Deputy Area Director - Program

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 dedicated to combating diseases linked to unsafe water, which is a leading cause of death globally. The organization operates in 26 countries and employs around 3,200 individuals, including expatriates, national staff, and volunteers. SI's interventions are characterized by professionalism and a commitment to respecting cultural norms. In Afghanistan, SI's activities are implemented in several provinces, including Bamyan, Herat, Helmand, Nimroz, and Farah, with operational bases in Zaranj, Farah, Herat, and Bamyan city. The organization currently manages an annual budget of approximately 4 million EUR and has a team of 110 national and 9 international employees, focusing on WASH and DRR/NRM programs with five grants under implementation.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Area Director - Program is tasked with developing and overseeing Solidarités International’s programs within their designated area of operation. This role involves working closely with the coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Area Coordinator and Deputy Country Director for Operations to ensure the design and implementation of programs across multiple operational sites. The Deputy Area Director is responsible for supervising field program managers, monitoring activity implementation, and ensuring project coherence. They are expected to maintain the relevance and quality of programs while adhering to the project cycle and monitoring processes. Additionally, the Deputy Area Director will propose new interventions based on shifts in the humanitarian landscape and SI’s strategic objectives. This position also requires participation in both internal and external coordination efforts and contributes to the organization's knowledge management processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Deputy Area Director - Program will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Developing and implementing programs in accordance with the country strategy and in collaboration with other departments.
• Supervising field program managers and ensuring the coherence and quality of program implementation.
• Monitoring the progress of activities and ensuring compliance with SI standards and donor requirements.
• Proposing new interventions based on the evolving humanitarian situation.
• Establishing strong working relationships with local authorities, partner INGOs, and regional clusters.
• Assessing program quality and identifying gaps in procurement, implementation, and monitoring processes.
• Strengthening planning and monitoring systems within the teams.
• Participating in internal and external coordination meetings to represent SI's interests and share knowledge.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social science, humanitarian studies, civil engineering, or a related field. Additionally, they should have 3-4 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with at least 3-4 years in a similar position. Technical skills required include familiarity with the humanitarian context in Afghanistan, knowledge of WASH Bill of Quantities (BOQ), design, and project cycle management (PCM). Candidates should also demonstrate strong team management capabilities and an understanding of humanitarian coordination mechanisms.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant fields such as social science, humanitarian studies, or civil engineering. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the specific challenges faced in the field.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 3-4 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with a specific emphasis on roles similar to that of Deputy Area Director. This experience should encompass program management, coordination with various stakeholders, and a solid understanding of the operational challenges in humanitarian contexts.

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 Dari is considered an advantage, as it facilitates communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position is a short-term contract with a duration of 9 months, starting on September 1, 202

• The role is based in Herat, Afghanistan, and involves navigating high security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security constraints, particularly concerning women’s access and mobility. The salary for this position starts at EUR 2,475 gross per month, which includes a base salary and an annual leave allowance. Additionally, a monthly per diem of USD 600 is provided, along with accommodation costs and travel expenses. Expatriates are entitled to a break system that allows for time off every two months, along with an additional rest day for each month worked. An insurance package covering healthcare expenses, including medical and surgical costs, is also provided. Living conditions in Herat may be limited, but the organization ensures that expatriates have access to basic services and security.