Head of Mission at Secours Islamique France (SIF)

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 intends to help, to bring relief and to protect the lives of those threatened by natural disasters, armed conflicts or by economic collapse. SIF provides its help in respect of cultural diversity, without any distinction of origin, religion or gender.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Mission Nigeria

Location: Maiduguri, Borno

Mission

• SIF is looking to fill a Head of Mission position based in Maiduguri, Nigeria with frequent moves to Ngala.
• You will be under the supervision of the DESK Manager, as part of the SIF Mission Team and you will be supervising the Human Resources, Finance Officers, Program Coordinator and Logistic Supervisor.
• You will be in charge of providing the overall leadership and strategic direction of SIF operations in Nigeria.

Your work will consist of:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a coherent country program strategy aligned with SIF's global objectives, ensuring responsiveness to changes in the humanitarian and external environment.
• Program Development: Plan and adapt short- and medium-term strategies, analyze risks and resources, and oversee emergency activities, including scaling up responses as needed.
• Representation & Advocacy: Represent SIF with stakeholders, including authorities, donors, and partners; manage external communications and act as the media contact in coordination with HQ.
• Logistics Oversight: Ensure efficient procurement, supply chain management, and asset control in line with organizational procedures.
• Safety & Security: Monitor the security context, update security plans, and report on risks affecting operations.
• Finance & Administration: Manage budgeting, oversee expenditures, and maintain robust accounting systems for the country program.
• The employee may be requested to perform other tasks in accordance with its job category, in case of need related to the functioning of the Association or to changes in its policy and its organisation, and respecting the pattern of fixed-term contract.
• Staff & HR Management: Lead and manage the team, oversee recruitment, apply HR policies, and conduct regular performance appraisals.

Requirements
Knowledge / Skills:

• Minimum of 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 ;
• Knowledge and understanding of project management tools (Logical Framework Analysis, Project Cycle Management =, Objctives and Indicators etc.) ;
• Strong leadership skills and a supportive management style of all staff ( experience managing national and expatriate staff) ;
• Strong communication skills, with excellent written and spoken English ( and desirably french) ;
• Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office, especially Word and Excel.
• Substantial experience in 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 ;
• Extenive knowledge and experience of project planning and budget holding ; proposal and report writing ;

Know-How / Soft Skills:

• Ability to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with partners including local authorities ;
• An understanding of and commitment to SIF's mission and values;
• Familarity with Nigerian Context ;
• Knowledge of Emergency Response Programs.
• Experience of working within an insecure environment with responsibility for security planning, montoring and management;

Conditions

• Starting date: As soon as possible ;
• French fixed term contract: 6 months (renewable after 6 months) ;
• Rapatriation 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
• Remuneration according to our salary grid ;
• Monthly perdiem/guesthouse ;
• Health insurance (SIF contributes to 60% of the insurance) ;

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply