Deputy Country Director in charge of Operations Kenya/ Somalia

Deputy Country Director in charge of Operations Kenya/ Somalia
Desired start date: 15/02/2016

Duration of the mission: 12 months subject to funding

Location: Nairobi duty station with frequent travel to Kenya and Somalia bases or meeting points (30-40% travel)

About the mission

Solidarités International has been operational in Kenya and Somalia since 2007. Solidarités International main areas of intervention are WaSH and Food Security. In Kenya since 2007, Solidarités International has field base in North Horr. Resilience and WaSH project are implemented in Marsabit County, with funding from EU and DFID. In Somalia, Solidarités International has field bases in two regions: Lower Juba (Dhobley) and Hiraan. Projects are focusing on WaSH and food security. At the time of the writing of this job description Solidarités International is also considering opening activities in other locations. The coordination is based in Nairobi. The Field Team dedicated to Somalia Programs is based in Somalia. The Field Team dedicated to Kenya is based in North Horr (Marsabit county).

Current Field Visit locations and their security context:

• Somalia: Dadaab/Dhobley/ Mandera/Dollow/ Other locations inside Somalia, where travel might be needed (i.e. Beletweyne, Galckayo, Mogadishu, Dollow, Elwak, Kismayo, Garowe)
• Kenya: Marsabit/ North Horr

About the job

The Deputy Country Director (DCD) in charge of Operations in close cooperation with the Head of Mission (HoM) 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 Solidarités International projects in Kenya and Somalia. The Deputy Head of Mission in charge of Operations supports the Head of Mission in setting up and monitoring operations. He/she is responsible for supervising and coordinating Solidarités International’s programs in Somalia and Kenya. 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 HoM.

Responsibilities

Strategic orientation Follow and analyze the humanitarian needs, the development of program sector strategies, the political, cultural and economic context of the countries of intervention Be proactive in proposing the setting up of new activities

Coordination and operational monitoring Ensure through support to Technical Coordinators and Field Coordinators that all programs are implemented in coherence with annual operational strategy, Solidarités International technical requirements and financial donor criteria

Team management Initiate and lead workshops and program department meetings (including launching of new programs) Set up training sessions in light of operational requirements Manage the Technical Coordination team as well as collaborators placed under his/her supervision

Reporting / communication / representation Consolidate internal reports and supervise the preparation of donors reports and amendments Oversee the development of timely and high quality reporting for each grant by the program team, for submission per Solidarités International and donor guidelines

Monitoring and evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) Manage the MEAL team and support it in developing, rolling out and monitoring the use of a country-wide MEAL strategy and tools for the collection and analysis of program information to inform all stages of the project cycle to increased shared learning internally and externally.

The main challenges of the position are As a senior member of the country management team (CMT), the DCD leads on the development of strategies and implementation of programming in both countries Kenya and Somalia.

Your 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 5 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 – Demonstrated success in program development and fundraising. Must have a successful track record in initiating, cultivating, and securing support from a range of institutional and private donors. – Extensive M&E knowledge and experience, including conducting surveys/assessments and analyzing data.
– 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

Technical skills and knowledge: – Strong working experience in ASAL areas – Knowledge and experience of working in Somalia – Strong expertise in resilience and emergency program required – Proven ability to lead culturally diverse teams – Previous working experience with Solidarités International 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

Application process Please open below link for details of the position requirements and to apply online http://www.solidarites.org/en/g/en/

Deadline for applications: 12th February 2016. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.

SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL is an equal opportunities employer