Deputy Country Director for Programs

Job Posting Organization:
SOLIDARITES 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 approximately 3,200 individuals, including expatriates, national staff, permanent staff at headquarters, and volunteers. SI's interventions are characterized by professionalism and a commitment to respecting cultural norms, and they have established a strong presence in the WASH sector in the Gaza Strip since February 2024, focusing on hard-to-reach areas underserved by other partners. SI collaborates with local Palestinian organizations and various institutional and financial partners to enhance their impact and reach.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Country Director for Programs is responsible for overseeing the development and quality of SI’s programs, ensuring they are driven by needs, adapted to the context, and impactful. This role involves supporting strategic planning, program monitoring, technical compliance, and coordination across teams, partners, and donors. The Deputy Country Director also plays a crucial role in strengthening staff capacities and safeguarding ethical standards. In the absence of the Country Director, the Deputy may assume their responsibilities. The position is particularly challenging due to the need to ensure program continuity in a dynamic context, navigate complex humanitarian access and coordination systems, maintain quality across multiple sectors, and adapt strategies to evolving risks. The Deputy Country Director will prioritize supporting the scale-up of the mission, onboarding new staff, expanding activities, and developing new sectors and areas of intervention during the initial months of their tenure.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Country Director for Programs will have a comprehensive set of duties and responsibilities, including but not limited to: overseeing the development and implementation of program strategies that align with SI’s mission and objectives; ensuring that programs are needs-driven and contextually relevant; monitoring and evaluating program quality and impact; coordinating with various teams and partners to ensure effective program delivery; engaging with external stakeholders, including clusters and international partners; providing leadership and guidance to staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment; developing and implementing capacity-building initiatives for staff; ensuring compliance with SI’s policies and procedures; and adapting program strategies in response to changing operational environments and risks. The Deputy will also be responsible for resource allocation and managing program budgets effectively.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Deputy Country Director for Programs position must possess a Master's degree in Humanitarian Action, human rights, social science (such as geography, sociology, anthropology, or history), or Political Science. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 3 to 4 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with 0 to 2 years of experience in a similar position. Strong technical skills in program strategy development, multi-sector design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design (particularly in WASH and FSL), partnership development, and external coordination are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate leadership and team management skills, as well as the ability to coordinate across multi-level teams and provide capacity building and training.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in relevant fields such as Humanitarian Action, human rights, social science (geography, sociology, anthropology, history), or Political Science. This advanced degree is preferred as it provides the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to navigate the complexities of humanitarian work and program management effectively.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 3 to 4 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with specific emphasis on program management and coordination. Candidates should also have 0 to 2 years of experience in a similar leadership role, demonstrating their ability to oversee programs and manage teams effectively in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with international partners. Proficiency in Arabic is considered an asset, as it enhances communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries, thereby improving program effectiveness and community engagement.

Additional Notes:
The position is a short-term contract with a duration of 9 months, starting on 01/04/202

• The role is based in Jerusalem, where SI has established a coordination office and a guesthouse for staff. The organization offers a competitive salary starting from EUR 3080 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. Staff members are entitled to breaks during their assignment, with a system of alternation between work and time off implemented at the rate of 7 working days every three months. SI also provides an insurance package that covers healthcare expenses, including medical, surgical, dental, and repatriation costs, as well as essential vaccinations and antimalarial treatments. Living conditions in Jerusalem are generally safe, allowing staff to move freely across most areas, although caution is advised at night.