What are we doing…?
Desired start date: ASAP
Contract duration: Fixed-term contract, Duration: 12 months
Localisation: Goma, RDC
SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) is an international humanitarian aid organization that, for over 40 years, has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflict and natural disasters by addressing their vital needs: water, food, and shelter. Particularly committed to combating diseases linked to unsafe water, the leading cause of death worldwide, SI implements its interventions with expertise in the areas of access to drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion, as well as in the essential areas of food security and livelihoods. Present in more than 20 countries, SI’s teams—a total of 2,500 people, including expatriates, national staff, headquarters staff, and a few volunteers—operate with professionalism and dedication, respecting local cultures.
The mission
Solidarités International has been working in the DRC since 2001 to address the humanitarian needs of populations impacted by conflict and natural disasters and to contribute to the fight against epidemics.
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 vouchers). Each activity includes a protection component (either integrated across sectors or implemented independently through an implementing partner). Programs cover emergency response through Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRMs) and second-line support. However, they also include recovery and development activities in stabilized areas. This approach reflects the mission’s strategy: maintaining a strong emergency response capacity while developing more sustainable solutions to the challenges facing populations in the eastern part of the country.
The mission comprises a coordination office and operational bases located in the provinces of North Kivu, Ituri, and South Kivu. As part of its multi-year strategy, Solidarités International in the DRC aims to open new sub-offices and expand its program portfolio. In 2026, its financial commitment exceeded USD 25 million. Field teams implement various projects while conducting multi-sectoral assessments to secure additional funding and continue supporting vulnerable populations.
The DRC mission employs an average of 210 staff, including 21 expatriates. The Program Department at the coordination level comprises: a Deputy Country Director for Programs, a SAME Coordinator, an WASH Coordinator, and a MEAL Coordinator. The recruitment of a Deputy WASH Coordinator is being finalized.
Job description
GENERAL OBJECTIVE
The Deputy Country Director for Programs (DCDP) supports the Country Director (CD) in the implementation and monitoring of the programmatic strategy and donor engagement. They are responsible for the operation of all programs and the oversight of projects in compliance with internal and contractual procedures, as well as for monitoring the quality of all SI programming in the DRC. They coordinate the technical coordination team and ensure optimal management and supervision. They contribute programmatic elements to the country strategy, in support of the CD, and can assist the CD with all tasks inherent to their role as needed.
SPECIFIC ISSUES AND CHALLENGES
– SI aims to remain a major player in the emergency response in the DRC
– Strategic positioning on the emergency response: linked to the negotiation of humanitarian access (SI’s mandate: to go where others don’t) but also taking into account the inter-community dimension in the intervention and positioning strategy
– Increased operational volume: diversification of funding and expansion of intervention areas
– Continuous donor engagement with consistent participation and a strategic perspective to provide donors with briefings on the programmatic strategy
– Development of early recovery activities (and potentially development)
– Continued monitoring of quality and cross-cutting aspects (protection mainstreaming skills, environmental aspects, gender, etc.)
– Strategic perspective on the programmatic strategy
– Fluency in English is essential
PRIORITY FOR THE FIRST 2/3 MONTHS
– Familiarize yourself with the country programmatic strategy, which will be finalized upon taking up the post.
– Monitor the implementation of the various action plans of the technical coordinators in the development of the programmatic strategy.
– Lead the operational groups of the consortia, for example SAFER (OCU).
– Lead programmatic engagement with donors (visits, online briefings, etc.), including the donor tour to Kinshasa planned for October.
– Lead programmatic drafting of project proposals in coordination with the department’s technical coordinators
. – Monitor mission projects in conjunction with the technical coordinators (Cross-cutting Protection, NEAT+, etc.).
– Serve as interim Country Director during her leave.
SECURITY CONSTRAINTS
The entire eastern DRC is categorized as a level 4 security zone, and all operational areas remain particularly volatile. The major security constraints are: 1. persistent instability in the area due to the presence and activity of several armed groups; 2. logistical constraints due to impassable roads, and the need to support development in the area with a strengthened logistical structure to reduce security risks during field missions; 3. generally very good acceptance among communities, but the need for continuous community engagement to maintain this acceptance; 4. constant media disinformation that can increase fear in the area and must be disseminated quickly; 5. In addition, there is the current Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic affecting eastern DRC, particularly the three provinces where SI is present and operational, with obvious security and access constraints that partners are working to address.
Your profile
Master’s degree in international relations, development cooperation and humanitarian action, political science (or equivalent)
5+ years of experience in the humanitarian sector
Experience in a similar role: 3-4 years
1. Excellent representation and coordination capabilities within various bodies, with donors, the human resources community, consortia and clusters
2. Excellent strategic vision and good knowledge of rapid response mechanisms
3. Excellent communication and writing skills for various documents
1. Excellent managerial skills
2. Good ability to analyze context and humanitarian needs
3. Very good knowledge of the issues of accountability and cross-cutting protection
1. French (MUST) – proficiency
2. English (MUST) – very good skills
SI will offer you the following conditions
A salaried position: Depending on experience, starting from EUR 3300 gross per month (3000 base 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 place of assignment.
Breaks: During the mission, a system of alternating work and leave is in place, with 7 working days off every three months (with USD 850 allocated by Solidarités International). In addition to these break periods, one extra day of leave is granted for each month worked.
Social and medical coverage: Expatriates benefit from insurance that reimburses all healthcare costs (including medical and surgical fees, dental and ophthalmological care, and repatriation) and a supplementary benefits system that includes war risks. Essential vaccination and antimalarial treatment costs are reimbursed.
LIVING CONDITIONS:
- Accommodation in guest houses with private rooms and bathrooms.
Cooks are available, and there is access to a relatively varied, high-quality food that can be adapted to different diets. - Some activities available (restaurants and bars. Possibility of doing sports).
- Evolving security rules depending on the context, with curfews changing according to the area.
- Note: Due to the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, certain restrictions are currently in place in the city of Goma, where the post is based. However, these rules are being reviewed as the situation stabilizes.
How to apply
How to apply
Do you recognize yourself in this description?
If so, please send us your CV and cover letter: Submit your application – SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL
Applications containing only CVs will not be considered.
SI reserves the right to close a recruitment process before the advertised deadline. Thank you for your understanding.
To learn more about Solidarités International: www.solidarites.org