Head of Mission - Nepal

Position:
Head of Mission, IsraAID Nepal Response

Contract type: Full time

Start date: immediate

SUMMARY

On August 26, 2026, a catastrophic flash flood devastated regions near the Nepal-China border, triggered by an ice-rock avalanche from a glacier that caused a sudden, massive surge in rivers like the Bhotekoshi and Lhende Khola. The rapid deluge swept through settlements in districts such as Rasuwa and Nuwakot, destroying villages, roads, and critical infrastructure with little warning. The disaster has resulted in at least 165 confirmed deaths, with hundreds more missing.

IsraAID is seeking a Head of Mission to lead the emergency mission in Nepal. This is a key leadership role responsible for strategic and operational coordination, team leadership, and partnership engagement to ensure an effective and timely humanitarian response.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Emergency Response Strategy and Leadership

• Lead IsraAID's emergency mission strategy in Nepal, ensuring alignment with humanitarian needs, national response frameworks, and IsraAID's core principles.

• Build and strengthen coordination and partnerships with government institutions, humanitarian clusters, community-based organizations, and local stakeholders to ensure effective, complementary response efforts.

• Conduct rapid assessments and guide the development of short-term operational plans that prioritize protection, WASH, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), and community-based recovery.

• Provide strategic leadership to field teams, ensuring activities are needs-driven, culturally appropriate, and delivered in accordance with humanitarian standards and IsraAID's mission.

• Monitor the evolving situation and adapt response plans to address emerging needs and contextual changes.

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to IsraAID HQ, donors, and coordination bodies on progress, challenges, and lessons learned.

Human Resource Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and support the emergency response team, promoting effective communication, collaboration, and staff wellbeing in a high-stress environment.

• Oversee rapid recruitment and onboarding of local and international team members as needed for the response.

• Ensure staff safety, security, and duty of care in accordance with IsraAID policies and the operational context.

• Provide hands-on coaching and mentoring to staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and learning throughout the mission.

• Ensure appropriate rotation, rest, and handover processes are in place to sustain the emergency operation effectively.

Funding and Resource Mobilization

• Identify and engage with key donors, UN agencies, and international partners active in the response to explore collaboration and co-funding opportunities.

• Contribute to the development of rapid project proposals and situation updates to support fundraising and visibility efforts.

• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and maintain transparent, timely communication regarding program impact and financial accountability.

• Support donor field visits and joint assessments as required.

• Financial, Administrative, and Logistical Oversight

• Ensure that all financial and administrative processes comply with
  IsraAID's emergency response standards and accountability systems.

• Oversee budget management for the emergency mission, ensuring cost-efficiency and timely reporting.

• Work closely with HQ to ensure rapid procurement, logistics, and deployment of supplies and materials essential for response activities.

• Support establishment of temporary operational structures and systems adapted to the short-term, high-intensity nature of the mission.

Security and Risk Management

• Monitor the security and operational context in Nepal, ensuring that staff and operations adhere to IsraAID's safety protocols.

• Develop and regularly update contingency and evacuation plans appropriate to the emergency context.

• Maintain ongoing communication with HQ and local authorities regarding safety and access constraints.

Representation and Coordination

• Represent IsraAID in national and inter-agency coordination meetings, including with OCHA, relevant clusters, and government-led emergency structures.

• Promote IsraAID's visibility and leadership in the humanitarian space, emphasizing its expertise in WASH, protection and psychosocial support.

• Ensure alignment and coordination with local partners to avoid duplication and enhance impact.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND COMPETENCIES

Required skills & experience:

• BA in international development, emergency management, social sciences, or other relevant fields

• Minimum of 5 years experience working in humanitarian or development settings

• Fluent Spanish and English - A MUST

• Working experience & deep introduction to the context - advantage

• Knowledge and experience of emergency context, especially protection and logistics response in emergency settings

• An excellent understanding of and practical experience with program design, program management cycle, M&E, and Ethics in Programming;

• Substantial experience in the financial management of significant budgets

• Demonstrated organizational skills; Able to consistently meet tight deadlines;

• Significant experience with international coordination structures

ETHICAL STANDARDS

IsraAID has a zero-tolerance policy towards any acts of misconduct and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. The recruitment process will include all candidates' declaration and reference checks focused on misconduct and SEA.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

IsraAID is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status