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. The organization operates in 26 countries and employs a total of 3,200 people, including expatriates, national staff, headquarters employees, and a few volunteers. SI's interventions are characterized by professionalism and respect for local cultures, aiming to provide effective humanitarian assistance.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director position is crucial for implementing the annual plan for 2026 and revising it for 202

• The role involves collaborating with coordination teams, particularly in the Program and Grants departments, to actively participate in the development of new projects for the operational area in 2026 and 202
• The Country Director will also work on strengthening first-line response capacities in the Petit Nord Kivu region and enhance collaboration with national partners with the support of the coordination department. This position requires overseeing logistical, human resources, and financial aspects of the intervention area, participating in compliance deployment, and ensuring SI's representation in humanitarian coordination frameworks at the provincial and territorial levels. The Country Director must maintain a high level of security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and humanitarian access in the area while ensuring good collaboration with authorities and community leaders, analyzing the evolving security context, and coordinating interdepartmental activities effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Play a central role in implementing the annual plan for 2026 and revising it for 202
• Collaborate with coordination teams, especially in the Program and Grants departments, to actively develop new projects for the operational area for 2026 and 202
• Strengthen first-line response capacities (emergency) and second-line responses in the Petit Nord Kivu region.
• Develop collaboration with national partners with the support of the coordination department.
• Oversee logistical, human resources, and financial aspects of the intervention area.
• Participate in deploying the compliance department in the operational area.
• Ensure SI's representation in humanitarian coordination frameworks at the provincial and territorial levels (COHP, Clusters, Working Groups, Access Forum, FONGI, etc.).
• Maintain a high level of security and humanitarian access in the area.
• Ensure good collaboration with authorities, including de facto authorities, GANE, and community leaders while respecting SI's security and access rules. 1
• Conduct thorough analysis of the evolving security context and access, considering the humanitarian dilemmas faced by the organization. 1
• Ensure effective interdepartmental coordination at the base and sub-bases for the proper conduct of field activities in line with SI's commitments and donor requirements.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in international relations, project management, logistics/administration/finance/human resources, or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector.
• At least 3 years of experience in a similar position.
• Strong analytical and projection skills.
• Good knowledge of security management, negotiation for access, and a solid understanding of volatile security contexts.
• Experience in managing programs/projects, ideally in food security and livelihoods (SAME) and/or water, hygiene, and sanitation (EHA), with a good grasp of support aspects (Logistics, Administration, Finance, HR).
• Management skills, ability to lead and supervise teams.
• Strong relational, coordination, and networking skills.
• Willingness to travel to the field frequently.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in relevant fields such as international relations, project management, logistics, administration, finance, or human resources is required for this position. This educational background is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage humanitarian projects and respond to the complex challenges faced in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with at least 3 years in a similar role. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the dynamics of humanitarian work, managing teams, and navigating the challenges of operating in volatile environments. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing projects and leading teams in challenging contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, both oral and written. A good knowledge of English is also required, as it is essential for communication with international partners and stakeholders. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse communities and partners.

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

• The role is based in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, which is categorized as a level 4 security zone due to instability and the presence of armed groups. The organization offers a competitive salary starting from EUR 3080 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. During the mission, a work and leave alternation system is in place, allowing for breaks every three months. Expatriates benefit from comprehensive health insurance covering medical expenses, including dental and optical care, and necessary vaccinations. Living conditions in Goma are generally good, with access to private accommodations, quality food, and social opportunities. However, expatriates may not always be based in Goma and may need to spend time in the field, where living conditions can be more basic.