agencies, donors, INGOs and NNGOs.Develop collaborative and open working relationships with partners and beneficiariesMeet key representative of Ministries of Kenya government, to understand the system and prioritiesIdentify the sponsors and contribute to reinforce professional relationsUndertake discussions with donors in country and develop funding strategies and donor mapping analysesDraw up a financial plan according to the operational objectivesWrite or supervise the financing proposalsCheck and transmit regularly the various reports to the sponsorManage external communications in collaboration with the communications department in HQ. Act as the contact person with press and mediaLiaise and maintain regular communications with various HQ department using the established procedures

Security management

Responsible for the safety and security of all SIF staff and visitors to KenyaEnsure that a safety and security framework for SIF operations in Kenya is developed, communicated, adhered to and regularly reviewedMonitor the security context (including participating in local/national INGO/UN security meetings) and act on any deterioration in this that could affect operations and provide guidance to teams/sites as requiredFacilitate the evacuation of field based teams if necessaryEnsure timely and accurate security / incident reports are sent to HQMaintain regular contact with security key actors

Profile:

Minimum 5 years of previous experience in humanitarian work, including previous experiences as Country Director, or Assistant regional director, or Chief of Party with INGOs in similar contextConsiderable overseas experience in establishing country programs within an international NGO preferably in the emergency sector with a focus on food security, livelihood, WASH, Shelter other cross cutting issuesSubstantial 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 actionAbility of raising the profile of an organization, strategically networking with government agencies, donors and other international agencies, and using the media as appropriateSignificant people management, ability to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with partners including local authorities.Extensive knowledge and experience of project planning and budget holding; proposal and report writingStrong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English (and desirably French and/or Arabic)Familiarity with Horn of Africa context (especially Kenya)

Terms and conditions:

· Wages to be defined according to profile + per diem

· 1 year contract

Guesthouse2 days of paid vacation per monthReturn ticket provided, at the beginning and at the end of the mission (only for the country of origin)Vacation period of one week, each three months (salary maintained)