Head of Mission - Yemen

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-35-10204

Duty station: Aden / Sanaa with visits to the projects' sites

Starting date: 01/09/2026

Contract duration: 6 months (renewable)

Reporting to: Regional Director MENA

Functional Supervisor:

Supervision of: Senior Management Team

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

While the armed conflict entered its 12th year, Yemen remains one of the largest humanitarian crisis. The country’s deteriorating economy, the protracted conflict and crumbling basic services are exacerbating humanitarian needs across the country. Meanwhile, climate shocks, increased regional tensions and chronic underfunding of critical humanitarian sectors are further worsening people’s vulnerability and suffering.

Four years since the UN- brokered truce, international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) operating in Yemen warn that humanitarian conditions are more fragile than at any point since the peak years of the response. Over 22.2 million people 1 continue to face dire humanitarian conditions, struggling to meet basic needs and access essential services amid protracted crisis, economic deterioration, aid cuts, displacement and climate-related shocks. Furthermore, the escalating conflict in the Middle East and the wider region threatens to exacerbate the dire economic situation and could trigger a resumption of large-scale armed conflict within Yemen. These regional shifts risk disrupting vital humanitarian and commercial supply chains and inflating the cost of essential goods.

INTERSOS, in collaboration with local partners, has been providing essential health, nutrition, protection, water and sanitation, as well as livelihoods support for the vulnerable people across Yemen since 2008.

While INTERSOS operational presence has been impacted by the signficant funding downsize in the last few years, the integrated programming serving the most vulnerable communities (IDPs, migrants, people at hightened protection risks) continues providing essential lifesaving aid.

General purpose of the position

The Head of Mission represents INTERSOS in the country and acts on behalf of the Director General, leading the organization’s response, including strategy design, planning resources, management and implementation of programs.

Main responsibilities and tasks:

Strategy and vision

• Is responsible for monitoring and analysing the political and humanitarian situation across the country and surrounding countries through established contacts and carrying out exploratory missions to identify potential fields of intervention. Design, propose, elaborate and develop new strategy of interventions in line with INTERSOS values and principles.
• Explore and present funding opportunities that integrate initiatives and leverage impact for the communities; support and direct fund-raising activities with institutional and private donors.
• Monitor donor’s priorities and intervention strategies in the country. Guarantee the strict observance and adherence to INTERSOS and donors’ procedures.
• Overview the development and implementation of projects and programs and through periodic visits to the areas of intervention, evaluate their evolution and quality as per internal and external standards and requirements, final results and achievements to ensure that organization’s technical and ethical standards are respected and objectives are achieved.
• Greenlight project proposals and response to emergencies to be submitted to HQ for approval. Evaluate potential emergency responses in the country and lead on developing additional programs in line with review and assessment results.
• Lead the detailed country strategy planning process and prioritising of actions and resources to achieve program objectives.

Representation and advocacy

• Represent the organisation and manage relations with the authorities ensuring smooth and timely implementation of planned interventions and safeguarding impartiality and independence.
• Follow up, guarantee and monitor government recognition procedures for the organisation in compliance with the host country formalities.
• Maintain a productive communication with donors and ensure that the assessed needs are communicated to impact on donors’ priorities.
• Represent INTERSOS in relevant fora.

People management

• Ensure that the senior management team is effective, mutually supporting and sufficiently involved in key decision-making processes.
• In coordination with the HR Coordinator, guide and supervise the staff performance process for international and national staff.
• Ensure the respect organisational values, Code of Ethics, Organization Management and Control Model, and INTERSOS procedures.
• Maintain high ethical standards and promote teamwork and ensure a productive working environment.
• Empower staff to meet organizational goals and work as a highly functioning and cooperative team.

Finance, logistics and supply

• Together with the Finance Coordinator, define and oversee the overall financial management of the mission, striving towards financial sustainability and assume responsibility for the mission funds management (NGO budget).
• Ensure that allocated resources are managed effectively and transparently.
• Together with the Logistics and Supply Coordinator, ensure that required and efficient supply services and processes are in place.

Safety and security

• Hold final accountability for security, including development and validation of country security plan and ensuring adherence to procedures, monitoring of the context development, analysis and provision of recommendations.
• Regularly interact with the Regional Office and the Security Advisor on security issues.
• Hold final responsibility for any decision concerning security in the country.

Accountability and quality control

• In collaboration with the SMT is responsible to produce and submit the mission monthly activity reports.
• Continuously assess, analyse and evaluate the impact of the country program and operations, also through periodic visits to the areas of intervention, in collaboration with the Program Coordinator and MEAL.
• Ensure all the policies within INTERSOS Safeguarding Framework are respected by the staff
• Together with MEAL Department, supervise the effectiveness of a complaint feedback mechanism
• Oversee program quality and impact in line with established strategic objectives and related indicators.
• Oversee program reporting, ensuring compliance with INTERSOS policies and procedures, donor regulations and national requirements.

Required profile and experience:

• University degree Project management, International Affairs, Development, International Political Economy or other relevant field
• At minimum eight years experience in management positions in humanitarian contexts
• Previous experience working in Yemen and/or other countries in the Middle East is considered a strong asset
• Experience with NGOs in humanitarian response contexts
• Experience with major grants and international donors (e.g., ECHO, etc)
• Experience of working within an insecure environment with responsibility for security planning, monitoring and management
• Experience in managing humanitarian access in complex contexts
• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
• Full fluency in English language
• Arabic language is considered an asset
• Strategic vision
• Good organizational and planning skills
• Leadership, team management and cooperation
• Behavioral flexibility
• Networking, negotiation skills and decision-making skills
• Diplomatic, interpersonal and good communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Strong analytical and practical problem-solving skills
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles.

• Accommodation: Shared Guesthouse
• R&R: 7 days of psycho-physical recovery every 8 weeks + 1000€ allowance.
• Annual Leave: 2.5 days per month
• Medical insurance for the staff
• Transportation and visa: Round-trip flights. For missions lasting at least 9 months, an additional flight ticket to the Country of residence and return to the mission will also be provided.
• Induction: one week of online induction before the deployment

• Full fluency in English language
• Arabic language is considered an asset