Education / academic background:

Master Degree in humanitarian/development studies, social sciences, management or other related discipline.

Specific skills and experience:

• Experience of mission opening phase
• Experience working in contries with strong administrative regulations and in coordination with local authorities
• Strong knowledge of principled-based and experience of diplomatic approaches
• Good reporting and writing skills
• Previous experience and achievements in working in consortium and strong partnerships with NGOs locals and internationals (MoUs, negotiations, governance…)
• Proven ability to deal with donors and operational partners
• Knowledge / experience in SI sectors of expertise (WASH, FSL, Shelter) is an asset
• Proven management ability, including ability to motivate and develop skills of team’s members. Must be able to make sound management decisions in difficult situations and also be able to work in a participatory manner with colleagues.
• Excellent communication, networking skills, organizational and prioritization skills, ability to multi-task
• Capacity to adapt and show organizational flexibility
• Cross cultural sensitivity and great team player
• Proven ability to develop adapted humanitarian vision and strategy
• Capacity to engage and manage technical staff and curiosity towards their expertise
• Experience working with SI (or a similar organization) is an asset
• Prior experience in East Africa would be considered as an asset

Language:

English compulsory, knowledge of a local language would be an asset

Desired start date: September / October
Duration of the mission: 11 months
Location: East Africa

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

SI is currently expanding its presence in East Africa and is looking for Country Director to developp mission in new countries.

The team will be composed of an Head of Programs and Head of support Services, FCs will be deployed in the intervention areas. The mission is in the opening phase and the organization chart is evolving.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES :

The Country Director is the Solidarités International official representative in the Country. She/He is in charge of the development and smooth running of the mission. She/He proposes mission strategy, according to the geopolitical and humanitarian context, and ensures its implementation once it has been validated. With the Head of program, She/He monitors projects, ensuring that they are progressing in accordance with the Solidarités International charter and complying with internal and contractual procedures. She/He mobilizes the material and financial resources necessary for the programs to run effectively and with the Head of support services, supervises the administration of these resources. She/He coordinates the teams in place and is the final responsible for the security on the mission. She/He is the direct liaison for Solidarités International HQ.

ISSUES AND SPECIFIC CHALLENGES

• Coordination and strategic orientation
• Resource management
• Human Resource Management
• Security
• Relationships with financial donors / fund-raising and Representation

PRIORITIES ON THE 2-3 FIRST MONTHS

• Ensure the Kick off / launching of new projects (ECHO and CDCS) and the deployment / recruitment at Capital and fields level
• Develop new project and ensure communication with donors and partners
• Coordinate, participate to the setting up / building up of the coordination team
• Oversee the switch to regular administrative processes in compliance with country regulations.

A salaried position:
According to experience, starting from 3740EUR gross per month (3400 base salary + 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem of USD 750.

SI also covers accommodation costs and 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 7 working days every three months (with a USD 850 break allowance, allocated by Sl). To these breaks periods, SI grants one (1) additional rest day per month worked.

Insurance package: Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which refunds 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:

Living conditions are quite good at Capital level, with an easy access to all essential goods and services. The security situation can be more tense and living conditions more dificult at field level.