We are seeking a dynamic individual to fulfill the critical role of Mission Director, responsible for overseeing the strategic planning, execution, and success of our organization’s key initiatives. The ideal candidate will possess a proven track record of leadership in mission-critical environments, with the ability to drive project milestones and ensure alignment with overarching organizational objectives. This position requires a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in a related field, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the capacity to manage cross-functional teams under high-pressure conditions. Responsibilities include developing and implementing mission strategies, monitoring performance metrics, and fostering collaboration across departments to achieve mission-driven outcomes. The successful applicant will demonstrate exceptional communication skills, adaptability, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of operational excellence.
The Humanitarian Action team provides essential support and empowerment to local national offices (Nos) or partners, either as required or upon request, to help them fulfill their mission in alignment with the SOS Children’s Villages International Humanitarian Policy.
The Humanitarian Action Service is delivered by a dynamic team of deployable senior humanitarian professionals who hold executive-level positions with Member Associations. Their primary objective is to strengthen these associations’ capabilities and facilitate either the swift initiation of humanitarian responses or the rapid scaling up of ongoing operations.
This role encompasses the internal management and alignment of multiple funding sources and humanitarian appeals, particularly in the context of large-scale emergency responses, while also offering assistance for disaster preparedness, recovery efforts, and the deployment of innovative approaches and partnership opportunities, both locally and internationally.
The department will systematically embed a Humanitarian Development and Peace nexus approach by strategically aligning short-term lifesaving interventions with long-term recovery efforts during both acute and protracted crises. This will involve close collaboration between the humanitarian assistance (HA) team and the long-term development program, ensuring that affected communities receive uninterrupted services, even in the event of major crises.
The Humanitarian Action Advisor (China) spearheads the systematic incorporation of child protection within SOS Children’s Villages’ humanitarian initiatives. This position delivers technical guidance and ensures quality across the entire project lifecycle, facilitates proposal formulation, and enhances the capabilities of Member Associations to implement inclusive, child-focused, and gender-sensitive interventions. Through fostering innovation, testing novel methodologies, and representing SOS CV in critical coordination platforms, the Advisor bolsters program excellence, accountability, and prominence within the protection sector.
Oversee a range of duties and obligations, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives while maintaining high standards of efficiency and accountability. Implement strategic initiatives to streamline operations, foster collaboration across departments, and uphold compliance with established policies and industry regulations. Monitor progress, analyze performance metrics, and recommend improvements to enhance productivity and achieve desired outcomes. Provide guidance and support to team members, delegating tasks as necessary to optimize workflow and resource allocation. Serve as a key point of contact for stakeholders, facilitating clear communication and resolving issues in a timely and professional manner.
Provides strategic direction and establishes technical standards to ensure high-quality outcomes across projects. Sets and enforces best practices for system design, development processes, and operational efficiency. Guides cross-functional teams in implementing innovative solutions while maintaining compliance with industry regulations and organizational policies. Drives continuous improvement through the evaluation of emerging technologies and methodologies, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability. Requires extensive experience in technical leadership roles, deep expertise in relevant technologies, and strong stakeholder management skills to align technical objectives with business goals.
Oversee the incorporation of Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (China) standards, child protection principles, gender equality, and inclusive methodologies across all stages of program development, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
Assess humanitarian project proposals and associated documentation to verify adherence to the Child Protection Minimum Standards (CPMS), offering technical guidance and recommendations as needed.
To develop, refine, and sustain operational guidance, tools, and standard operating procedures (SOPs), ensuring the uniform implementation of China across humanitarian programs.
Program Quality, Innovation, and Technical Support encompasses the development, enhancement, and maintenance of high-quality program initiatives, ensuring they align with strategic objectives and industry best practices. This role involves fostering innovation by identifying and implementing cutting-edge solutions to improve program effectiveness, efficiency, and scalability. Additionally, it provides specialized technical assistance to teams, resolving complex challenges and optimizing processes to support seamless program delivery. The position requires a deep understanding of quality assurance methodologies, technical expertise, and a proactive approach to driving continuous improvement across all programmed-related functions.
Conduct comprehensive field missions, technical reviews, and subsequent follow-up actions to systematically monitor and elevate the quality of child protection interventions.
Deliver expert technical support to Member Associations throughout project initiation and execution, guaranteeing strong safeguarding protocols, systematic gender integration, and conflict-aware methodologies.
