Application Guide

How to Apply for Chef de Mission - Roster

at INTERSOS

🏢 About INTERSOS

INTERSOS is a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts, guided by values of solidarity, justice, and human dignity. Working here means being part of a principled, field-driven team that prioritizes the most vulnerable populations, offering a dynamic and impactful environment for humanitarian professionals.

About This Role

As a Chef de Mission on the roster, you will be the country-level representative of INTERSOS, leading the strategic and operational response in various locations. This role is pivotal in shaping humanitarian interventions, managing resources, and ensuring programs are effectively implemented, making it a high-impact position for those with senior leadership experience in complex emergencies.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day as Chef de Mission involves leading the senior management team in morning briefings, reviewing program progress and security updates, and making key decisions on resource allocation. You'll likely meet with donors, government officials, and other NGOs to coordinate efforts, while also ensuring compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements. Your day is dynamic, balancing strategic planning with hands-on problem-solving in a high-pressure environment.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who INTERSOS Is Looking For

  • Proven experience as a Head of Mission or in a senior leadership role within humanitarian NGOs, preferably in conflict or post-conflict settings.
  • Strong strategic thinking and ability to design and implement country strategies aligned with organizational goals.
  • Excellent team management skills, with experience leading senior management teams (SMT) and fostering a collaborative culture.
  • In-depth knowledge of humanitarian principles, donor requirements (e.g., ECHO, UNHCR, WFP), and project cycle management.
  • Willingness and ability to work in hardship locations and deploy on short notice, with flexibility for various contexts.

📝 Tips for Applying to INTERSOS

1

Tailor your CV to highlight specific examples of your leadership in humanitarian settings, quantifying achievements (e.g., budget size, number of staff, program reach).

2

In your cover letter, explicitly address your experience with emergency response in conflict or disaster contexts, and your familiarity with the region(s) you are interested in.

3

Demonstrate knowledge of INTERSOS's mission and values, and how your professional background aligns with their commitment to vulnerable populations.

4

Highlight your ability to work in insecure environments and your experience in security management, as this is critical for the role.

5

Since this is a roster position, emphasize your flexibility and readiness to deploy to various countries at short notice, and provide clear details on your availability.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your strategic leadership experience in similar roles, with concrete examples of how you have navigated complex political and humanitarian landscapes.', 'Your ability to manage and mentor senior teams, ensuring effective coordination across program, operations, and support functions.', "Your commitment to humanitarian principles and your motivation to work in challenging environments, aligning with INTERSOS's mission.", 'Your flexibility and willingness to be on the roster, ready to deploy as needed, and your cultural adaptability to different countries.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review INTERSOS's current country operations and recent reports to understand their focus areas and target populations.
  • → Study the specific political and humanitarian situations in the countries where INTERSOS is active, especially those you are interested in.
  • → Familiarize yourself with INTERSOS's strategic plan and key donors, as well as their approach to partnership and coordination with other NGOs and UN agencies.
  • → Look into the organization's code of conduct and policies on safeguarding and PSEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) to align your responses.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you had to design a country strategy in a volatile context. How did you prioritize and implement it?
2 How do you ensure the safety and security of your team in high-risk areas, and what protocols do you put in place?
3 Can you give an example of how you've managed a large, diverse team and resolved conflicts or performance issues?
4 How do you build relationships with donors and negotiate funding for programs in challenging environments?
5 What is your approach to monitoring and evaluating the impact of humanitarian programs, and how do you adapt based on findings?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid emphasizing experience only in development contexts without highlighting your emergency response capabilities, as this role is focused on humanitarian crises.
  • Do not underestimate the importance of security management; failing to demonstrate concrete experience and strategies in this area is a common pitfall.
  • Avoid showing rigidity or lack of willingness to deploy to various locations; the roster requires flexibility and a proactive attitude towards new assignments.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: September 9, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to INTERSOS!

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