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Position Title: Head of Support Services
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 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. Their interventions include expertise in 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 HQ staff, and volunteers, all committed to professionalism and cultural respect in their operations.

Job Overview:
The Head of Support Services (HSS) is a pivotal role within the mission, responsible for leading and coordinating the support services, which encompass Finance, Human Resources, and Logistics. The HSS ensures compliance with Solidarités International's HR, Finance, and Logistics processes, as well as adherence to donor requirements. This position involves direct management of the Finance, HR, and Logistics managers and participation in the strategic Design of the mission. The HSS will face specific challenges such as team management, Coordination, risk management, and overseeing various departmental tasks. In the initial months, the HSS will focus on recruiting and training the support team, launching ECHO and CDCS programs, and establishing the coordination office while ensuring compliance with national regulations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Support Services include:

• Leading the support services of the mission, ensuring effective management and coordination of Finance, HR, and Logistics departments.
• Ensuring compliance with Solidarités International's policies and donor requirements.
• Directly managing the Finance, HR, and Logistics managers.
• Participating in the design and implementation of the mission strategy.
• Coordinating the recruitment, induction, and training of the support team.
• Overseeing the launch of ECHO and CDCS programs.
• Setting up the coordination office and implementing administrative processes in line with national regulations.
• Managing partnerships and ensuring effective communication with local authorities and stakeholders.
• Reporting on progress and challenges to senior management.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Head of Support Services position include:

• A Master’s Degree in humanitarian/development studies, social sciences, management, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector.
• At least 3-4 years of experience in similar positions.
• Strong knowledge of donor policies and guidelines, particularly with ECHO, BHA, or CDCS.
• Proven experience in countries with stringent administrative regulations and coordination with local authorities.
• Excellent reporting and writing skills, with a track record of successful partnerships with local and international NGOs.
• Familiarity with mission opening phases and SI tools and processes, particularly in WASH, FSL, and Shelter sectors is advantageous.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in humanitarian/development studies, social sciences, management, or a related field. This educational background is essential to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian aid and development work.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, with at least 3-4 years in similar leadership roles. This experience is crucial for effectively managing support services and navigating the challenges of humanitarian missions.

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

Additional Notes:
The position is salaried, with compensation starting from EUR 2860 gross per month, which includes a base salary of EUR 2600 and a 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly. Additionally, a monthly Per Diem of USD 750 is provided. SI covers accommodation costs and travel expenses between the expatriate's home country and the assignment location. The organization implements a break system, 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. Living conditions are generally good at the capital level, with access to essential goods and services, although field-level conditions may vary.