Kenya/Somalia - Deputy Country Director - Nairobi

Position: Deputy Country Director Kenya/Somalie
Base:Nairobi duty station with frequent travel to Kenya and Somalia bases or meeting points (30-40% travel)
Duration :12 months
Starting date : ASAP

Context of the position

Solidarites International has been operational in Somalia since 2007. SI main areas of intervention are WASH and Food Security. In Kenya since 2007, SOLIDARITES has field base in North Horr. Resilience and WASH project are implemented in Marsabit county, with funding from EU and DFID. In Somalia, SOLIDARITES has field bases in two regions: Gedo with offices in Mandera (on Kenyan side), Luuq and Elwaq and in Galgaduud with offices in Adaado and Abudwak. Projects are focusing on WASH and food security. SI secured funding form ECHO, OFDA, CHF and UNICEF. At the time of the writing of this job description SI is also considering opening activities in other locations.

How the mission is organised:

The coordination is based in Nairobi. The Field Team dedicated to Somalia Programs is based in Dadaab and Mandera in Kenya, close to the Somalia Border. The Field Team dedicated to Somalia is based in North Horr (Marsabit county).

Insecurity in Somalia does of course affect our presence on the ground. This situation has deteriorated lastly, affecting all humanitarian activities of all humanitarian actors, and incurring real difficulty of access.

Objectives of the position

The Deputy Director Programs in close cooperation with Country Director, provides a leadership, decision-making and coordinating role on programmatic issues, both in the development of quality proposals as well as the effective implementation of Solidarites International projects in Kenya and Somalia.

• The Deputy Head of Mission in charge of Operations, supports the Head of Mission (HoM) in setting up and monitoring operations.


• He/she is responsible for supervising and coordinating Solidarités International’s programs in Somalia and Kenya.

As a senior member of the country management team (CMT), the Deputy Director Programs leads on the development of strategies and implementation of programming in both coutnries (one region in Kenya and three regions in Somalia).

The Deputy Director of Programs line manages four staff members (WASH technical coordinator, FSL technical coordinator, Reporting Officer and M&E officer). The Deputy Director of Programs reports to the Country Director.

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Strategic orientation


• Coordination and operational monitoring


• Team management


• Reporting / communication / representation


• Monitoring and evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL)

PROFILE:

Education:

• Relevant university degree (Master or Post graduate), preferably in international relations and/or development, political science or management. Experience can substitute qualification but not vice versa.

Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of experience overseas (including 2 years at Senior management level) in complex emergencies, preferably with refugees and/or IDPs/WASH/Food Security and ASAL countries


• Strong experience in programme development and documented skills in formulation of programme/project proposal as well as budgets and reports


• Ability to use Logical Framework Approach as a tool in programme/project design and follow up


• Experience in negotiating and advocating with government authorities and donors for solutions that serve the needs of beneficiaries, pursuing values of internationally recognized and universal character in a, post-conflict context with a strong respect of local culture and tradition


• Experience of strategic programming and planning, field implementation, monitoring and implementation


• Must Have extensive M&E knowledge and experience, including conducting surveys/assessments and analyzing data.

Technical skills and knowledge:

• Demonstrated success in program development and fundraising


• Strong inter-personal skills


• Must have a successful track record in initiating, cultivating, and securing support from a range of institutional and private donors.


• Strong expertise in resilience and emergency program required


• Strong working experience in ASAL areas


• Proven ability to lead projects and proposal development teams


• Previous working experience with SI is an asset


• Good knowledge of donors procedures (esp. ECHO, OFDA/USAID, DFID and EU)

Transferable skills:

• Very comfortable with standard office software and internet research.

Languages:

• English: Fluent with excellent writing capacities


• French: Fluent with excellent writing capacities


• Somali: knowledge of Somali is an advantage

Line manager: Country Director
Line reports on base: WASH Coordinator, Food Security and Livelihood Coordinator, Reporting and Communication Officer, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer
Functional manager: Desk program manager
Functional report: Field coordinator

CONTACT: Mano GAUDIN, Recruitment & Follow Up Officer