Deputy Country Director - Programs

Deputy Country Director - Programs

Solidarites International

August 6, 2026September 20, 2026AbujaNigeria
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
Solidarités International (SI) is an international humanitarian aid organization 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 approximately 3,200 individuals, including expatriates, national staff, and volunteers. SI's mission is characterized by professionalism and a commitment to respecting cultural norms in its interventions.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Country Director - Programs (DCD-Programs) is responsible for providing leadership and management of strategic programming within the organization. This role involves overseeing the development, quality, and accountability of SI's programs in Nigeria. The DCD-Programs ensures that program activities are coherent, evidence-based, adaptable to contextual changes, and conflict-sensitive. The position requires close collaboration with technical coordinators, field coordinators, and support services to address operational constraints. The DCD-Programs will also lead the implementation of institutional workstreams and cross-cutting themes, while navigating challenges such as access issues and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security constraints in certain areas. The role demands a focus on partnership and localization, requiring innovative operational modalities to support local partners effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DCD-Programs will lead a program coordination-team" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">coordination team that includes the FSL Coordinator, WASH Coordinator, and MEAL Coordinator. Key responsibilities include:
  • Providing strategic leadership and management for program development and implementation.
  • Ensuring internal coherence between program activities and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Monitoring program quality and accountability, adapting strategies based on evaluations and needs assessments.
  • Collaborating with field coordinators and support services to mitigate operational challenges.
  • Leading the roll-out of institutional workstreams and cross-cutting themes in collaboration with the program coordination team.
  • Engaging in external representation and partnership development.
  • Supporting the programmatic strategy for 2027-2029 and overseeing project implementation in accordance with deadlines and quality standards.
  • Monitoring partnerships and capacity-building plans in coordination with relevant departments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Humanitarian Affairs, Programming, International Affairs, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector is required, with at least 3-4 years in a similar leadership position. Candidates should demonstrate extensive knowledge of project cycle management and monitoring tools, as well as operational monitoring in insecure environments. Familiarity with cross-cutting issues such as environmental adaptations, gender, and protection mainstreaming is essential. Knowledge of SI's sectors of intervention, including WASH, FSL, and Shelter, is considered a plus. Strong skills in partnership mapping and development are also required.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in relevant fields such as Humanitarian Affairs, Programming, or International Affairs is mandatory for this position. This educational background should provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively manage humanitarian programs and respond to complex challenges in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with at least 3-4 years in a similar role. This experience should include leadership responsibilities and a proven track record of managing programs in challenging environments, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Hausa is considered a strong asset, while knowledge of French is also advantageous. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages will enhance collaboration with local partners and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, with frequent field visits expected to regional offices in Maiduguri, Birnin Kebbi, and potentially Gusau or Sokoto. The contract duration is 6 months, with a desired start date of October 1, 202
  • The salary for this position starts from EUR 3,080 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 and travel expenses. The organization offers a comprehensive insurance package that covers healthcare expenses, including medical, dental, and repatriation costs. Living conditions in Abuja are described as good, with access to various amenities and a comfortable guest house environment.
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