Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
Solidarités International (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association that has been operational for over 40 years, providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters. The organization focuses on meeting basic needs for food, water, and shelter, with a particular commitment to combating diseases linked to unsafe water, which is a leading cause of death globally. SI has a presence in 26 countries and employs around 3,200 individuals, including expatriates, national staff, and volunteers. The organization operates with professionalism and respect for cultural norms, ensuring that its interventions are effective and culturally sensitive.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director serves as the official representative of Solidarités International in Venezuela, overseeing the smooth operation of the mission. This role involves proposing and implementing mission strategies in line with the geopolitical and humanitarian context. The Country Director is responsible for monitoring project progress, ensuring compliance with the organization's charter and internal procedures, mobilizing necessary resources, and supervising the administration of these resources. Additionally, the Country Director coordinates the teams on the ground and ensures their safety, acting as the primary liaison with the headquarters of Solidarités International. Given the current humanitarian financial crisis in Venezuela, the new Country Director may also take on dual roles, such as Country Director and Program Coordinator or Field Coordinator, as the organization adapts its operations to meet the evolving needs of the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director's responsibilities include serving as the main focal point for security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security incidents, liaising with national authorities and other stakeholders, and ensuring that security procedures are regularly updated. The Country Director will also maintain communication with donors, represent SI in strategic discussions, lead the annual strategy definition, and ensure that the mission adheres to its strategic goals. Coordination within the mission is crucial, requiring regular meetings with coordinators and the Senior Management Team, as well as maintaining oversight of mission monitoring tools. The Country Director will also be responsible for team management, including performance monitoring, conducting regular meetings, and appraising team members. In the initial months, the Country Director will focus on implementing a new organizational structure, fundraising, developing project proposals, monitoring ongoing projects, building staff capacities, drafting a country strategy for 2026, and supporting the establishment of a local legal representative body for SI.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a graduate or post-graduate degree in Humanitarian Affairs, international development, or a related field, or have equivalent field experience. Additionally, candidates should have 3-4 years of experience in the humanitarian sector and 3-4 years in similar positions. Specific technical skills in water, hygiene, and sanitation are essential, along with strong network coordination, leadership, analytical, and projection skills. Transversal skills such as writing, information dissemination, excellent interpersonal skills, adaptability, and strategic vision are also required.

Educational Background:
A graduate degree and/or post-graduate degree in Humanitarian Affairs, international development, or a related field is required. Equivalent field experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3-4 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with at least 3-4 years in similar leadership roles. This experience should include technical skills related to water, hygiene, and sanitation, as well as experience in network coordination and leadership.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish, both oral and written, is mandatory. Proficiency in English, both oral and written, is also required, as it is essential for communication with international stakeholders and donors.

Additional Notes:
The position is a short-term contract starting on June 15, 2025, with a duration of one year. The salary is based on experience, starting from EUR 3,740 gross per month, which includes a base salary and an annual leave allowance. Additionally, a monthly per diem of USD 750 is provided, along with coverage for accommodation costs and travel expenses. The position includes a break system with time off every three months and an additional rest day for each month worked. Expatriates will benefit from a comprehensive insurance package covering healthcare expenses, including medical, dental, and repatriation costs. Living conditions in Caracas are described as pleasant, with a vibrant expatriate community and functional phone and internet networks. However, the security context is complex, requiring vigilance and adherence to security protocols, especially when traveling to remote areas.