Desired start date: Asap
End of contract date : 6 months
Location: Kharkiv, Ukraine
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 26 countries, the SI teams – 3200 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.
The conflict in Ukraine has seen a dramatic and rapid escalation since 24th February 2022 with massive multidimensional attacks from Russian troops throughout Ukraine, from the East, North, and Southern borders that affected a large part of the country including the capital, Kyiv. This attack has been immediately followed by massive displacements, and more than 4 500 000 Ukrainians have taken refuge in neighboring countries. About 6 500 000 are internally displaced, mostly in the Western part of the country. In the East, impacts of the conflict are felt and humanitarian operations support people remaining on the frontlines.
SI main strategic objective for 2025 is to foster SI's comparative advantage in Ukraine. SI wants to have a proven expertise in WASH and Shelter and to be recognized for that. strategy program strategy focuses on two core sectors, Wash and Shelter (possibly Livelihoods too), and revolves around 2 axis : 1) respond to both acute and chronic emergencies 2) contribute to create the conditions for a dignified return/stay in stable areas with a recovery oritented appoach. With the aim of maximiszing the impact of the intevention SI seeks for enhanced integration of sectors and localized interventions
In 2025, the country program of SI in Ukraine will have a budget of roughly 12 M Euros (expected), with 3 filed bases (Milkolaiv, Dnipro, Kharhiv), 1 coordination office in Kyiv, 110 staffs (20 expatriates).
In 2025 donors will be (in order of volume), CDC, AFD, BHA, ECHO. Other donors have been approached to expand and further diversify the portfolio in accordance with the programamtic objectives.
Sizing of the team on the base / coordination : in 2025 around 30 national staffs and 2 to 3 expats. In coordination, 35 people, 12/13 expatriates.
General objective:
The Field Coordinator is in charge of the overall management of the field base, under the direct supervision of the Country Director and in close coordination with the Deputy Country Director for Programs and the Country Director for Support. He/She is in charge of the global strategy in the area of intervention of the field base. He/She is also in charge of the external representation in local fora and coordination groups. He / She is the direct line manager of the LOG, HR and FIN managers, as well as of the Field Co assistant (Security) and of the Deputy Field Coordinator for programs, whose position is aimed at reinforcing the quality of the programming (through a better understanding and analysis of the local context).
The main challenges:
Security is volatile (see below). Strategic shift towards more localized interventions. Kharkiv base is specialized in Emergency response, close to frontline. Fairly young team to be accompanied and reorganized as necessary.
Priorities for the 2/3 first months:
Until the end of the year 2024 : ensure completion of BHA 1 project on budget, targets and time. Kick-off new BHA 2 project and CDCS project.
Complete winterization activities under BHA1 and ECHO MR. In coordination and under the direct supervision of CD, restructure Kharkiv field base as necessary to ensure proper performance.
Security constraints:
Security is evolving in Kharkiv. In May 2024 a sudden deterioration of the security context occurred with a breakthrough of the Russian Army in the North and the East of Kharkivska oblast, leading to intense fighting in these areas and to numerous episodes of shelling on the city of Kharkiv. Since July, the situation has stabilized, and the numbers of attacks against the city of Kharkiv has decreased. Nevertheless, air alarms are still very frequent and can last for hours, imposing a high level of stress to people living there. SI security rules and set-up is a very effective protection against the effects of the attacks. For example, the neighborhood where SI's premises are located was very rarely targeted since the beginning of the full scale invasion.
As of December 2024, punctual lockdown or shelter occur during day/night time. Curfew at 22h30 in the Guest houses' area; curfew at 21h30 in the city center. Noise of explosions can be heard. Other security rules apply according to the context changes.
Education / academic background:
Master in Humanitarian management project / security management
Specific skills and experience:
Technical skills:
HR management Security management Strategy managementTransversal skills :
Rigor Flexibility Capacity to handle pressure
Language:
English Ukrainian or Russian can be an assetAccording to experience, starting from EUR 3080 gross per month (2800 base salary + 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem of EUR 700.
SI also covers accommodation costs and travel expenses between the expatriate's country of origin and the place of assignment.
Breaks: 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 a USD 850 break allowance, allocated by Sl). To these breaks periods, SI grants one (1) additional rest day per month worked.
Insurance package: Expatriates benefit from an insurance package which refunds 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.
LIVING CONDITIONS:
In the residential area where SI's premises are located for security reasons (15 minutes to city center in metro) there is possibility to walk outside, a few local restaurants, some grocery shops, some shopping stores, and basic sports facilities (gym). ATM are easily accessible and daily expenses can be paid with credit card. The office is located 10 to 20 minutes walk from the guest houses. Guest houses are above Kharkiv standard and comfortable. Internet is accessible everywhere but both internet and power limited interruptions are likely, due to recent attacks on energy infrastructures.
Despite the tense security situation, Kharkiv's city center offers a range of activities, bars, clubs, restaurants. A mapping of bars and restaurants located near shelters or metro stations allow for expatriates to enjoy a social life, within the limit of a strict early curfew. Overnights are forbidden in the city center.
Movement between the area where SI's premises are located and the city center are possible through the subway; and personal movements in the city are feasible though walking, and subway options, within a strict limited area.
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) est déterminé à prévenir et à combattre tout type d’abus – tout acte d’exploitation, d’abus et/ou de harcèlement sexuels (SEAH) à l’encontre des membres des communautés bénéficiaires ou de ses collaborateurs et collaboratrices, atteinte aux personnes et/ou aux biens, fraude, corruption, conflit d’intérêt non déclaré, financement d’activités portant atteinte aux droits de l’homme - qui pourrait être perpétré dans le cadre de ses interventions. SI applique une tolérance zéro à l’égard de tout type d’abus, particulièrement des actes de SEAH.
Solidarités International est un employeur équitable qui combat toute forme de discrimination. SI ne demandera jamais une rétribution quelconque en vue de participer à un processus de recrutement.
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.