SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association which, since more than 40 years, has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters by meeting their basic needs for food, water and shelter. Particularly committed to the fight against diseases linked to unsafe water, the leading cause of death in the world, SI's interventions provide expertise in the field of access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, but also in the essential area of food security and livelihoods. Present in some twenty countries, the SI teams – 2500 people in total, made up of expatriates, national staff, permanent staff at HQ, and a few volunteers - intervene with professionalism and commitment while respecting cultural norms.
Following the 2022 monsoon season with significantly higher than average rainfall, a state of emergency was declared and 33 million people were reported as being affected across the country by the GoP, with 20,6 million people in dire need of humanitarian assistance and only 7.34 million people having received it as of February 2023 (OCHA). While water has receded in many locations, 1.8 million people still live by remaining stagnant flood water putting people at further risk of water-related diseases. The floods have resulted in significant destruction of individual and public infrastructure, crop areas and livestock and the World Bank estimates that 8,4 and 9,1 million people will be pushed into poverty. Inflation rate have been extremely high since August 2022, reaching 42.9% on food only in January 23 and 40% on sensitive items in February 2023 year-to-year. Finally, the main health concerns reported were malnutrition (SAM and MAM), diarrheal diseases, malaria, skin diseases and respiratory tract infection (during and after the floods).
Sindh province which is by far the most affected province across sectors – 23 districts out of 30 were declared calamity hits with 12 million people affected. Almost all urban and rural areas were flooded with sewage-mixed rainwater, while floods have washed away the standing crops. With regards to WASH, 21% of the population in the Sindh province have no access to an improved source of water and 32% are deprived of adequate sanitation. Assessments from humanitarian partners focusing on rural areas report higher figures with 65% of the population relying on unprotected or open water sources and 80% of the population declaring practicing open defecation.
The Pakistan Mission has been re-opened recently and the first teams of SI deployed in Pakistan on November 2022. SI has launched its first intervention in Jacobabad District of Sindh province early 2023 and is currently positioning itself in the area with the following axes of intervention:
The budget is so far, of approximately 1.3MUSD and will have to be developed further. The set up of the mission is the following :
One coordination office in Islamabad (yet to be opened) with 1 CD, 1 WASH COO, 1 CD Assistant and 1 Support Coordinator. In the opening phase, the Coordination team is expected to spend a lot of time on the field in Sindh to ensure a quality response and to develop the mission exploring other relevant areas ;
One operational base in Sukkur focusing on flood response (emergency and recovery) with 1 Field Coordinator and full operational teams
General objectives
Responsible for the overall management of the Sukkur base. coordinates the departments activities, and ensures that the support and program departments work together harmoniously Contributes to the training of teams and the integration of new employees. Is the guarantor of the qualitative and timely implementation of activities in compliance with SI and donor processes. Ensures a Humanitarian monitoring over the Activity Zone, North Sindh and border areas of Baluchistan and adjacent areas. proposes adaptations of the programs in the event of a change of context (new flood, drought, worsening of the economic situation, etc.) Is the guarantor of the safety of the teams in the intervention area, ensures a context monitoring, ensures that the security SOPs are known and respected, proposes adaptations when relevant.Priorities for the 2/3 first months:
With the program team, Monitoring of ongoing programs, to ensure that activities are carried out qualitatively and timely, and are relevant taking into consideration humanitarian context evolution Organize field assessment in Sukkur Jacobabad and adjacent areas, depending of the evolution of the needs. Ensures the training of new employees (IS tool) and ensures their integration into their respective departments Organizes regular base meetings and drafts the base sitrepEducation: Master level, generalist background, political science, or equivalent
Experience: 2 years on the same position
Technical skills and knowledge: Training and capacity building skills
Coordination, and diplomatic skills MS office. Good analytical skills, ability to adapt Good communication and diplomatic skill Good organization skills.Other desirable qualities:
leadership and management Capacity to work in autonomy planning and prioritization flexibility capacity to work under stress solution making oriented Team playerDifficulties / constraints linked to the security context
The security environment in Pakistan is rather stable, marked by strong risks linked to criminality (variable according to the provinces / areas), but the country knows spikes of violence (violent protest, terrorist attacks, targeted killings) generally linked to political events. Some areas of the country are affected by internal conflicts. These elements can lead to restrictions of movements for more or less long periods and some areas of the country are more difficult to access.
Key information about the living conditions
The living conditions are rather good and comfortable in Islamabad, with the possibility to build a network allowing a social life. Basic services are available, and it is possible to access recreational and cultural activities. Respecting social rules will require some adaptation, especially in terms of dress and behavior. In Islamabad, a GH (apartment) in a safe neighborhood need to be identified, and a Co-working space has been identified. For the time being, expatriates stay at the hotel.
Field conditions are sometimes harsher but still acceptable, with access to basic services and the presence of other INGOs in the area. In Sukkur, SI has rented a floor of a hotel used as DH and office. This allows to benefit from all services provided by the hotel. Possibilities to have a separate GH are being explored.
A salaried post:
According to experience, starting from 2 600 euros gross per month (+ 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem ( 700 euros)
SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL also covers accommodation costs in the Guest House 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 7 working days every three months (with 700 euros allocated by SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL). To these break periods, one additional rest day per month worked are granted.
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.
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/
This vacancy is archived.