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 has developed expertise in providing 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 people, including expatriates, national staff, permanent headquarters employees, and a few volunteers. The organization is dedicated to professionalism and cultural respect in its operations.

Job Overview:
The position of director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director at Solidarités International in the Central African Republic (CAR) involves ensuring the official representation of the organization in the country. This includes liaising with authorities, financial partners, and other humanitarian actors while overseeing the smooth operation of SI's activities. The Country Director is responsible for the safety of the teams and adherence to SI's internal procedures and the legal framework in place. The role also entails contributing to the development of the mission strategy and formulating new project proposals. The position is critical given the volatile security context in CAR, characterized by the presence of numerous non-state armed groups and criminal organizations. The Country Director will face challenges such as significant funding reductions, major access difficulties due to severely degraded road infrastructure, and an increasingly constrained administrative environment. The first two to three months will focus on meeting with various donors to present SI's actions and strategy for 2026, developing strategic partnerships, and continuing the integration of CAR within the multi-country mission involving Chad and Cameroon.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will have several key responsibilities, including:

• Official representation of SI in CAR, ensuring effective communication with authorities, donors, and humanitarian partners.
• Overseeing the security of staff and compliance with SI's internal procedures and legal requirements.
• Contributing to the development of the mission strategy and new project proposals.
• Engaging with various stakeholders, including donors and local authorities, to promote SI's initiatives and secure funding.
• Managing and supporting the team in Bouar and Markounda, ensuring effective communication and collaboration between bases and the Bangui coordination office.
• Monitoring the implementation of security procedures and ensuring staff safety in a volatile environment.
• Addressing challenges related to funding reductions and access difficulties, while maintaining operational effectiveness.
• Leading the strategic and financial management of the mission, ensuring accountability and transparency in operations.
• Developing partnerships and submitting proposals to various donors. 1
• Ensuring the integration of CAR operations within the broader multi-country mission framework.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree (bac + 5) in humanitarian project management, international relations, public policy, or a relevant field. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 0-2 years of experience in a similar role and 3-4 years of experience in the humanitarian sector. Technical skills required include strategic and financial management, representation to donors and authorities, and security management. Candidates should also demonstrate strong transversal skills such as team management, organizational abilities, and resilience under stress.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree (bac + 5) in relevant fields such as humanitarian project management, international relations, or public policy. This advanced education is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the strategic management of projects in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 0-2 years of experience in a similar role, indicating that this position is suitable for individuals who may be new to leadership roles in humanitarian contexts but have some relevant experience. Additionally, candidates should have 3-4 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, which provides a solid foundation for understanding the operational and strategic challenges faced in such environments.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication in the Central African Republic. Proficiency in English is recommended, as it may facilitate communication with international partners and stakeholders. Knowledge of Arabic is considered an asset, potentially 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 6 months, starting as soon as possible. The salary for this position is competitive, starting at EUR 3,740 gross per month, which includes a base salary of EUR 3,400 plus a 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly. Additionally, a monthly per diem of USD 720 is provided. SI covers housing costs and travel expenses between the expatriate's home country and the assignment location. During the mission, a break system is implemented, allowing for 7 working days off every three months, with USD 850 allocated for these breaks. Expatriates are also provided with comprehensive health insurance covering medical expenses, including dental and optical care, as well as repatriation. Vaccination and necessary malaria treatment costs are reimbursed. Living conditions in Bangui are relatively pleasant, with access to restaurants, bars, and leisure activities, and the security situation in the capital is manageable, allowing for daytime mobility.