Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
Solidarités International (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association that has been operational for over 40 years. The organization focuses on providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters, addressing their basic needs for food, water, and shelter. SI is particularly committed to combating diseases linked to unsafe water, which is a leading cause of death globally. The organization operates in 26 countries and employs around 3,200 people, including expatriates, national staff, and volunteers. SI's interventions are characterized by professionalism and a commitment to respecting cultural norms, ensuring that aid is delivered effectively and sensitively.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director is responsible for the overall management and smooth operation of the mission in Syria. This role involves overseeing and consolidating the mission strategy in alignment with the geopolitical and humanitarian context, ensuring its implementation once validated. The Country Director monitors project progress to ensure compliance with the Solidarités International charter and internal procedures. Additionally, the Country Director represents the organization at high levels of engagement with donors, media, international agencies, and regional platforms. This position also requires mobilizing the necessary material and financial resources for effective program operation and supervising the administration of these resources. The Country Director coordinates the teams in place, oversees security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures, and manages incidents, serving as the direct liaison for Solidarités International’s headquarters. The role is critical in navigating the challenges posed by the instable context and uncertainties regarding humanitarian space and access constraints.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the smooth running of the mission and oversee the implementation of the mission strategy.
• Monitor project progress and ensure compliance with internal and contractual procedures.
• Represent the organization at high-level engagements with donors, media, and international agencies.
• Mobilize material and financial resources necessary for program effectiveness.
• Supervise the administration of resources and coordinate teams.
• Oversee security procedures and manage incidents.
• Liaise directly with Solidarités International’s headquarters.
• Complete the restructuring of the mission within the first few months.
• Strengthen SI's influence and build relationships with key stakeholders. 1
• Ensure continuity of donor engagement and update the business development plan to adapt to the evolving funding landscape.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Humanitarian Affairs or an equivalent field.
• A minimum of 3-4 years of experience in a similar position.
• At least 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector.
• Strong technical skills in strategy development, representation, and donor engagement.
• Excellent management skills and internal communication capabilities.
• Experience in Syria or other Middle Eastern countries is a strong asset.
• Familiarity with working with ECHO and BHA is advantageous.
• Proven experience in high-level partnership development.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in Humanitarian Affairs or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure that the Country Director has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of humanitarian principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-4 years of experience in a similar role, along with at least 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector. This level of experience is crucial for effectively managing the complexities and challenges associated with humanitarian operations in a conflict-affected region like Syria.

Languages:

• Excellent proficiency in English is mandatory.
• Arabic is strongly recommended to facilitate communication within the local context.
• Knowledge of French is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a short-term contract with a duration of 12 months, starting on February 1, 202

• The role is based in Damas, Syria, and includes a salary starting from EUR 3,740 gross per month, which consists of a base salary of EUR 3,400 plus a 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly. Additionally, a monthly per diem of USD 750 is provided. SI covers accommodation costs and travel expenses between the expatriate's country of origin and the place of assignment. The organization implements a system of breaks during the assignment, allowing for 7 working days off every three months, with a break allowance of USD 85
• Expatriates benefit from a comprehensive insurance package covering healthcare expenses, including medical, surgical, dental, and repatriation costs. Living conditions in Damas are generally good, although power supply can be unstable, and security must be closely monitored following regime changes. The position includes an accommodation package.