Job Advertisement

Position Title: Head of Programs
Location: East Africa
Country: East Africa
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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. Their interventions emphasize access to Drinking Water, sanitation, hygiene promotion, Food Security, and livelihoods. SI operates in approximately twenty countries and employs around 3000 individuals, including expatriates, national staff, permanent staff at headquarters, and volunteers. The organization prides itself on professionalism and commitment while respecting cultural norms in the regions where it operates.

Job Overview:
The Head of Programs plays a crucial role in supporting the Director" id="link" class="link">Country Director in developing, setting up, implementing, and monitoring activities within the country. This position is responsible for supervising and coordinating all programs run by Solidarités International in the assigned country. The Head of Programs will face various strategic orientations and specific challenges, including Coordination and operational monitoring, program team management, reporting, communication, and representation. In the initial months, the Head of Programs will focus on supporting the Coordination Team and base teams in launching activities, overseeing recruitment, induction, and training of the program team, and ensuring that current activities are monitored and implemented according to planning and technical requirements. Additionally, this role involves coordinating the Design and writing of new proposals and contributing to the development of an intervention strategy for the country.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Head of Programs will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Supporting the Country Director in the overall management of the program.
• Supervising and coordinating the implementation of all programs in the country.
• Ensuring that all activities are aligned with the strategic objectives of the organization.
• Managing and mentoring the program team, providing guidance and support to enhance their skills and performance.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with local authorities, partners, and stakeholders to facilitate program implementation.
• Monitoring and evaluating program activities to ensure compliance with technical requirements and organizational standards.
• Preparing and submitting reports on program progress and challenges to the Country Director and other stakeholders.
• Leading the design and writing of new project proposals in collaboration with the team.
• Contributing to the development of a comprehensive intervention strategy for the country. 1
• Representing the organization in meetings and forums related to program activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in humanitarian or development studies, social sciences, management, or a related discipline. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of donor policies and guidelines, particularly experience with ECHO, BHA, or CDCS. They should also have experience working in countries with stringent administrative regulations and in coordination with local authorities. A solid background in principled-based approaches and diplomatic skills is essential, along with good reporting and writing abilities. Previous experience in consortium work and partnerships with local and international NGOs is highly valued, as is a proven ability to engage with donors and operational partners effectively.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree in humanitarian/development studies, social sciences, management, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the various challenges faced in the field.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with at least 3-4 years in similar positions. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the candidate is well-versed in the operational and strategic aspects of Program Management in a humanitarian context.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of a local language would be considered an asset, enhancing communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is a salaried role with a starting salary of EUR 2860 gross per month, which includes a base salary of EUR 2600 and a 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly. Additionally, there is 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 implements a break system during the assignment, allowing for 7 working days off every three months, along with a USD 850 break allowance. Expatriates benefit from a comprehensive insurance package covering healthcare expenses, including medical, surgical, dental, and repatriation costs. Essential vaccinations and antimalarial treatments are also reimbursed. Living conditions are generally good at the capital level, with access to essential goods and services, although field-level conditions may be more challenging.