Directeur.trice Pays Adjoint Programmes (DPAP)

Job Posting Organization:
SOLIDARITES 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 implements interventions that demonstrate expertise in providing access to drinking water, sanitation, hygiene promotion, as well as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and livelihoods. SI operates in over 20 countries with a total workforce of approximately 2,500 individuals, including expatriates, national staff, permanent headquarters staff, and a few volunteers. SI has been active in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since 2001, addressing humanitarian needs arising from conflicts and natural disasters, and participating in the fight against epidemics. The mission is engaged in food security and livelihoods, water, hygiene, and sanitation, as well as multi-sector cash assistance. Each activity includes a protection component, either as a standalone or through an implementation partner. The programs cover emergency response through rapid response mechanisms and second-line programs, while also including recovery and development activities in stabilized areas. This approach illustrates the mission's strategy of maintaining a strong emergency response capacity while developing more sustainable solutions to the issues affecting populations in the eastern part of the country. The DRC mission employs an average of 210 staff members, including 21 expatriates, and the program department at the coordination level consists of a Deputy Country Director for Programs, a Food Security and Livelihoods Coordinator, a Water, Hygiene, and Sanitation Coordinator, and a MEAL Coordinator. Recruitment for a Deputy EHA Coordinator is currently underway.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Country Director for Programs (DPAP) supports the Country Director (CD) in implementing and monitoring the programmatic strategy and donor engagement. The DPAP is responsible for the functioning of all programs and the oversight of projects in compliance with internal and contractual procedures, as well as ensuring the quality of all programming by SI in the DRC. The DPAP coordinates the technical coordination team and ensures optimal management and supervision. They provide programmatic input to the country strategy in support of the CD and may assist the CD in all tasks related to their role as needed. The position is crucial for maintaining SI's status as a major player in emergency response in the DRC, focusing on strategic positioning in emergency response, increasing operational volume, and ensuring continuous donor engagement. The DPAP will also lead the development of early recovery activities and maintain quality oversight across all programs, including cross-cutting issues such as protection, environmental considerations, and gender.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DPAP will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Support the Country Director in the implementation and monitoring of the programmatic strategy and donor engagement.
• Oversee the functioning of all programs and ensure compliance with internal and contractual procedures.
• Coordinate the technical coordination team and ensure effective management and supervision.
• Provide programmatic input to the country strategy and assist the CD in various tasks as needed.
• Lead operational groups within consortia and engage with donors through briefings and project proposal writing.
• Monitor the implementation of various action plans developed by technical coordinators.
• Ensure the interim management of the Country Director during their absence.
• Address specific challenges related to security constraints in the DRC, including the presence of armed groups and logistical issues.
• Maintain community acceptance and engagement to ensure the success of programs. 1
• Adapt to evolving security conditions and manage risks associated with field missions.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the DPAP position should possess the following qualifications:

• Excellent representation and coordination skills with stakeholders, including donors, humanitarian communities, consortia, and clusters.
• Strong strategic vision and good knowledge of rapid response mechanisms.
• Excellent communication skills and proficiency in writing various documents.
• Strong managerial capabilities and the ability to analyze humanitarian needs and contexts.
• In-depth understanding of accountability issues and cross-cutting protection concerns.
• Proficiency in French (mandatory) and very good skills in English (mandatory).

Educational Background:
Candidates should hold a Master's degree in international relations, development cooperation, humanitarian action, political science, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the operational environment in which SI operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in humanitarian programs, with a strong emphasis on emergency response and program management. Candidates with 3-4 years of experience may also be considered, but a proven track record in similar roles is preferred. Experience in the DRC or similar contexts is highly advantageous.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, and candidates must have very good English language skills. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, but French and English are the primary languages required for this position.

Additional Notes:
The position is a short-term contract with a duration of 12 months, starting on September 15, 202

• The role is based in Goma, DRC, which is categorized as a level 4 security zone, indicating significant security risks. The salary for this position starts at 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. The organization also provides a comprehensive health insurance plan covering medical expenses, including dental and ophthalmological care, and a system of social security that includes war risk coverage. Expatriates will live in guest houses with private rooms and bathrooms, and meals will be provided. The working conditions may vary due to the ongoing MVE epidemic in the region, and security measures will be adapted as the situation stabilizes. Interested candidates should submit their CV and cover letter, as applications without a cover letter will not be considered.