Deputy Director – Cameroon

Organisation Background

Founded in 2011, the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) is an international non-governmental organisation that supports humanitarian aid workers by establishing safety coordination platforms in insecure contexts. INSO provides registered NGOs with a range of free services, including real-time incident tracking, analytical reports, safety-related data and mapping, crisis management support, staff orientations and training.

INSO provides daily support to more than 1,000 NGOs operating in 16 of the world’s most insecure countries.

INSO is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands- the international city of peace and justice.

INSO CMR

INSO Cameroon began as part of the Lake Chad Basin program in 2017 and launched as a stand-alone platform at the end of 2021. Today, the program has regional offices in Maroua and Buea and the country office in Yaoundé. Conflict between armed groups, intercommunal violence, climate-related disasters and weak socioeconomic infrastructure have led to significant humanitarian needs in North-west and South west regions, and the Far North. As part of INSO in Cameroon, you will support 100 local and international NGOs in these areas to more safely deliver life-saving aid.

Job Summary:

We are now seeking a qualified and experienced analyst and manager to serve as our Deputy Director. This position is based in Yaoundé with travel to the field and reports to the Country Director.

You will oversee all aspects of service delivery and play a key role in ensuring that INSO provides the best support possible to NGOs responding to the crisis in CMR. Specific responsibilities include the recruitment, training, and management of a team of senior analysts (Safety Advisors), editorial review of key INSO products, monitoring, and continual improvement of compliance with service delivery standards and support to the Country Director in the broader development of the program.

You will have a strong background in NGO safety and security, be outgoing, inquisitive and detail oriented, and have significant experience building and leading high performing teams. You should have the ability to analyse complex security issues and contexts.

Major Responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Management

• Direct management of the program team; including recruitment, training, orientation, and on-the-job mentoring
• Steering the program during the Country Director’s absence

Service Delivery

• Editorial responsibility for bi-monthly analytical report
• Support the Country Director in the preparation of quarterly reports and monthly CD meetings.
• Supervise and provide quality assurance of INSO service delivery, including: 24/7 flash reporting, safety and access roundtable meetings, analytical reports, crisis management support, etc.
• Along with the Information Manager, ensure the Conflict Humanitarian Data Centre (CHDC) is up to date and that all standards and internal protocols are respected.
• Prove representation and liaison towards third parties, including NGOs, the UN and international donors.

Program Development

• Support program development and implementation
• Develop and implement internal security management policy, SOPs and guidelines.

Mandatory Requirements

• Fluency in French and English
• Graduate level education or equivalent work experience
• Significant experience in insecure/conflict-affected environments with progressive seniority
• Proven writing, editing, and analytical skills and a keen eye for detail – the position entails substantial report editing and reviewing.
• Acceptance and strong understanding of humanitarian principles
• Thorough understanding of humanitarian access issues
• Demonstrable understanding of humanitarian safety practices and their application
• Mature leadership and staff management experience in multi-cultural settings
• Excellent networking, diplomatic, and representative communication skills

Preferred Characteristics

• Experience working in Cameroon with demonstrable understanding of the context.
• Experience in staff capacity development and training
• Experience with NGO project management, including donor reporting and relations.
• First-hand experience of crisis management
• Existing information networks and/or local language skills
• Detailed understanding of INSO mandate & services

Key Personal Competencies

• Good listener
• Effective communicator
• Excellent analyst
• Team player
• Excellent interpersonal skills

INSO’s Safeguarding Policy

INSO is fully committed to safe recruitment, selection and vetting of all potential new staff, trustees and volunteers and we will ensure rigorous compliance with our Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policy throughout the recruitment process.

Terms & Conditions:

12-month renewable contract, € 5 000 per month salary, 4 calendar days annual leave per month and 3 calendar days of R&R every 3 months with a € 1 250 R&R allowance each cycle, accommodation in INSO’s Guest House or housing allowance, global medical coverage (excluding USA) and AD&D insurance.