Head of Mission (National Candidates Only)

About the role

COOPI, a humanitarian organisation founded in 1965 and active in Somalia since 1984, is recruiting a Head of Mission to be based in Mogadishu. The post is open to national candidates only and runs for 6 months, with possible renewal, starting on 1st December 2026. The role covers the management and coordination of the organisation's offices in Somalia and Kenya, and the holder reports to the Area Manager for East Africa. The salary starts from 3,200 USD per month and is set according to the organisation's salary grid, experience and educational background.

What you will do

• Represent the organisation before institutional and potential donors, institutions, NGOs, local and international organisations and partners.
• Propose intervention priorities to the Regional Office and contribute to the country strategy and country planning.
• Coordinate and monitor projects so that implementation meets contractual obligations, donor procedures and the organisation's own standards.
• Coordinate the drafting of proposals and the preparation of documents for new project submissions, and ensure the quality of reports and monitoring documentation for headquarters.
• Manage the country office in its economic and financial aspects, legal requirements, staffing structure and logistics, and hold power of attorney for legal signature on documents and accounts.
• Manage local staff in line with national law and take part in selecting expatriate staff.
• Ensure staff security and the implementation of the general security rules.
• Supervise financial management so that reporting deadlines and donor and organisational procedures are met, and contribute to budget preparation.
• Work with the communication and fundraising office on communication, awareness and fundraising activities for the country.

What you need

• A university degree in relevant subjects.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in international relief and development, including at least 3 years in this role.
• Excellent oral and written communication and negotiation skills, with multi-tasking and organisational ability.
• Experience of liaising with governmental and local authorities, international organisations and NGOs.
• A demonstrated ability to work in stressful environments and under pressure.
• A proven capacity to manage a team.
• Fluency in English.
• Computer literacy.
• Experience in conflict-prone environments, logistics, procurement and security matters, work in Somalia and Kenya, and managing complex consortiums or partnerships is desirable.

Experience

The notice asks for a minimum of 5 years of relevant work in international relief and development, of which at least 3 years must have been spent in the role itself. It also lists as desirable prior work experience in Somalia and Kenya, experience in conflict-prone settings and in logistics, procurement and security matters, and experience of managing complex consortiums or partnerships.

How to apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications and experience are invited to submit an application through the employer's website by 16th November 2026. Interviews are held on a rolling basis, and the vacancy may be closed before the stated date once enough applications have been received. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.