Education / academic background:

Master in Humanitarian management project / security management

Specific skills and experience:

• 3-4 years in the humanitarian sector
• 0-2 years experiment on similar positions

Technical skills:

• HR management
• Security management
• Strategy management

Transversal skills :

• Rigor
• Flexibility
• Capacity to handle pressure

Language:

• English
• Ukrainian or Russian can be an asset

Desired start date: 01/10/2024
End of contract date : 30/04/2025
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.

About the mission

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 volatile in Kharkiv. In May 2024 a sudden deterioriation of the security context occurred with a breakthrough of the Russian Army in the North and th East of Kharkivska oblasts, leading to intense fightings in these areas and to numerous episodes of shelling on the city of Kharkiv. Since July, the situation has stabilized though and the numbers of attacks agains 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 attack though. For example, the neighbourhood where SI’s premises are located never was targeted since the beginning of the full scale invasion.

According 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:

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 eare 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 walf from the guesthouses . It is bright, spacious, and fully equipped with dual 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