Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) is an international humanitarian aid organization that has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters for over 40 years. The organization focuses on meeting vital needs such as access to water, food, and shelter. SI is particularly committed to combating diseases related to unsafe water, which is the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Through its interventions, SI implements expertise in the areas of access to drinking water, sanitation, hygiene promotion, as well as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and livelihoods. SI operates in 26 countries with a total of 3,200 staff members, including expatriates, national employees, permanent staff at headquarters, and some volunteers. The organization has been active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since 2001, addressing humanitarian needs of populations impacted by conflicts and natural disasters and participating in the fight against epidemics. Currently, the DRC mission is the third largest in terms of financial volume, focusing on food security and livelihoods (SAME), water, hygiene, and sanitation (EHA), and multi-sector cash assistance (direct cash or fairs via the Red Rose tool). Each of SI's activities includes a strong protection component, either transversal or standalone via an implementation partner. The programs cover emergency response through rapid response programs (RRM) and 'second line' programs, as well as recovery and development activities in stabilized areas. This approach illustrates the strategy chosen by the mission, which aims to maintain a strong emergency response capacity while developing sustainable solutions to the issues affecting populations in the eastern part of the country. The mission is coordinated from Goma with three operational bases located in Petit Nord Kivu (Goma, with a sub-base in Kiwandja), Grand Nord Kivu (Beni, with a sub-base opening in Kamango), and Ituri (Bunia, with a sub-base in Fataki). The financial volume of the mission currently stands at 19 million euros, with an objective of growth during 2025.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this position is to implement the zonal strategy in the operational area of Petit Nord Kivu in accordance with the annual plan. The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director will play a central role in the implementation of the annual plan for 2025 and its revision for 202

• This includes actively participating in the development of new projects for the operational area in 2026 in collaboration with the coordination teams, particularly the Program and Grants departments. The Country Director will also be responsible for consolidating first-line response capacities in Petit Nord Kivu, developing collaboration with national partners with the support of the coordination (Grants department), maintaining a high level of security and access in the area, participating in the deployment of the compliance department in the operational area, and ensuring SI's representation in humanitarian coordination frameworks at the provincial and territorial levels (COHP, Clusters, Working Groups, Access Forum, FONGI, among others). The role requires a thorough analysis of the evolving security context and access, taking into account the humanitarian dilemmas faced by the organization, and ensuring good inter-departmental coordination at the base and sub-base for the effective conduct of field activities in compliance with SI and donor commitments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Implement the zonal strategy in the operational area of Petit Nord Kivu according to the annual plan.
• Play a central role in the implementation and revision of the annual plan for 2025 and 202
• Actively participate in the development of new projects for the operational area in 2026 in collaboration with the coordination teams.
• Consolidate first-line response capacities in Petit Nord Kivu.
• Develop collaboration with national partners with the support of the coordination department.
• Maintain a high level of security and access in the area.
• Participate in the deployment of the compliance department in the operational area.
• Ensure SI's representation in humanitarian coordination frameworks at the provincial and territorial levels.
• Ensure good collaboration with authorities, including GANE, and community leaders while respecting SI's security and access rules. 1
• Conduct thorough analysis of the evolving security context and access, considering humanitarian dilemmas. 1
• Ensure good inter-departmental coordination at the base and sub-base for effective field activity execution. 1
• Address security and access challenges in an unstable zone. 1
• Support the strategic and operational development of the area. 1
• Launch new projects and recruit teams. 1
• Maintain SI as a major actor in emergency response in PNK. 1
• Develop recovery and development projects in stabilized areas while respecting humanitarian dilemma orientations. 1
• Lead the development of the area, including diversifying funding and extending intervention zones. 1
• Finalize the zonal strategy in collaboration with coordination. 1
• Monitor the development of project management tools and ensure monthly budget follow-up sessions at the base.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector.
• At least 1 to 2 years of experience in a similar position.
• Strong analytical and projection skills.
• Good knowledge of security management and negotiation for access in a volatile security context.
• Experience in managing programs/projects, ideally in SAME and/or EHA, with a good understanding of support aspects (Logistics, Administration, Finance, HR).
• Strong management skills, ability to lead and supervise teams.
• Excellent relational, coordination, and networking skills.
• Willingness to travel to the field frequently.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a degree in a relevant field such as international relations, humanitarian studies, public health, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian assistance or project management are preferred.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with at least 1 to 2 years in a similar role. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing humanitarian programs and leading teams in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, both oral and written. Proficiency in English is considered an asset and will be advantageous for candidates.

Additional Notes:
This position is a short-term contract with a duration of 8 months, starting on September 1, 202

• The role is based in Petit Nord Kivu, with potential travel to field sites. The salary is competitive, starting from EUR 2860 gross per month, which includes a base salary and a 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly, along with a monthly per diem of USD 80
• SI covers housing costs and travel expenses between the expatriate's home country and the duty station. A break system is in place, allowing for 7 working days off every three months, with additional rest days accrued. Expatriates receive comprehensive health insurance covering medical expenses, including dental and optical care, and repatriation. Living conditions in Goma are good, with private accommodations, access to quality food, and a vibrant social life. Security measures are in place, with a curfew currently set from 21:00 to 07:0
• It is important to note that expatriates may not always be based in Goma and may need to spend time in the field depending on the evolving context and support needs.