Title: MALI – Area Director (M/F) – BAMAKO
Job Description:
Desired start date: 01/11/2025
Duration of the mission: end of March 2026
Location : Bamako
SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association that, for over 40 years, has been providing relief to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters by meeting their basic needs, such as food, water, and shelter. Particularly committed to combating diseases linked to unsafe water, the world’s leading cause of death, SI’s interventions provide expertise in the areas of access to drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene promotion, as well as in the essential area of ​​food security and livelihoods. Present in 26 countries, SI’s teams – a total of 3,200 people, including expatriates, national employees, permanent staff at headquarters, and a few volunteers – operate with professionalism and commitment while respecting cultures.
The mission
SI has been present in Mali since 2012. SI has already implemented projects in food security, livelihoods, water, hygiene and sanitation for populations affected by successive shocks: pastoral, agricultural, climatic or security. With a dual nexus perspective, SI has the potential to intervene in both emergency humanitarian actions and development actions.
In 2024, the overall reduction in humanitarian funding led to the closure of two bases (Goundam in the Timbuktu region and Niono in the Segou region). SI now has two operational bases (the coordination base in Bamako and Mopti). To date, SI manages the activities of the project for Strengthening the Early Warning System, the resilience of populations affected by multi-risk shocks and WASH assistance in the districts of Niafunké, Timbuktu, Goundam, Rharous, Mopti and Djenné. A project funded by ECHO.
Although the overall reduction in humanitarian funding continues to increase in Mali, SI remains optimistic and continues to monitor humanitarian issues throughout the country and maintain good relations with donors.
General objective:
By delegation of the Mali-Burkina Faso Country Director, the Zone Director directs the development of SI action throughout the country (Mali), including the Mopti base.
It is mandated to ensure coordination between the bases and coordination, and to arbitrate where appropriate (unless otherwise advised by the Country Director). It ensures a high level of representation with aid stakeholders, administrative, military and political authorities, civil society and the media.
He is one of the guarantors of the security framework and respect for the ethical framework and values ​​of the organization.
Main Challenges:
1. Programmatic and Geographic Strategy 2026
2. Monitoring the quality of implementation of the ongoing project and coordination with implementation partners
3. Facilitating internal coordination with the coordination team in Burkina Faso
Priorities for the first 2/3 months:
1. Preparation of the proposal phase at the end of 2025/beginning of 2026 (in particular HIP 2026): programmatic, geographical positioning and diagnosis
2. Monitoring of the current project
3. Review/improvement of the coordination mechanisms of the new internal structure
Security constraints:
– Excursions outside Bamako depend on the context, which remains very volatile.
– List of go and no-go rules to follow in the city
SI operates in a complex security context where access remains very limited where significant humanitarian needs are identified. Several armed groups operate there and impose access restrictions in our intervention areas. Since the withdrawal of MINUSMA at the end of December 2023, FAMA soldiers have intensified operations against radical armed groups in the central and northern regions of the country. In this desire for territorial reconquest, administrative restrictions are imposed by the state party.
Conversely, the signatory groups carry out irregular checks/detentions against users and at the same time carry out asymmetric attacks against military positions by combining several modes of operation, including laying IEDs/mines, shelling and even ambushes. The combination of these actions severely restricts the humanitarian space, which can lead to stop-and-go attacks by NGOs.
A salaried position:
Depending on experience, from EUR 3190 gross per month (2900 basic salary + 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem of USD 550.
SI also covers accommodation costs and travel expenses between the expatriate’s home country and the duty station.
Breaks: During the mission, a system of alternating between work and leave is implemented at the rate of 7 working days every three months (with USD 850 allocated by Solidarités International). In addition to these break periods, there is one additional day of rest per month worked.
Social and medical coverage: Expatriates benefit from insurance that reimburses all health costs (including medical and surgical expenses, dental and ophthalmological care, and repatriation) and a welfare system that includes war risks. The costs of essential vaccinations and anti-malarial treatment are reimbursed.
LIVING CONDITIONS:
Living conditions in Bamako are very good with easy access to a wide range of restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, internet and telephone network, medical facilities, pharmacies, gyms, …
A comfortable house houses both the office and the Guest with individual rooms of a good standard and 24/7 electricity.
Security risks are low and restrictions are very limited in Bamako.
Formation :
- Bac+5 in Project Management
- 3-4 years of experience in the humanitarian sector
- Previous experience in a similar position would be an asset.
SKILLS :
Technical skills
1. Proven experience in donor relations and external representation at the national level (donors, authorities, partners, etc.)
2. Previous experience of working in consortium with international and national NGOs
3. Team management and good internal coordination capacity
4. Experience in security management at the national level
5. Expertise in the sectors of intervention in Mali (Wash and DRR) is an asset
Cross-functional skills
1. Ability to manage and prioritize a high workload and multiple tasks within tight deadlines.
2. Excellent communication and networking skills
3. Cross-cultural sensitivity and teamwork
4. Proven ability to develop a tailored humanitarian vision and strategy
5. Experience working with SI (or similar organization) is an asset.
6. Previous experience in West Africa would be considered an asset.
LANGUAGES :
1. French
2. Fluency in English is a plus
Do you recognize yourself in this description? If yes, please send us your CV and cover letter!
Please note that CV-only applications will not be considered, and that the vacancy may close before the deadline.
Thank you for your understanding.
To learn more about Sl: www.solidarites.org
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Solidarités International (SI) is committed to preventing and combating any type of abuse—any act of sexual exploitation, abuse, and/or harassment (SEAH) against members of beneficiary communities or its employees, harm to persons and/or property, fraud, corruption, undeclared conflicts of interest, or the financing of activities that violate human rights—that may be perpetrated in the context of its operations. SI has a zero-tolerance policy for any type of abuse, particularly acts of SEAH.
Solidarités International is a fair-trade employer that combats all forms of discrimination. SI will never request any compensation for participating in a recruitment process.
Solidarités International (SI) is determined to prevent and fight all type of abuse – all act of exploitation, abuse and/or sexual harassment (SEAH) against members of beneficiary communities or collaborators, fraud, corruption, violation of persons and/or property, funding of activities harmful to human rights – that could be perpetrated in the frame of its interventions. SI implements a zero-tolerance policy regarding acts of abuse, notably acts of SEAH.
Solidarités International is an equitable employer committed to find all forms of discrimination. SI will ever ask for any remuneration to take part in a recruitment process.