YEMEN – Country Director – ADEN

Solidarités International

Posted on: 08/11/2022
Desired start date: 01/02/2023
Duration of the mission: 12 months (renewable pending fundings)
Location: Position based in Aden

ABOUT THE MISSION

SI opened its mission in Yemen in 2017, establishing its coordination in Aden. Over the course of 2018, SI established its presence in Al Turbah and Al Mokha in Taizz Governorate. With the opening of Al Mokha base late 2018, SI was one of the first humanitarian actors to start operations on the “West Coast”, which are now covering the southern districts of Hodeidah Governorate, close to one of the main frontlines of the conflict. In Al Turbah, SI is now looking at expanding its programming to recovery-type of projects, as well as its outreach to the city of Taizz, which after Hodeidah has been the second main frontline of the war.

For the year 2023 the mission has a forecasted budget of about 14M Euros. It operates from Aden, where the coordination is based, and 2 operational field bases located in Al Turbah and Al Mokha. The mission is currently composed of 17 expatriates and about 130 national staffs and is funded by BHA, ECHO, YHF, CDCS, CIAA, SDC, Dutch MOFA. The programming focuses on three main sectors of intervention: Wash, FSL and Shelter; and its related portfolio is primarily composed of WASH Emergency projects integrating early recovery, along with unconditional cash distribution and livelihood activities. Strategic and institutional priorities for the mission in 2023 is to maintain its Emergency Response capacity, and develop operational capacity in the Field Offices, while progressively phasing into resilience programming

ABOUT THE JOB

General objective:

The Country Director is the Solidarités International official representative in a country.

S/He is in charge of the smooth running of the mission.

S/He proposes mission strategy, according to the geopolitical and humanitarian context, and ensures its implementation once it has been validated.

S/He monitors projects, ensuring that they are progressing in accordance with the Solidarités International charter and complying with internal and contractual procedures.

S/He mobilizes the material and financial resources necessary for the programs to run effectively and supervises the administration of these resources.

S/He coordinates the teams in place and ensures their security on the mission.

S/He is the direct liaison for Solidarités International HQ.

Responsibilities and main activities:

The Country Director will lead a foreseen team of 17 expatriates’ staff in different bases and 130 national staff. Under its direct line management, the CD has 3 Field Coordinators, 1 Logistics Coordinator, 1 Admin Coordinator, 1 HR Coordinator, and 1 Deputy Country Director – Programs, 1 Security and Access responsible and 1 liaison officer.

Specific Stake and Challenges :

Opened in 2017, Yemen mission remains quite young, with associated challenges in terms of national staff capacity, overall structuration, and capitalization. While a lot of work has been done to structure the mission, and strengthen local capacities, enforcement of established roles and responsibilities, as well as of SI standard procedures, remains a continuous effort.

Priorities for the 2/3 first months :

  • Carry out the newly developed 2022-2025 Strategy and ensure the implementation of Annual Plans

  • Supervise the mission fundraising based on the programming of the mission, and proposal development in support to technical coordinators

  • Strengthen SI representation and visibility

      • YOUR PROFILE

        • Education and Experienc
        • Third level qualification in humanitarian/development studies, social sciences, management or other related discipline.
        • Minimum 5 years overseas experience working with an international humanitarian/development NGO, with strong program management, team management and financial management experience;
        • Minimum 2 years in a similar position
        • Experience of working and managing security in insecure environments
        • Proven management ability, including ability to motivate and develop skills of team’s members. Must be able to make sound management decisions in difficult situations and also be able to work in a participatory manner with colleagues.
        • Proven ability to deal with donors and operational partners.
        • Proven ability to develop adapted humanitarian vision and strategy.
        • Experience working with SI (or a similar organization) is an asset
        • Prior experience in the Middle East (particularly on Yemen crisis) is an asset
        • Skills and Qualities
        • Strong knowledge of donors’ policies and guidelines;
        • Strong knowledge of the project cycle management;
        • Strong knowledge of principled-based approaches and advocacy skills;
        • Excellent communication, networking skills, organizational and prioritization skills, ability to multi-task
        • Excellent reporting and writing skills
        • Extensive knowledge of project cycle management
        • Used to work in political and security volatile environments
        • Capacity to adapt and show organizational flexibility
        • Cross cultural sensitivity, good sense of humor and great team member
        • Fluent English (written, spoken and read)
        • Knowledge of Arabic is an asset
        • Knowledge of French is an asset
        • Computer literacy with very good command of MS Office

SI WILL OFFER YOU

A salaried post:
According to experience, starting from 3300 euros gross per month (3000 base salary + 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem rate of 750 USD a month.

Vacation:
Vacation: during the assignment, a system of alternation between work and time off is implemented at the rate of one break after every two months spent on the mission.

Social and medical cover:
Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which reimburses all healthcare expenses (including medical and surgical expenses, dental care and ophthalmological expenses, repatriation) and a welfare system including war risks. Essential vaccination and antimalarial treatment costs are refunded.

LIVING CONDITIONS AND CONSTRAINTS RELATED TO SECURITY :

The Country Director is responsible of the security for the entire mission, with the support of the Logistic Coordinator, and assisted by the Security and Access Responsible.

Aden

The situation in terms of security remains volatile in Aden, linked to the political tensions and presence of several armed groups competing over the control of the city. In the context of Aden however, INGOs are not a direct target. Main risks for INGOs in Aden relate to crossfire (wrong location at the wrong moment), crowd mob and road accidents. To mitigate these risks, SI has developed strict security rules that the applicant needs to be ready to abide to.

Living conditions

The living conditions in Aden are good and are being constantly improved so as to retain expatriate staffs. The guesthouse and office are in the same building, which has limited outdoor space except for a very large rooftop. Because of the context and nature of threats, security rules are restrictive: curfew at 10.30PM, movements allowed only within limited perimeters, few places authorized for expatriates. Local supermarkets are supplied with most food items we can find in Western countries, except for cheese. Most INGOs in Aden have permanent expatriate presence, and, within the limits of the curfew, social gathering can/is taking place. Trips to the field are possible for expatriates under certain condition and rules.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Does this description fit you? Please send us your CV and Cover letter in English. CV only applications will not be considered.

NB: The vacancy may close before the deadline. Thank you for your comprehension

For further information about Solidarités International, please consult our website: http://www.solidarites.org/en/

How to apply

https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=YXNzaXN0LnJlY3J1dC4wNjQwOS4zODMwQHNvbGlkYXJpdGVzaW50ZXJuYXRpb25hbC5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20