Directeur Pays

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Position Title: Directeur Pays
Location: Bunia
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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. The organization operates in 26 countries with a total of 3,200 staff members, including expatriates, national employees, headquarters staff, and a few volunteers. SI has been active in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2001, addressing humanitarian needs caused by conflicts and natural disasters and participating in the fight against epidemics. Currently, the DRC mission is the third largest in terms of financial volume, with a budget of 19 million euros. The mission focuses on security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and livelihoods, water, hygiene, and sanitation, and multi-sector cash assistance. SI's programs include emergency response through rapid response mechanisms and also involve recovery and development activities in stabilized areas. The mission is strategically designed to maintain a strong emergency response capacity while developing sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by populations in the eastern part of the country.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director serves as the official representative of Solidarités International in the DRC. This role involves proposing a mission strategy based on the geopolitical and humanitarian context and ensuring its implementation once validated. The Country Director is responsible for the effective execution of projects in alignment with SI's intervention logic and adherence to internal and contractual procedures. This position requires mobilizing the necessary material and financial resources for the successful conduct of programs and coordinating the teams involved. Additionally, the Country Director is responsible for ensuring the safety of the mission, which is particularly challenging given the volatile security situation in the region, especially following the M23 offensive in North Kivu. The role also involves managing team restructuring due to the cessation of American funding.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director's primary responsibilities include:

• Representing SI in the DRC and ensuring effective communication with local authorities, partners, and stakeholders.
• Developing and implementing the mission strategy in response to the humanitarian context.
• Overseeing project implementation to ensure compliance with SI's intervention logic and internal procedures.
• Mobilizing financial and material resources necessary for program execution.
• Coordinating and managing the teams, fostering a collaborative and motivated work environment.
• Ensuring the safety and security of all staff and operations, including managing critical incidents.
• Engaging in strategic planning and analysis to adapt to the evolving humanitarian needs and security challenges.
• Reporting on mission activities and financial management to headquarters.
• Leading the restructuring of teams in response to funding changes and ensuring staff well-being and support.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in coordination roles, with at least 1 year in a similar position.
• Strong analytical skills to assess the humanitarian context and define strategic and programmatic directions.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to unite teams around a shared vision and project.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and diplomatic skills, particularly with local authorities and partners.
• Adaptability, flexibility, and resilience under stress.
• Demonstrated experience in security management, including handling critical incidents.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate should have a relevant educational background, typically a degree in international relations, humanitarian studies, or a related field. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian assistance or project management are advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have substantial experience, specifically at least 5 years in coordination roles within humanitarian contexts, with a strong preference for those who have worked in similar environments. Familiarity with the DRC region is considered a significant asset.

Languages:
Fluency in French and English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered a plus.

Additional Notes:
This is a salaried position with a gross monthly salary starting from EUR 3,740 (including a base salary of EUR 3,400 plus a 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly per diem of USD 80

• SI also covers housing expenses and travel costs between the expatriate's home country and the duty station. The position includes a work and leave rotation system, allowing for 7 working days off every three months, with an additional day of rest for each month worked. Expatriates benefit from comprehensive health insurance covering all medical expenses, including dental and optical care, repatriation, and necessary vaccinations. Living conditions in Bunia are reported to be good, with the coordination office having been relocated from Goma due to security instability.