Desired start date: 23-Jan-2026
Duration of the mission: 12 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.
General objectives : 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. S.he is in charge of the global strategy in the area of intervention of the field base. S.he is also in charge of the external representation in the oblast and coordination groups. S.he is the direct line manager of the Logistic, Admin 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 (throug a better understanding and analysis of the local context).
Issues and specific challenges : Security is volatile (see below). Kharkiv is specialized in Emergency response, close to frontline, winterization support and WASH rehabilitation post-recovery. Partnership management is a key-pillar of Kharkiv-SI strategic and can be challenging in term of internal/external coordination and risk magement/ SI positionning.
Priorites on the 2-3 first months :
1 - Security management: Due to increasing pressure in the eastern part of the oblast, security conditions for SI operations are deteriorating. It is essential to proceed with the implementation of emergency activities outlined during the HRK Strategic Workshop (November 2025), while ensuring adapted and continuous protective measures. Staff care—both psychological and physical—remains a priority to sustain the motivation and resilience of our highly experienced team.
2 - Closure of ECHO 2025: The current ECHO project ends in April 2026, and the project closure must be monitored and supported by the DFCP and support services. By the time the new FCO arrives, SI will have received confirmation of its selection for HIP 2026—if this is the case, the launch/transition to the new contract must be carried out in the same dynamic.
3 - Partnership management: the Kharkiv base stands out for its partnership approach, which complements the strengths and weaknesses of SI and its partners. Internal communication and coordination management at SI is one of the key elements in maintaining a healthy relationship with partners, the SI HRK and Kyiv teams, and therefore ensuring rapid and effective implementation.
4 - Winterization prepardness: winterization assitance is one the core-actictoiy of SI-Kharkiv, preparndess shall start in May/April - under the leadership of DFCP, FCO must support on internal/external coordo and supprot services coordination. specially that DFCP turnover may happend in July 2026.
Security constraints : Security is volatile in Kharkiv. Since beginning 2025, air alarms are still very frequent in the city but reduced by 50% due to the separate system oblast/city. The alarm may impose an continous stress to people living there. Si security rules and set-up is a very effective protection against the effects of the attack though. For example, the neighbourhood where SI's premises are located never was targeted since the beginning of the full scale invasion, SI dipose of an external support on security alarm detection to support the FC outside working-hours.
DIPLOMAS AND EXPERIENCE
Experience in the humanitarian sector : 3-4 years
Experience on a similar position : 0-2 years
SKILLS
TECHNICAL SKILLS
1. HR management
2. Security management
3.Strategy / parternship management
TRANSVERSAL SKILLS
1. Facilitation/ coordination
2. Organization skills / flexibility
3. Capacity to handle pressure
LANGUAGES
1.Fluent English
2. Ukrainian - asset
3.Russian - asset
A salaried position:
According to experience, starting from EUR 3080 gross per month (2 800 base salary + 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem of USD 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 : Despite the volatile security situation, Kharkiv is still dynamic and offer a good range of activities, bars, restaurants in both the center and in the areas where SI's offices and guesthouses are located. In center, a mapping of bars and restuarants located near shleters or metro stations allow for expatriates to enjoy a social life. In the residential area where SI's premises are located for security reasons (10 minutes to city center in taxi or metro) there are parks, restaurants, shopping centers and sports facilities. ATM are easily accessible and all can be paid with credit card. The office is located 10 to 20 minutes walk from the guesthouses . It is bright, spacious, and fully equipped with monitors for all staff. Internet is accessible everywhere but both internet and power limited interruptions are likely, due to recent attacks on energy infrstructures.
Convenient walking, taxis, and subway options. SI curfew is from 23:30 to 05:00 in \"green area\" (around office/ GH) and until 23:00 in the city-center.
Do you recognise 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 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.