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-43-9723
Duty station: Bamako
Starting date: 16/06/2025
Contract duration: 12 months
Reporting to: Regional Director West Africa
Functional Supervisor: Deputy Regional Director West Africa
Supervision of: 3 national staff
Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station
General context of the project
Mali has been facing a major humanitarian crisis for the past ten years.
The population, particularly the most vulnerable, is exposed on a daily basis to violations of their fundamental rights and repeated breaches of their dignity. This crisis affects all sectors and consequently generates additional protection risks.
Population displacements, ongoing armed conflicts, inter-community violence, restrictions on population movements, and various human rights violations, combined with various epidemics, continue to exacerbate vulnerabilities and reduce people’s resilience.
INTERSOS began its operations in the country in 2021 with a project in partnership with ENGIM – which places particular emphasis on Food Security and WASH activities in the Mopti area – and has aimed to expand its operations.
General purpose of the position
The general objective of the position is to represent INTERSOS in Mali, ensuring the implementation of the mission and the development and planning of the INTERSOS program in close coordination with the headquarters.
Main responsibilities and tasks:
Organize a preliminary field mission to:
- Finalize the feasibility study for the opening of the mission;
- Conduct a preliminary assessment of national organizations that could participate in a project aimed at facilitating the localization of humanitarian activities and capacity building of national organizations;
- Collect data in order to design a new project proposal to be discussed and submitted to donors.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with Local Authorities and Institutions, Donors, International Agencies, NGOs, partners, and other stakeholders.
- Monitor, guarantee, and control the organization’s government recognition procedures in compliance with the formalities of the host country.
- Define, in coordination with the HQ, priorities based on the context and needs analyses; monitor donor intervention strategies in the country; design, promote, and develop new interventions.
- Define strategic priorities for the development and implementation of the mission’s structure.
- Promote and seek networks and partnerships with other NGOs working in the Malian crisis.
- Support the definition of the mission’s financial plan, ensure autonomy and consistency of expenditure, and assume responsibility for the management of mission funds, including bank accounts.
- Recruit, coordinate, guide, and supervise the mission’s national staff, as well as evaluate their performance.
Required profile and experience
Education
- University degree in economics, administrative and financial management, or political science. University diploma in humanitarian affairs. Alternatively, solid field experience.
Professional Experience
- At least 5 years’ experience as HOM or in some other coordination position in emergency humanitarian contexts.
Professional Requirements
- Experience in implementing activities funded by UN donors, AICS, ECHO, BHA.
- Good project proposal and report writing skills;
- Organizational, management, and planning skills;
- Ability to work to tight deadlines, with little supervision and under pressure;
- Strong written and oral communication and relationship-building skills with experience in managing teams;
- Ability to take initiative and work independently.
Languages
- Fluent French (spoken, read, written) essential.
- Good knowledge of English
Personal Requirements
- Strong organizational, management, and planning skills.
- Ability to work to tight deadlines, with little supervision and under pressure
- Strong written and oral communication and relationship-building skills, with experience in team management.
- Ability to take initiative and work independently
- Respect for INTERSOS policies (Charter of Values, PSEA, and CP Charters) and humanitarian principles.
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.
