Desired start date: 02/15/2025
Mission duration: 02/15/2026
Location : GOMA
SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association that, for over 40 years, has been providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters by meeting their vital needs: drinking, eating, and shelter. Particularly committed to combating diseases linked to unsafe water, the world’s leading cause of death, SI implements through its interventions expertise in the field of access to drinking water, sanitation and the promotion of hygiene, but also in the essential field of food security and livelihoods. Present in 26 countries, SI’s teams – 3,200 people in total, made up of expatriates, national employees, permanent staff at headquarters, a few volunteers, etc. – intervene with professionalism and commitment while respecting cultures.
The mission
Solidarités International has been working in the DRC since 2001, to meet the humanitarian needs of populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters and to participate in the fight against epidemics. This is currently the organization’s third largest mission in terms of financial volume.
The mission is active in the areas of food security and livelihoods (FSL), water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and multi-sectoral cash transfer assistance (direct cash or fairs via the Red Rose tool). Each of our activities includes a strong Protection component (transversal or “stand alone” via an implementing partner).
Our programs cover emergency response, via rapid response programs (RRM) and “second line”. However, they also include recovery and development activities in stabilized areas. This approach illustrates the strategy chosen by the mission, namely maintaining a strong emergency response capacity while developing sustainable solutions to the problems affecting the populations of the east of the country.
The mission is composed of a coordination based in Goma and three operational bases located in the Petit Nord Kivu (Goma, with a sub-base in Kiwandja), in the Grand Nord Kivu (Beni, with a sub-base opening in Nobili/Kamango) and in Ituri (Bunia, with a sub-base in Fataki). As part of our multi-year strategy, we aim to open new bases and develop our programmatic portfolio. The financial volume of the mission currently stands at 19 million euros, with a growth target during the year 2025.
Current programs on the mission:
– SAFER projects (ECHO-FCDO) = RRM = multi-sectoral 1st line response (SECA L/AME/EHA) consortium of 5 NGOs
– BHA consortium with ACF = 1st and 2nd line in SECAL and EHA (Ituri)
– CDCS = RRM and response to Cholera in North Kivu (Beni and Petit Nord Kivu) in partnership with FAEVU (National NGO)
– ECHO = Integrated EHA and protection response in partnership with SOFEPADI (National NGO) in Ituri and PNK
-AFD (submitted) = Project to strengthen the capacities of civil society and local actors in prevention and response to epidemics (EHA) in partnership with FAEVU (National NGO)
– SDC = Multi-sectoral assistance for populations affected by displacement (Resilience project in SAME and EHA)
– FCDO = EHA infrastructure response in Ituri
General objective: The Water, Hygiene and Sanitation (WHS) coordinator, as technical referent on the mission:
Contributes to the development of the Solidarités International strategy, by proposing a sectoral strategy in the field of EHA
In particular, it guarantees the quality and relevance of the technical approaches proposed and ensures the adequacy between EHA activities, the general objectives of the association and the needs of the populations.
He coordinates the project cycle and more particularly the operational monitoring of EHA programs implemented in the country of intervention.
It contributes to the process of capitalizing on and improving Solidarités International’s EHA methods and techniques.
Main Challenges:
* Maintain our role as EHA Focal Point on the Sites (notably Nzulo site for the PNK, Komanda and Rhoe site in Ituri) and Cholera Working Group
* Remain a major player in the Mpox and Cholera response
* Remain a major player in EHA emergency interventions on the sites
* Continue to be a major player in the construction/rehabilitation of water networks in our intervention areas
* Increase in operational volume: diversification of funding and extension of intervention areas
Priorities for the first 2/3 months:
– Take the lead of EHA projects on the mission
– Participation in writing projects during the “proposal season” and the various activity reports to come in January and February
– Become familiar with SI’s EHA mission 2024 strategy, take the lead on current and future projects (EHA 2026/2031 strategy, review of EHA sectoral approaches, etc.)
– Take the lead in participation in EHA Cluster coordination meetings and lead the CHOLERA Working Group
– Operational monitoring of ongoing EHA programs
Security :
The security context remains volatile
– Numerous intercommunity conflicts
– Numerous armed groups, depending on the territory
– Logistical constraints due to roads that are difficult to navigate during rainy periods
– Humanitarian access remains possible and our teams are able to deploy interventions in sensitive areas. In addition, SI has developed good community acceptance
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
Higher education, university degree in hydraulics, civil engineering, rural development, construction/Building and public works, public health and/or project management
Experience in the humanitarian sector: more than 5 years
Experience in a similar position: more than 5 years
SKILLS:
Technical skills:
– Good knowledge and experience in WASH technique (Hard and Soft)
– Good knowledge in the construction of water works (simple sources, sources with reservoir, drinking water supply supplied by a solar field) and sanitation (emergency public latrines and showers)
– Knowledge of community mobilization and methodologies for promoting hygiene and good sanitation practices
Cross-disciplinary skills:
– Excellent command of the different stages of the project cycle
– Ability to develop relevant monitoring tools for the entire activity package under his/her responsibility
– Excellent organizational and communication skills (internal and external)
LANGUAGES: French. English and Swahili are assets
A salaried position: Depending on experience, from EUR 2860 gross per month (2600 basic salary + 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem of USD 800
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 set up at a 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 costs, dental and ophthalmological care, repatriation) and a welfare system that includes war risks. The costs of essential vaccinations and anti-malarial treatment are reimbursed.
LIVING CONDITIONS:
The city of Goma offers many opportunities:
-Restaurants, billiards, gym…
– Presence of many expats and NGOs, lively social life
– Many pleasant places on the edge of the Lake (restaurants, bars and hotels)
– Supermarket well stocked with imported products
– Availability of ATM counters for transactions
– existing telephone networks (Airtel, Vodacom, Organce) work very well
– a very beautiful Guest House has just been rented offering pleasant living conditions; each expatriate has their own room with toilet; internet
– Very good cook and availability of food allowing a diversified diet for lunch.