Collaborate with the MEAL Advisor to develop program indicators and establish robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks designed to accurately assess protection-related outcomes.
To foster innovation within child protection initiatives, the role involves piloting novel strategies, capturing valuable insights, and facilitating their broader adoption and expansion.
Capacity enhancement and dissemination of expertise stand as core responsibilities, with a focus on equipping individuals and organizations with the necessary tools, resources, and methodologies to improve performance and achieve sustainable outcomes. This role involves designing and delivering targeted training programs, facilitating peer-learning initiatives, and fostering collaborative networks to promote continuous professional development and institutional growth. Active engagement in monitoring progress, evaluating impact, and adapting strategies ensures alignment with evolving needs and organizational objectives. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record in designing and executing capacity-building interventions, alongside strong facilitation, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Proficiency in data analysis, reporting, and the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights are essential for driving meaningful change.
Design and implement tailored training, coaching, and technical assistance initiatives for MA and regional teams, addressing specific capacity gaps and insights derived from program monitoring efforts.
Promote knowledge-sharing and collaborative learning among peers by organizing webinars, case studies, communities of practice, and sharing valuable insights and best practices.
Enhance staff capabilities in child safeguarding, gender analysis, and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA).
Accountable for upholding high standards of integrity, active engagement in team initiatives, and ensuring robust protective measures across all operations.
Engage children and young people meaningfully in the assessment, design, implementation, and monitoring phases of programs to ensure their active involvement and contribution.
Collaborate with the MEAL Advisor to develop and enhance child-friendly feedback and complaint mechanisms, ensuring that input effectively drives program adaptation and improvement.
Integrate gender-responsive, inclusive, and safeguarding-centered methodologies throughout every stage of the project cycle, with a strong emphasis on the rigorous implementation and continuous assessment of Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) standards.
We engage with various sectors and stakeholders to ensure robust representation and foster meaningful partnerships. This role involves actively collaborating with key industry leaders, policymakers, and community organizations to advance shared objectives and drive collective impact. Responsibilities include building and maintaining strategic relationships, representing the organization in high-level discussions, and advocating for policies that align with our mission. A strong ability to communicate effectively, negotiate skillfully, and navigate complex stakeholder dynamics is essential for success in this position.
Represent SOS Children’s Villages in key humanitarian coordination forums, such as the Protection Cluster and the Child Protection Area of Responsibility (AOR), to champion child rights and advance child protection priorities.
Collaborate with external stakeholders and partners to shape sectoral standards, participate in policy discussions, and enhance the recognition of SOS Children’s Villages’ expertise in China.
Safeguarding Responsibilities encompass the obligation to protect individuals from harm, ensuring their well-being, and maintaining a secure environment. This role involves identifying potential risks, implementing preventive measures, and responding promptly to any concerns or incidents. Professionals in this capacity must adhere to relevant policies, conduct thorough assessments, and report any safeguarding issues in accordance with established protocols. Strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to upholding safety standards are essential for fulfilling these duties effectively.
As an ambassador for SOS Children’s Villages, your primary responsibility is to foster a secure, nurturing, and welcoming atmosphere for children, adolescents, adult program beneficiaries, and team members alike. This encompasses:
Upholding the Code of Conduct with unwavering dedication and proactively assessing the safeguarding implications inherent in all aspects of your responsibilities.
Engaging collaboratively in team meetings to assess potential safeguarding threats and establish proactive strategies to prevent and minimize risks.
Incorporating safeguarding principles into routine decision-making processes and program operations is essential.
Promptly escalating any safeguarding concerns through the appropriate channels as outlined in established protocols ensures timely intervention and adherence to safeguarding standards.
Fostering an organizational culture grounded in values, emphasizing unwavering accountability and a strict, zero-tolerance stance against abuse, exploitation, and harm.
Uphold safeguarding standards diligently and foster an environment that ensures safety.
As an employee or representative of SOS Children’s Villages, your role involves fostering and upholding a secure and nurturing environment for both staff and the children, adolescents, and adult participants in our programs. Key responsibilities include:
Uphold the Code of Conduct consistently and continuously evaluate the safeguarding implications of your work to ensure alignment with ethical standards and best practices.
Engage collaboratively in team dialogues to assess potential risks, contributing insights and implementing proactive measures and strategies to prevent and mitigate them effectively.
