Solidarités International (SI) recruits 01 Country Director

Desired start date: 07/10/2019 
Duration of the mission: 9 months (renewable)
Location: Position based in Erbil

ABOUT THE MISSION IN IRAK …

The SI mission in Iraq opened in February 2017 with a focus on the Mosul response. The mission is relatively small with one base in the capital Erbil (6-7 expatriates and approx. 8 national staff) and a field base in Mosul (3 expats and approx. 20 national staff). SI’s work in 2018 focused in the centre of Mosul, working on water network rehabilitation in west Mosul. In 2019 SI began work outside of Mosul city, expanding into wider Mosul District in Muhallabiyah and Hamdaniyah (Nimrud Camp).

The mission will keep an emergency WASH component through the team’s work in Nimrud camp, and will explore new areas of intervention in 2019/2020. SI is well recognized for their contribution to the WASH sector in Iraq and this will remain in 2019/2020, alongside a strategy to diversify SI programmes by entering the Food Security and Livelihood sector.

SI is currently the lead of two OCHA IHF-funded WASH consortia in Iraq; the WASH Consortium for In-Camp Interventions (WCICI) and the WASH Out of Camp Consortium (WOCC). Under these consortia SI also delivers two projects as a partner:

1. 6 months WASH project in Nimrud Camp, Ninewa: one camp targeted by SI (3000 individuals); the provision of water trucking, desludging, garbage collection, hygiene promotion and kit distribution and the refurbishment of sanitation blocks and cesspits.
2. 4 months WASH project in Muhallabiyah, Ninewa (rural context), providing water trucking to areas which are not connected to the water network and connecting households who are in the area of a water network but who are not yet connected to the network.
3. Both project have been extended until 31^st of August.
4. It is expected that SI will continue as the WASH actor in Nimrud camp beyond the end of this project and new funding is in the process of being identified

ABOUT THE JOB

General objective:

– Represent the organization in country toward partners, donors and local authorities.

– Ensure the smooth running of the mission.

– Ensure development and implementation of the mission strategy, according to the regional Solidarites International strategy and positioning in Iraq based on geopolitical and humanitarian context.

– Mobilizes the material and financial resources necessary for the programs to run effectively and supervises the administration of these resources.

– Monitors projects, ensuring that they are progressing in accordance with the Solidarités International charter and complying with internal and contractual procedures.

– Coordinates the teams in place and ensures their security on the mission.

– Direct liaison for Solidarités International HQ.

• Specific challenges :

– Contextual and security analysis in country

– Actively seek for funding and cooperation opportunities in Iraq competitive environment; ensure low financial risk of operations, continuation of program and possible expansion in terms of geographical areas and sectors

– Develop stakeholder analysis, develop and maintain strong relation with donors,

– Ensure access to intervention areas

– Readjust the operational strategy according to contextual evolutions, and maintain a strong internal coordination with SI mission in Syria, with the aim to jointly develop a regional humanitarian strategy.

• Priorities for the 2/3 first months

– Ensure continuation of program and funding

– Develop strategic partnerships priorities in shifting operational environment in Iraq, ensure SI positioning within early recovery actors

– Ensure the conformity of SI reporting to Baghdad Department of NGOs

– understand the articulation of Iraq mission with Syria mission, Erbil being a hub for all expats going to North Est Syria.

•  Responsibilities and main activities:

Reporting to the Country director, the setup will be evolving : one Admin/Logistic coordinator; one Mosul Field coordinator; Consortium director; Reporting and Monitoring Officer; Liaison officer (national staff)

Without hierarchic relation with Iraq mission, the Syria mission has two permanents positions based in Erbil.

YOUR PROFILE

Experience:

• More than 3 years of professional humanitarian experience at senior management level.
• Demonstrated experience in conflict contexts and insecure environments, with consequent experience in supporting emergency response programming, access negociation and security analysis and management.
• Previous experience in the Middle East would be a strong asset.
• Extensive program development and fund raising experience, including in working with major institutional donors.

Soft skills:

• Problem-solving skills and ability to make decisions
• Outstanding communication skills, including excellent diplomacy skills with the ability to influence and negotiate.
• Analytical skills and proven organization and methodical skills
• Strong interest in the context and strong commitment to humanitarian work and principles.
• Ability to withstand pressure
• Good sense of humor and great team member

Languages:

• Fluency in English, both written and verbal. Arabic is an advantage.

Others: 

Commitment to the fundamental principles of SI’s charter and ethos.

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. SI also covers accommodation costs and travel expenses between the expatriate’s country of origin and the place of assignment.

Vacation: 
During the assignment, a system of alternation between work and time off is implemented at the rate of one break every three months. Our policy was just modified: from now on, Solidarités offers you 7 working days ever three months, with a 850 USD allowance for each break. In addition to these regular break, SI adds a day off per worked month. These days off as well as the breaks are not deducted from the paid leaves that are paid every months with your salary as they are offered by the organization.

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 :

There are good living conditions in Erbil: individual rooms in one of two fully equipped guest houses. There is a separate office about 10 minutes walk from the guesthouses. It is possible to walk around the neighborhood and there are many shops and restaurants, and some bars and restaurants which sell alcohol. There are parks in the city where you can walk or go running, and many malls and shops which sell a very large variety of goods. Expats can face street or taxi driver harassment, in particular female expat staff. It is recommended that expats do not walk alone late at night or take unknown taxis on their own.

For the office/guesthouse in Mosul there are strict security procedures in place (curfew, no movements at night, no restaurants), though the situation is improving and since SI is registered it may be possible to review some of these rules. Movement takes place by car to the local food shops and it is possible to get take-away food (pizza, falafel, chicken). The office is comfortable and well maintained with individual rooms which are assigned to each expat, and a room for visitors. The wifi and electricity is generally stable.

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/