Vacant position

Function: Head of Mission (HoM)
Place of deployment: Sudan / Kenya
Contract Type: Fixed term (with possibility of extension)
Duration: 4 months, starting December 2025 (renewable based on project needs)
Payment: This is a paid position (based on TSP rates or, where possible, under a German social security contract). Per diems, travel costs, and accommodation are covered.

Background

Since April 2023, Sudan has been facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. A violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to a nationwide collapse of infrastructure and massive displacement. Over 10 million people have fled their homes, the health system has largely broken down, and outbreaks of cholera, dengue, measles, and malaria are spreading rapidly. Access to safe water, food, and medical care is critically limited.

Context Key facts

• 10+ million displaced – world’s largest displacement crisis
• >70% of health facilities non-functional
• ~100,000 suspected cholera cases since July 2024
• 18 million people acutely food insecure
• Severe access constraints due to violence and insecurity

General Function HoM

The Head of Mission (HoM) for Sudan is the focal point for all matters related to the Mission and is coordinating and leading all related activities. In addition, the HoM is the overall supervisor and provides guidance to all staff working in or for the Mission, leading and providing comprehensive support.

The HoM is responsible for ensuring program policies and their coherence and efficiency, as well as for implementation. The HoM discusses project strategy, documents with the team, the Operations Programme Manager, as well the Country Manager, the Safety & Security Focal Point and the CEOs; monitors, and reports on the activity achievements and provides support to the staff.

The HoM represents CADUS in relation to authorities and organizations relevant to the corresponding projects and contributes to the identification of humanitarian and emergency response needs in the field.

Context Specific: The Head of Mission (HoM) for Sudan will provide leadership, operational oversight, and represent CADUS in Sudan. The role will ensure the successful planning, implementation, and monitoring of CADUS humanitarian programs, particularly WASH and Health initiatives, while maintaining staff safety, compliance with standards and guidelines, and donor accountability. The HoM will manage operations both from within Sudan (when security allows) and/ or from other countries as Kenya and if required, overseeing logistic processes, partnerships, and training programs for Sudanese staff.

Head of Mission Guiding Principles

• Accepts that all activities carried out during provision of services are based on the Humanitarian Imperative and the CADUS Code of Conduct that must be complied with CADUS e.V. policies, guidelines, procedures, rules, and regulations are binding for all staff, summarized in the CADUS HR guideline
• Accepts and complies with the CADUS e.V. Code of Conduct
• Accepts that all activities undertaken within the project(s) are to be always carried out in compliance with the applicable law
• Agrees with terms and conditions of partnership agreements of CADUS e.V. partner organizations as applicable
• Must never under any circumstances carry or display weapons, or military emblems. The organization follows a strict no weapon/gun policy.
• Ensures the representation of CADUS on all levels
• Ensures compliance of the program(s) / project(s) with policies, strategies, guidelines, and all relevant standards of CADUS

Strategic Leadership & Representation

• Act as CADUS’s official representative in Sudan and relevant cross-border operations
• Develop , coordinate and implement mission strategies aligned with CADUS’s vision and objectives
• Liaise with government authorities, UN agencies, INGOs, donors, and other stakeholders
• Advocate for CADUS, both national and internationally; be part of essential assignments (as MoU, proposals, serving contracts etc.), Project Proposal arrangements/ writing in alignment with the Project / Operational Management at HQ.

Operational Management

• Oversee the operational planning, coordination, and execution of Health and WASH or other humanitarian programs
• Ensure operational compliance with security, humanitarian, and donor standards
• Lead the development of contingency and security plans and analysis, particularly given volatile conditions in Sudan
• Liaise and cooperate with all Head of Departments regarding project related follow-up and developments of relevant processes (Deployments, HR, Finance Management, Procurement, Logistics etc.). Coordinate with external partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Regular rotation to the HQ in Berlin, to improve the collaboration and exchange to the HQ, to participate in training and personal development, as well to exchange on project-relevant objectives and on conceptual ideas beyond the current project(s) (EMT classification, training programmes, technical response etc.)
• Facilitate cross-border operations from Kenya or diverse Countries when access to Sudan is restricted.

Human Resource Management

• Lead and mentor mission staff, including program, admin, and logistics teams
• Support appropriate recruitment, training, and retention strategies for local and international staff
• Promote a culture of accountability, approachability, transparency, and professional development
• The HoM is responsible to coordinate and implement an adequate meeting structure with mission staff to meet the given task.

Financial & Administrative Oversight

• Ensure compliance with CADUS policies and donor regulations.
• Approve and oversee operational expenditures infield and maintain robust internal controls
• Development and oversight of infield contracts and MoUs in coordination with CM and finance department

Program Quality & Monitoring

• Ensure high-quality program delivery that meets donor and community expectations.
• Monitor and evaluate program impact, adjusting activities based on needs assessments.
• Ensure timely reporting to the Headquarter, international organizations or others

Press and Public Relations

• All media and press related activities shall be handled in cooperation and with the Communications Department.
• Support the Headquarter with information as of newsletters, fact checking

Security & Risk Management

• Ensure with the S&S Department staff safety and operational continuity in challenging contexts.
• Conduct risk assessments, including for diverse travel.
• Maintain regular communication with CADUS HQ on security developments.
• Crisis Management: in situations where the mission faces unexpected challenges or crises, the HoM is prepared to make critical decisions and take appropriate action to ensure the safety and success of the team(s) and the mission; in collaboration with HQ.

Minimum required knowledge & experience

• Experienced in the field: At least 5  years in humanitarian operations, with several years in high-risk or conflict zones.
• A team player: Known for building trust, motivating teams, and leading by example.
• Strong understanding of health / WASH programming in emergency contexts.
• Calm under pressure: Can handle uncertainty, stress, and sudden changes.
• Practical & hands-on: Not just a desk manager — you’re comfortable in the field and willing to roll up your sleeves.
• Strong communicator in negotiating, talking with authorities, and listening to communities.
• Able to work from Kenya when Sudan is inaccessible, and ready to travel when conditions allow.
• Languages: Fluent in English; Arabic a plus.

Key Competencies

• Field leadership in insecure settings
• Strong judgment and risk management
• Collaborative, supportive leadership style
• Cultural sensitivity
• Problem-solving and adaptability

Other Requirements

• Willingness to travel frequently between various countries in eastern Africa and HQ in Germany
• Willingness to spend up to 3 month in Kenya/Sudan
• Ability to obtain necessary visas and permits for Sudan and neighboring countries as well as ability to travel into Schengen area
• Commitment to CADUS values and humanitarian principles.