Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
Solidarités International (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association that has been operational for over 40 years. The organization is dedicated to providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters, focusing on meeting their basic needs for food, water, and shelter. SI is particularly committed to combating diseases linked to unsafe water, which is a leading cause of death globally. The organization has a strong presence in approximately twenty countries and employs around 2,500 individuals, including expatriates, national staff, permanent staff at headquarters, and volunteers. SI's interventions are characterized by professionalism and a commitment to respecting cultural norms.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director (CD) serves as the official representative of Solidarités International in Mozambique, responsible for external representation and direct communication with SI headquarters. The CD is tasked with proposing and implementing the country strategy once validated, coordinating teams, and ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to facilitate the smooth operation of the mission in alignment with strategic and project objectives. The role also encompasses the security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of employees and goods. The CD will face significant challenges, including a recent massive restructuring of the mission due to the termination of BHA funding, which has reduced staff from 140 to 40-50 in just two months and consolidated operations from three bases to one main coordination base and one sub-base. The CD must navigate potential tensions among staff and with local authorities and communities, manage the risk of decreased efficiency in security and project management, and address the complexities of the financial landscape in Mozambique.

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

• Develop and propose the country strategy for SI in Mozambique, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
• Oversee the implementation of the country strategy, ensuring that all activities are executed effectively and efficiently.
• Coordinate and manage the teams, ensuring that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and understood, particularly in light of recent staff reductions.
• Ensure the security of all employees and goods, adapting security management protocols to the new operational setup.
• Maintain close financial monitoring during a period of downsizing, ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately.
• Engage with local authorities, donors, and partners to represent SI and foster collaborative relationships.
• Monitor ongoing activities and projects, ensuring they are finalized within set timelines.
• Lead fundraising efforts and proposal development to secure additional funding for operations.
• Conduct regular assessments of the operational environment and adapt strategies as necessary to address emerging challenges.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess the following qualifications:

• A Master's degree in humanitarian action, development, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, or a related technical area pertinent to the humanitarian sector.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with at least 3-4 years in a similar leadership position.
• Strong macro financial management skills and familiarity with financial management tools used by SI.
• Excellent strategic planning and coordination abilities.
• Proven leadership and management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Strong representation skills to engage with donors, partners, and authorities.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as humanitarian action, development, international law, or any other technical area related to the humanitarian sector. This advanced education is essential to equip the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of humanitarian operations and leadership.

Experience:
The position requires a significant level of experience, specifically a minimum of 5 years in the humanitarian sector, with at least 3-4 years in a similar role as a Country Director or in a comparable leadership position. This experience should include managing teams, overseeing operations, and engaging with various stakeholders in challenging environments.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Additionally, proficiency in Portuguese is required, while knowledge of Spanish or Italian is considered a valuable asset that can enhance communication and collaboration in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as a short-term contract with a duration of 6 months, which is renewable based on performance and organizational needs. The role is full-time, and the successful candidate will be based in Pemba, Mozambique, at the coordination/operational office. The compensation package includes a gross monthly salary starting from EUR 3,740, which consists of a base salary of EUR 3,400 plus a 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly, along with a monthly per diem of USD 75

• SI covers accommodation costs and travel expenses between the expatriate's country of origin and the place of assignment. The organization also provides a comprehensive insurance package that covers healthcare expenses, including medical, surgical, dental, and repatriation costs, as well as essential vaccinations and antimalarial treatments. Living conditions in Pemba are described as normal, with access to comfortable accommodations, local amenities, and a supportive expatriate community.