Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
Solidarités 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, 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 workforce of 3,200 individuals, including expatriates, national staff, headquarters employees, and some volunteers. The organization is dedicated to professionalism and cultural respect in its operations.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this position is to lead the programmatic strategy of the TCA mission and ensure the effective implementation of projects. The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director will support the Country Director and work with technical and operational teams to strengthen the mission's strategy, taking into account the specificities of each intervention area. The role involves actively contributing to the 2027-2032 strategy of SI and replicating it within the TCA mission. Additionally, the Country Director will ensure, with the support of technical coordinators and field coordinators, the development and application of programmatic methodologies to guarantee qualitative implementation of activities. The position also includes contributing to external representation, fundraising, and project development alongside the Country Director and the Grants and Partnerships Coordinator.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will be responsible for managing multi-country interventions with diverse contexts, facing significant security constraints and access challenges specific to each area. In the Extreme North of Cameroon, the security level is rated 3, with a high presence of non-state armed groups conducting daily attacks and frequent flooding limiting access. In Eastern Chad, the security level is also rated 3, with risks of spillover from the Sudanese conflict and increasing road robberies. The Country Director will oversee numerous projects with varying timelines and specific expectations (objectives, results, indicators) that require close and complex monitoring with a high degree of flexibility. The role demands strong organizational skills and the ability to manage stress due to a heavy workload related to activity follow-up. The Country Director will also need to navigate constrained funding and the continuous need to develop new projects. Initial priorities include field visits to familiarize with teams and contexts, consolidating recently developed intervention logics, developing activity sheets, and ensuring quality monitoring of key intervention themes and methodologies. The role also involves supporting the structuring of coordination processes and inter-departmental communication circuits within the mission, particularly with the newly merged RCA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree (bac + 5) in humanitarian project management, international relations, public policy, or any other relevant field. They should have a minimum of 3-4 years of experience in a similar position and at least 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector. Technical skills required include organizational and monitoring abilities, anticipation and adaptation skills, and the capacity to work under stress. Candidates should also have strong programmatic analysis and strategic thinking skills, a precise understanding of SI's sectors of activity (EHA, SAME, Shelter, DP/AA, environment/climate), and excellent knowledge of project development and management processes.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree (bac + 5) in a relevant field such as humanitarian project management, international relations, or public policy is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage humanitarian projects and navigate the complexities of international aid work.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 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 understanding the challenges and dynamics of humanitarian work, particularly in multi-country contexts with varying security and access issues. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of successfully managing projects and leading teams in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and in the regions of operation. Proficiency in English is also required, as it is essential for external communication and reporting. Knowledge of Arabic is considered a plus, as it may facilitate interactions in certain contexts and enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a short-term contract with a duration of one year, starting on April 15, 202

• The role is based in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and involves significant responsibilities in a multi-country context. The salary is competitive, starting at EUR 3080 gross per month, which includes a base salary of EUR 2800 plus a 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly. Additionally, a monthly per diem of USD 600 is provided. SI covers housing costs and travel expenses between the expatriate's home country and the duty station. The organization implements a work and leave alternation system, allowing for 7 working days off every three months, with an additional day of rest for each month worked. Expatriates benefit from comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses, including dental and ophthalmological care, as well as repatriation. Vaccination and essential malaria treatment costs are reimbursed. Living conditions in Yaoundé are described as pleasant, with numerous restaurants, bars, and cultural or sports activities available. It is generally safe to walk in the city, although caution is advised at night.