Director of INGO Forum

Job Posting Organization:
The INGO Forum was established in 2009 as a key representation platform for International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) operating in Sudan. It is hosted by Mercy Corps and currently comprises 78 members and observer members. The Forum plays a crucial role in coordinating INGO efforts, advocating for humanitarian access, and ensuring effective communication among various stakeholders in the humanitarian sector. The organization aims to enhance operational alignment across organizations to maximize humanitarian impact and improve response conditions in one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally.

Job Overview:
The Director of the INGO Forum is responsible for providing strategic leadership and oversight to the Forum's operations, ensuring that it remains responsive and impactful in a complex humanitarian context. This role involves coordinating advocacy, access, and area coordination workstreams, representing the Forum to key external stakeholders, and ensuring that the realities on the ground in Sudan are reflected in regional and global discussions. The Director will lead the development of annual work plans and strategies in consultation with the Steering Committee and member organizations, ensuring that the Forum's engagement is grounded in field realities and serves the collective priorities of its members.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will lead the strategic direction of the Forum, ensuring alignment with evolving humanitarian and political contexts. Responsibilities include overseeing all Forum workstreams, facilitating coordination across diverse contexts, managing stakeholder engagement, and fostering strong relationships with member organizations. The Director will supervise the Forum team, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across all functions. Additionally, the Director will represent the Forum in high-level coordination and diplomatic spaces, engage with donors and authorities, and lead fundraising efforts for the Forum. The role also involves safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring that safeguarding principles are integrated into the Forum's work, and promoting a culture of respect and dignity among team members and participants.

Required Qualifications:
Essential qualifications include a graduate degree in a relevant field or equivalent professional experience, along with a minimum of 10 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, including at least 5 years in senior leadership or coordination roles. Candidates should possess a strong understanding of humanitarian coordination, access negotiations, and inter-agency mechanisms, as well as proven experience leading teams in complex humanitarian environments. Exceptional representation and diplomacy skills are required, along with the ability to operate independently and with significant strategic autonomy. Fluency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a graduate degree in a relevant field or possess equivalent professional experience. This educational background should ideally be complemented by extensive knowledge of humanitarian principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the political and humanitarian dynamics in conflict-affected regions.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with at least 5 years in senior leadership or coordination roles. Candidates should have a proven track record of leading teams in complex humanitarian environments and engaging with various stakeholders, including UN agencies, donors, and host governments. Experience working in Sudan or similar conflict-affected contexts is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both written and spoken. While not required, working knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time, regular position based in Port Sudan, with significant travel expected to various locations in Sudan, including Darfur, and to Nairobi. The role may involve working in insecure locations with limited amenities and living conditions. Housing for the position will be provided in guesthouses, which may vary in quality depending on the field location. The organization promotes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to safeguarding principles and ethical standards.