Desired start date: June 2025
Duration of the mission: 12 months
Location : Bunia
SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association that, for over 40 years, has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters by meeting their vital needs: drinking, eating, shelter. Particularly committed to the fight against diseases linked to unsafe water, the leading cause of death in the world, SI implements through its interventions expertise in the field of access to drinking water, sanitation and the promotion of hygiene, but also in the essential field of food security and livelihoods. Present in 26 countries, SI teams – 3,200 people in total made up of expatriates, national employees, permanent staff at headquarters, a few volunteers, etc. – intervene with professionalism and commitment while respecting cultures.
The mission
Solidarités International has been working in the DRC since 2001, to meet the humanitarian needs of populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters and to participate in the fight against epidemics. This is currently the organization’s third largest mission in terms of financial volume.
The mission is active in the areas of food security and livelihoods (FSL), water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH), and multi-sectoral cash transfer assistance (direct cash or fairs via the Red Rose tool). Each of our activities includes a strong Protection component (transversal or “stand alone” via an implementation partner).
Our programmes cover emergency response, through rapid response programmes (RRM) and “second line”. However, they also include recovery and development activities in stabilised areas. This approach illustrates the strategy chosen by the mission, namely maintaining a strong emergency response capacity while developing sustainable solutions to the problems affecting the populations in the east of the country.
The mission is made up of a coordination based in Goma and three operational bases located in Petit Nord Kivu (Goma, with a sub-base in Kiwandja), in Grand Nord Kivu (Beni, with the opening of a sub-base in Kamango) and in Ituri (Bunia, with a sub-base in Fataki). The financial volume of the mission currently stands at 19 million euros.
General objective:
The Country Director is the official representative of Solidarités International in the DRC.
He/She proposes, according to the geopolitical and humanitarian context, the mission strategy and ensures its implementation once validated. He/She is the guarantor of the proper implementation of projects in line with the IS intervention logic and in compliance with internal and contractual procedures. He/She mobilizes the material and financial resources necessary for the proper conduct of programs and coordinates the teams. He/She is the guarantor of security on the mission.
Main Challenges:
– Very volatile and extremely fluid security situation since the M23 offensive in North Kivu.
– Restructuring of teams in progress following the cessation of American funding.
EXPERIENCE:
Minimum 5 years’ experience in coordination positions, including at least 1 year in a similar position
Knowledge of the area is a plus
COMPETENCES:
Excellent skills in analyzing the context and humanitarian needs, and in defining appropriate strategic and programmatic axes.
Strong team management and leadership skills, ability to unite teams around a vision, a project.
Excellent communication, negotiation and diplomacy skills with local authorities and partners
Adaptability, flexibility and good resistance to stress
Demonstrated experience in security management including critical incident management.
LANGUAGES:
French, English required
A salaried position: Depending on experience, from EUR 3740 gross per month (3400 basic salary + 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem of USD 800
SI also covers accommodation costs and travel expenses between the expatriate’s home country and the duty station.
Breaks: During the mission, a system of alternating between work and leave is set up at a rate of 7 working days every three months (with USD 850 allocated by Solidarités International). In addition to these break periods, there is one additional day of rest per month worked.
Social and medical coverage: Expatriates benefit from insurance that reimburses all health costs (including medical and surgical costs, dental and ophthalmological care, repatriation) and a welfare system that includes war risks. The costs of essential vaccinations and anti-malarial treatment are reimbursed.
LIVING CONDITIONS:
Accommodation in GH.
Good living conditions in Bunia, where coordination has been moved from Goma due to security instability in the area.
