Head of Mission

Job Posting Organization:
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that has been dedicated to advancing children's rights and gender equality for girls for over 85 years. Established with a mission to empower every child, particularly those affected by poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination, Plan International operates in more than 80 countries worldwide. The organization works collaboratively with children, young people, supporters, and partners to tackle the root causes of the challenges faced by vulnerable children, ensuring their rights are upheld from birth through adulthood. Plan International is committed to driving changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels, leveraging its extensive reach, experience, and knowledge to create a just world for all children.

Job Overview:
The Head of Mission for Plan International Chad will play a pivotal role in leading the organization's humanitarian, development, and advocacy efforts in Chad. This position is crucial as Plan International Chad is one of the newest and fastest-growing country programs in West and Central Africa, having been registered in 2021 and operational since 202

• The Head of Mission will be responsible for providing overall leadership and strategic direction to ensure the delivery of high-quality, impactful, and accountable programs that advance children's rights and gender equality, particularly for girls and vulnerable communities. This role requires a strong focus on setting strategic goals, developing a high-performing team, strengthening partnerships, and securing sustainable funding to support ambitious program growth. The successful candidate will represent Plan International externally, engaging with government authorities, donors, UN agencies, NGOs, and community organizations, while ensuring that programs remain relevant and responsive to the evolving humanitarian and development landscape in Chad.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Mission will oversee all aspects of country operations, which include ensuring program quality, financial stewardship, risk management, safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, safeguarding, and organizational effectiveness. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the strategic direction of Plan International's programs in Chad, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and local needs.
• Developing and managing a high-performing team, fostering an inclusive culture that prioritizes staff wellbeing and accountability.
• Strengthening partnerships with local and international stakeholders to enhance program delivery and impact.
• Securing sustainable funding through effective donor engagement and business development strategies.
• Overseeing financial management and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements.
• Implementing robust risk management strategies to ensure the safety and security of staff and program beneficiaries.
• Promoting continuous learning and adaptation within the organization to respond effectively to emerging challenges and opportunities.
• Ensuring effective emergency preparedness and response mechanisms are in place to address crises as they arise.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Head of Mission position should possess a proven track record of senior leadership in managing humanitarian and development programs, particularly in fragile or conflict-affected contexts. Essential qualifications include:

• Significant experience in program management, with a focus on humanitarian response and development initiatives.
• Strong skills in donor engagement, business development, and partnership management.
• Expertise in security and risk management, particularly in complex operating environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering a culture of inclusivity and accountability.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate challenges effectively.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this role. Candidates should ideally hold a master's degree in international development, humanitarian studies, social sciences, or a related field. Additional certifications in project management or leadership would be advantageous.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience, typically at least 10 years, in senior leadership roles within humanitarian and development sectors. Experience working in West and Central Africa or the Sahel region is highly desirable, along with a strong understanding of the local context and challenges.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with diverse stakeholders is crucial. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region would be considered an asset.

Additional Notes:
This position is a two-year fixed-term contract, with relocation support available as required. The role is part of a global search for candidates, emphasizing the importance of finding the right leader to drive meaningful change in Chad. Plan International is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that its workforce reflects the communities it serves. The organization also prioritizes safeguarding children and young people, implementing rigorous pre-employment checks in line with its policies.