Country Programme Coordinator and Representative – Mali Full Time

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: Country Programme Coordinator and Representative

Code: SR-43-9868

Duty station: Bamako, with frequent visits to other bases

Starting date: 23/06/2025

Contract duration: 12 months renewable

Reporting to: Regional Director

Functional Supervisor: Regional Programme Coordinator

Supervision of: Project/Programme Managers; Mission Management Team: Logistics and Supply Coordinator/HR Coordinator/Finance Coordinator (or Area Coordinator) and Technical Coordinators (Medical and/or Protection)

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

For more than a decade, Mali has been facing a complex and protracted humanitarian crisis.

Populations, particularly the most vulnerable, continue to face extremely precarious living conditions, marked by recurrent attacks on their dignity and limited access to their fundamental rights. This situation has repercussions on all sectors, generating increased needs and growing protection risks.

Internal displacements, persistent security tensions, inter-community dynamics and restrictions on access to basic services are further undermining communities’ resilience mechanisms.

In this context, the humanitarian response remains essential to support affected populations and reinforce national and community efforts to promote stability and social cohesion.

General purpose of the position

To lead the development, definition, and management of the mission’s programme in accordance with INTERSOS’ strategies, plans, and policies.

To lead the development of new concept notes and project proposals in collaboration with the Regional Programme Coordinator and Senior Management Team (SMT)/ Operational Coordinator.

To supervise, coordinate, and provide quality support to Project Managers and Programme Managers in order to develop and implement programmes within the mission framework.

The Country Programme Coordinator and Representative represents INTERSOS in the mission country and ensures the coordination of operational and strategic activities in collaboration with the SMT/Operational Coordinator.

Main responsibilities and tasks:

Strategy and Coordination

• Responsible for monitoring and analyzing the political and humanitarian situation throughout the country and neighboring countries through established contacts and exploratory missions to identify potential areas of intervention. Design, propose, elaborate, and develop a new intervention strategy in accordance with INTERSOS’ values and principles.
• Explore and present funding opportunities that integrate initiatives and leverage impact for communities; support and guide fundraising activities with institutional and private donors.
• Monitor the priorities and intervention strategies of donors in the country.
• Ensure strict respect for and adherence to INTERSOS and donor procedures.
• Develop and implement the mission’s strategy, programme, and project quality, in line with INTERSOS’ strategy, policies, and guidelines. Provide updated information, contributions, and recommendations for new and ongoing interventions in the country.
• In coordination with the Regional Programme Coordinator, lead the design and development of potential new funding opportunities and new concept notes/project proposals by drafting the narrative and contributing to budget preparation, ensuring collaboration with all support departments (HR, Logistics and Security)/Operational Coordinator.
• Regularly conduct context analyses (socio-economic situation of the country, trends, humanitarian needs, and gaps in coverage) to identify funding opportunities. Responsible for the correct analysis of data collected in the field and the identification of population needs, context analysis, translation of strategic macro-objectives into concrete actions, and analysis of the consequences of an INTERSOS intervention, risk and constraint assessment, and priority setting.
• Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with relevant donors, project stakeholders, local partners, and other organizations working in the region. Where possible, establish strategic partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders.

Representation and Advocacy

• Represent the organization and manage relations with authorities, ensure the smooth and timely implementation of planned interventions, and preserve impartiality and independence.
• Ensure and monitor the procedures for governmental recognition of the organization in compliance with the formalities of the host country.
• Maintain productive communication with donors and ensure that assessed needs are communicated to influence donor priorities.
• Represent INTERSOS in relevant forums.
• In collaboration with technical coordinators, proactively participate in and represent INTERSOS at meetings with donors and relevant stakeholders.

Implementation, Reporting, and Quality Control

• Supervise and keep updated the work plans and related financial plans of projects with the contribution of Programme Managers and relevant team members.
• Supervise the drafting of quality reports reflecting the progress and status of projects in a transparent, timely, and professional manner.
• In coordination with the Logistics and Supply Coordinator/HR Coordinator/Finance Coordinator (or Operational Coordinator), ensure the smooth running of programmes.
• Provide advice and support to Project and Programme Managers in project management and the project cycle, work planning, activities, budget management, and all operational and management aspects. Support the planning and monitoring of activity implementation, budget monitoring, and results achievement.
• Monitor the progress level of each project. Supervise, plan, monitor, evaluate, and ensure the quality of work and the achievement of high standards in design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Lead kick-off planning meetings and final review meetings for each project.
• Contribute to the timely processing of all donor feedback on proposals, in liaison with relevant staff and Headquarters.
• Collaborate with all departments in the development of new proposals.
• Continuously assess, analyze, and evaluate the impact of the country programme and operations, also through regular visits to intervention areas.
• Ensure that contractual obligations and reporting deadlines are known and respected by all departments.
• With the support of the Operational Coordinator/Finance Coordinator, supervise the management of budgets in accordance with donor and INTERSOS guidelines, supporting budget revisions and the mission’s financial planning (cost recovery).
• Monitor expenditures through monthly programme review meetings and financial expenditure reports prepared by the finance department.
• Support the MEAL department in the establishment and implementation of project MEAL plans and activities.
• Ensure supervision and adjustments on the monthly Project Appraisal Tool (PAT).
• Ensure the regular updating of project sections on the Intersos Management Platform (IMP).
• Ensure quality reporting to donors.
• Ensure timely submission to Headquarters and donors.

Human Resources Management

• Responsible for leading, supporting, and supervising Programme Managers and Project Managers, building their capacity, and ensuring regular evaluation through the internal review process tools. Provide coaching, identify training needs, and appraise staff under their hierarchical supervision.
• Ensure that all teams respect organizational values, the Code of Ethics, the Safeguarding Framework, the Organization’s Management and Control Model, and INTERSOS procedures.
• Maintain high ethical standards, promote teamwork, and ensure a productive working environment.
• In collaboration with the Operational Coordinator/HR Coordinator, support the recruitment and induction of new staff.
• Organize regular staff, programme, and decision-making meetings to ensure the smooth functioning of the mission and information sharing.

Safety and Security

• In collaboration with the Regional Director, assume responsibility for security, including the development and validation of the country security plan and ensuring compliance with procedures, monitoring context developments, analysis, and formulation of recommendations.
• Responsible for crisis management in coordination with the regional office and the Headquarters Security Advisor in the event of an incident.

Required profile and experience

Education

• Degree in International Affairs, Development, International Political Economy, or another relevant field.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of five years of experience in humanitarian contexts.

Professional Requirements

• Ability to manage a large team.
• Strong knowledge of proposal development and financial management.
• Experience working with major grants and international donors.
• Desirable experience in managing integrated projects.
• Essential computer literacy (Word, Excel, and Internet).

Languages

• Fluency in French
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Personal Requirements

• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Leadership, team management, and cooperation skills.
• Behavioral flexibility.
• Strategic vision.
• Negotiation and decision-making skills.
• Diplomatic, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Understanding of humanitarian operations principles, standards, and best practices.
• Commitment to INTERSOS’ principles.

Tagged as: Intersos, Mali