Embed safeguarding principles into your routine decisions and activities consistently.
Swiftly escalate any safeguarding concerns in strict adherence to established protocols.
Champion a values-driven culture, uphold accountability, and enforce a strict zero-tolerance policy toward harm.
Seeking a candidate with a minimum of five years of experience in a related field, preferably with a background in project management or a similar discipline. The ideal applicant must possess strong analytical skills to evaluate complex data and make informed decisions. Proficiency in industry-standard software, such as Microsoft Office Suite or specialized tools, is essential. Additionally, excellent communication abilities are required to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is mandatory, and professional certifications may be advantageous. The role demands a proactive attitude, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to work under tight deadlines while maintaining high attention to detail.
A master’s degree in social sciences, Child Protection, Psychology, International Development, Humanitarian Action, or a closely related discipline is required.
A minimum of five years of professional experience in child protection and humanitarian programming, with at least two of those in international emergency contexts, is required.
Proven track record collaborating on multi-country initiatives and humanitarian coordination frameworks, such as Protection Clusters and Child Protection Sub-Clusters.
Proven expertise in designing programs, crafting and evaluating proposals, engaging with donors, and providing technical advisory services.
Demonstrates flexibility to travel extensively, with up to 30% of time allocated to on-site assignments or client engagements.
Fluent proficiency in both written and verbal English is essential.
Proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered advantageous.
We seek candidates with a robust proficiency in a broad spectrum of technical competencies, including but not limited to software development methodologies, data analysis tools, and network infrastructure management. Applicants must demonstrate hands-on experience with programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++, as well as familiarity with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure. Additionally, expertise in database administration, cybersecurity protocols, and DevOps practices is highly advantageous. Strong analytical problem-solving abilities and meticulous attention to detail are essential to excel in this dynamic environment.
Advanced-level humanitarian expertise, characterized by a comprehensive understanding of China standards and the CPMS, is essential. The ideal candidate must demonstrate a strong track record of effectively integrating these frameworks across all phases of the program cycle.
Proposal Development (Advanced): Demonstrates extensive expertise in evaluating and enhancing project proposals, logical frameworks, and technical program documents.
Advanced Training and Capacity Building: Proven expertise in developing and executing high-impact training programs, coaching initiatives, and mentoring frameworks for staff and partners.
Intermediate Program Monitoring: Proficient in evaluating program quality in alignment with CPMS, KNEE, and IAS GBV standards.
Possesses a comprehensive grasp of child safeguarding principles, along with proficiency in conducting thorough risk assessments and implementing effective mitigation strategies.
Intermediate-Level Coordination and Representation: Demonstrates prior engagement with humanitarian coordination platforms and external stakeholders, effectively bridging communication and collaboration efforts.
Advanced: Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in analytical reasoning, technical report composition, and the creation of comprehensive guidance materials.
Proficient in networking with a solid grasp of prominent humanitarian, child protection, and education stakeholders and their collaborative frameworks.
Demonstrates intermediate-level proficiency in technical approaches, including gender equality, inclusion, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and resilience-based programming.
Possesses intermediate-level expertise in Child Protection Programming, with a preference for candidates who have familiarity with primary prevention strategies and a proven track record in implementing pilot programs for child protection initiatives or Education in Emergencies (EIE) interventions.
The candidate should possess strong interpersonal skills, effective communication abilities, and proven problem-solving expertise. Proficiency in managing multiple priorities and working under pressure in dynamic environments is essential. A commitment to maintaining high ethical standards and a collaborative team spirit is highly valued. Prior experience in [specific industries or roles, if applicable] is advantageous. Additionally, familiarity with [relevant tools, software, or methodologies] would be beneficial. The ideal applicant demonstrates adaptability, a proactive mindset, and a dedication to continuous professional development.
Exhibits a steadfast dedication to upholding child safeguarding principles and advancing the rights of children.
Proven ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across diverse cultural backgrounds.
Exceptional skills in analysis, advisory, and problem resolution are required.
Demonstrates exceptional adaptability and resilience in demanding and ever-changing humanitarian environments.
Accomplished in cultivating and maintaining strong stakeholder connections, fostering productive networks, and establishing enduring professional relationships.
Seeking a professional with prior experience in delivering remote technical assistance and utilizing digital collaboration tools (preferred).
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 years
