Solidarités International
Desired start date: june 2023
Duration of the mission: 12 months
Location: Nimroz
About us
SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association which, since more than 40 years, has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters by meeting their basic needs for food, water and shelter. Particularly committed to the fight against diseases linked to unsafe water, the leading cause of death in the world, SI’s interventions provide expertise in the field of access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, but also in the essential area of food security and livelihoods. Present in some twenty countries, the SI teams – 2500 people in total, made up of expatriates, national staff, permanent staff at HQ, and a few volunteers – intervene with professionalism and commitment while respecting cultural norms.
About the mission
The organization has resumed its program in Afghanistan in December 2021 and has established a presence in Bamiyan, Kapisa, Wardak and Kabul provinces. It has launched exploratory missions in Nimroz and Farah provinces as well. In 2022, SI has implemented food security and WASH programs and aim at scaling them up in 2023, while beginning operations in Nimroz and Farah provinces. SI currently has 70 employees (4 international employees) with an annual budget of 2m euro. In 2023, this budget should around 6 million, while the team should grow to 150 employees.
In 2023, SI will scale up its food security and WASH programs in Afghanistan, with a particular focus on the South-West. This program will be emergency based, responding to future shocks, in particular future natural disasters and epidemics outbreaks (Cholera). SI will also aim at building community resilience, reinforcing access to WASH services and infrastructure, while developing livelihoods in rural areas.
About the job
SPECIFIC STAKES AND CHALLENGES
Representation and Internal / external communication:
The FC is the official representative of Solidarités International in his/her intervention zone for NGOs, administrative, political, and local authorities, and civil society. He/she participates in humanitarian forums and relevant coordination meetings.
The FC ensures that documents produced in his/her intervention zone meet deadlines and quality standards, respecting standard formats and procedures.
Security Management:
The FC is responsible for the security of teams and property in his/her assigned zone, under the CD’s supervision.
The FC monitors and analyses the security situation and ensure it is understood by teams.
He/ she ensures that all new hires in his/her intervention zone are given a geopolitical and security briefing.
Under the supervision of the CD, the FC ensure that all documents and procedures relating to security are updated regularly and ensures enforcement of regulations by the team.
Strategic orientation / operation monitoring:
Within his/her intervention zone, he/she monitors and analyses the humanitarian, political, cultural, social and economic context and propose and develop an operational strategy.
Ensure the coordination, development, monitoring, and evaluation of the programmes implemented within his/her intervention zone.
Resource management:
The FC participates in the recruitment of the team in his/her Area. He/she is responsible for the overall management and ensure good working conditions.
The FC promotes the ethics and values of Solidarités International.
He/she monitors the implementation of Solidarités International’s human resources policy and procedures.
Propose the human, financial and logistical scale for his/her intervention zone and its organisation.
Ensure that financial resources and other means necessary for accomplishing projects in his/her intervention zone are mobilized.
Main priorities for the first three months
Manage relationships with local authorities at province level. Build up a network of contact with Afghan authorities in the province and at District level.
Update the base Security pack and ensure its enforcement.
Recruit, brief and support the new field team.
Supervise the opening of the base: Renting of premises, renting of a car fleet etc.
Ensure with the program team that activities are timely and qualitatively started / implemented in line with the project proposal, and SI / donor standards and requirements.
Initiate a network with other organizations based in the area.
Your profile
Education:
Generalist background / Political Science or cursus developing context analysis skills.
Experience:
2 years of experience in a similar position (Field Coordinator).
Experience on security management in complex environment.
Experience in humanitarian / context analysis.
Experience in HR management.
Proven experience in external representation in sensitive environment.
Previous experience in Afghanistan province would be an asset.
Previous experience with SI and Knowledge of SI tools and processes would be an asset.
Technical skills and knowledge:
Mastering of project cycle management.
Negotiation and diplomatic skills.
Capacity to adapt to the environment.
Training and capacity building skills.
MS office.
Languages:
Fluent in English, written and spoken. Dari or Pashto would be an asset.
SI will offer you
A salaried position
According to experience, starting from EUR 2860 gross per month (base salary EUR 2600 + 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem given on the mission.
SI covers travel expenses between the expatriate’s country of origin and the place of assignment.
Breaks
During the assignment, a system of alternation between work and time off is implemented at the rate of one break after every two months spent on the mission, with a break allowance of 850 USD allocated by SI.
Insurance package
Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which covers all healthcare expenses (including medical and surgical expenses, dental care and ophthalmological expenses, repatriation) and a welfare system, including war risks. Essential vaccination and antimalarial treatment costs are refunded.
Living conditions and security
The security environment in Afghanistan remains tense, dynamic and volatile. While the risks associated with the conflict between the government and the armed opposition have significantly decreased since 15th of August 2022, third party armed groups (notably ISKP) continue to operate in certain provinces including Kabul and the possibility of the emergence of new opposition groups cannot be ignored. On the other hand, the country has always witnessed a certain level of criminality.
The Field Coordinator is living in a shared guesthouse with the other international staffs.
Living conditions in the field, including in Nimroz and Farah, are often harsher (limited access to electricity, harsher weather conditions, isolation, etc.). At the moment, there are no other organizations having expatriates based in Nimroz & Farah, but we plan to have two expatriates based there. Herat is the closest big city from Nimroz & Farah, respectively 7h & 3h30 away, with a significant expat presence and a possibility to spend the weekend there to break isolation.
Living conditions are quite fair in Kabul, with possible access to all essential goods and services. The security situation can be tense, and travel is sometimes restricted, but it is possible to have a social life.
Application process
Do you recognize yourself in this description? If yes, please send us your CV and cover letter!
Please note that CV-only applications will not be considered, and that the vacancy may close before the deadline.
Thank you for your understanding.
To learn more about Sl: www.solidarites.org