Head of Mission at Secours Islamique France (SIF)

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.
• Staff & HR Management: Lead and manage the team, oversee recruitment, apply HR policies, and conduct regular performance appraisals.
• 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

Profile
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 ;
• 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 ;
• 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.

KNOW-HOW / SOFT SKILLS :

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