UKRAINE – COUNTRY DIRECTOR (M/F) – KIEV

ABOUT THE MISSION

Desired start date: ASAP
Duration of the mission: 12 months (to be extended)
Location: Kiev

The conflict in Ukraine has seen a dramatic and rapid escalation since 24th February 2022 with massive multidimensional attacks from Russian troops throughout Ukraine, from the East, North and Southern borders that affected a large part of the country including the capital, Kyiv. This attack has been immediately followed by massive displacements, and as of March 22nd about 3 500 000 Ukrainians have taken refuge in neighbouring countries and about 6 500 000 are internally displaced, mostly in the west part of the country. Areas affected by the conflict are becoming increasingly difficult to access, due to fighting, or because they area under Russian Federation control. Civilian casualties have increased and large-scale destruction of civilian infrastructures, including private housing, have been reported. However, many inhabitants are still living in these conflict areas, either because they were not able to leave, or they want to stay in their villages or cities. In those areas, public services are strongly affected: water, electricity and gaz networks are not functioning properly or fully destroyed. Access to essential items such as food, drugs, fuel and NFI is a vital need for the population, as they are no longer accessible, and the economy and markets are no longer functional. In some areas, the banking system is as well affected.

• Distribution of in kind food, shelter and WASH NFIs and CBI when possible
• WASH / shelter interventions in punctual basis

During the 2 first months of the conflict numerous people leaving East Ukraine, and other area affected, Have transited by road or train to Lviv along an axis Dnipro Ouman, Vinnistsya, Khmelnytskyï, Ternopil. The trip to Lviv can take several days, by train or by Car and no or very few assistance is provided along this axis, IDPs are therefore lacking food, water, warm places to sleep during curfew time, from 7.00PM to 6.00AM, depending of the oblast regulations. The influx has decreased but assistance is still needed.

• SI response to people in transit needs: to support with NFI, ready to eat food people in transit on the axis and to ensure transit centers are well equipped
• Support to transit Centers

Many IDPs are settling in the Western regions, including in Lviv Oblast but some are also staying in Dnipro Odessa and all along the axis, as un Uman (Cherkassy oblast). These IDPs have often lost their source of income and rely on relatives, host community and solidarity to find food and basic items. Housing is as well now scarce in the area; prices subsequently increase and the improvised transit centers that are supposed to host IDPs for a few days before they manage to find accommodation are already at the limit of their capacities.

• Rehabilitation/repairs and/or basic equipment of shelters, houses and buildings to accommodate IDPs.
• WASH improvements in shelters
• Provision of food
• Cash response to the IDP families including cash for rent

ABOUT THE JOB

• General objectives

The Country Director is the Solidarités International official representative in Ukraine. She/He is in charge of the 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 DCD 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 support of the DCD Support, 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.

• Specific stakes and challenges

Coordination and strategic orientation:

Relevance and operational quality / operations monitoring

Resource management

Security

Relationships with financial donors / fund-raising and Representation

Internal and external communication / reporting

• Priorities for the 2/3 first months:

Coordinate, participate to the setting up / building up of the coordination team

Organize, follow and lead Coordination meetings with Coo team and Field Coo

Support the support team in the switch from emergency processes to regular processes. Oversee the switch to regular administrative and regular process linked with the registration of SI and compliance with country regulations.

Ensure Winterization assistance is timely implemented

Visit all bases

YOUR PROFILE

Education: Generalist background,

Experience:

• At least 3 years of experience as Country Director or similar position for an international NGO including one year in a large mission with multiple bases and complex coordination mechanism.
• At least 2 years of experience in a coordination position
• Previous experience with SI would be likeable
• Previous experience in unstable environment (conflict / post conflict country)
• Experience in intervening on emergency context with multisectorial response,
• Experience of team management
• Experience in Coordinating with other multi-type actors (INGO, consortium, partnership with local actors’ liaison with strong local authorities)
• Previous experience in Ukraine would be an asset

Technical skills and knowledge:

• Training and capacity building skills
• Coordination, and diplomatic skills
• MS office.
• Good analytical skills, ability to adapt
• Good communication and diplomatic skill
• Good organization skills.
• Capacity to work under pressure in a tense security environment.

SI WILL OFFER YOU

A salaried post:
According to experience, starting from 3 000 euros gross per month (+ 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem.

SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL also covers accommodation costs in the Guest House and travel expenses between the expatriate’s country of origin and the place of assignment.

Vacation: 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 700 euros allocated by SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL). To these break periods, one additional rest day per month worked are granted.

Social and medical cover:
Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which reimburses 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.