Afghanistan- Deputy Area Director - Program (M/F) - HeratAbout us

Desired start date: 1st September 2026
Duration of the mission: 9 months
Location: Herat

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

SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL activities are implemented in Bamyan, Herat, Helmand, Nimroz and Farah provinces, with emergency activities that can be deployed all over the country. Operational bases are in Zaranj (capital of Nimroz Province), Farah, Herat and Bamyan city.

The team is now made of 110 national and 9 international employees with an annual budget of around 4 M EUR. SI currently implements WASH and DRR/NRM programs.

There are currently 5 grants under implementation.

The Deputy Area Director - Program will be directly working with the national PMs based in different bases.

About the job

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The Deputy Area Director - Program is responsible for developing Solidarités International’s programmes in their area of operation with the support of Area Coordinator / DCD Operations. The Deputy Area Director - Program, under the direct supervision of the Area Coordinator / DCD Operations will be responsible for the design and proper implementation of all programs on several operational sites (bases) in a defined area, in line with the country strategy and in coordination with other departments, areas and coordination office
They supervise field programme managers, monitors the implementation of activities, and ensures project coherence. They help ensure the relevance, technical and cross-cutting quality, and coherence of programmes, as well as the implementation teams’ adherence to the project cycle and monitoring process.
They propose new interventions based on changes in the humanitarian situation and SI’s strategy in their area of operation. They participate in internal and external coordination and contributes to SI’s knowledge management process.

ISSUES AND SPECIFIC CHALLENGES

Challenging relations with local authorities
Lengthy MoU signature process
Strong restriction on accessing Women BNFs
Limited internet and network coverage in the field bases
Restricted access mobility

PRIORITIES ON THE 2-3 FIRST MONTHS

1-In coordination with DCD-Ops, establish strong working relations with different stakeholders in the southern and western region of Afghanistan , including local authorities, partner INGOs, regional clusters, OCT....etc., and support Base Teams in Positioning of SI.
2- Build work relationship with the PMs and field teams; understanding existing challenges, capacity gaps and priorities
3-Assess program quality, checking compliance with SI standards and donor requirements. identify gaps in procurement, implementation and monitoring. and support PMs in working out solutions.
4-Strengthen teams' planning and monitoring systems: review and harmonize use of planning timelines, data collection and reporting templates/tool.

SECURITY CONSTRAINTS

In Afghanistan, there are high security constraints, mainly linked to women restrictions and thus high caution is required and a strict adherence to security rules is mandatory.

Your profile

DIPLOMAS AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor or Masters degree in Social science, humanitarian studies, civil engineering or any other relevant field

• Experience in the humanitarian sector : 3-4 years

• Experience on a similar position : 3-4 years

SKILLS

TECHNICAL SKILLS

1. Familiar with Afghanistan humanitarian context and need base programming

2. Familiar with WASH BOQ, design and PCM

3. Good understanding of humanitarian coordination mechanism & team management

TRANSVERSAL SKILLS

1.Autonomy/pro-activity/problem solving

2.Ability to work under pressure & adaptability

3.Communication (both internal and external)

LANGUAGES

1. Fluent English

2. Dari would be an advantage

SI will offer you

A salaried position:
According to experience, starting from EUR 2475 gross per month (2250 base salary + 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly Per Diem of USD 600.

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 two 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:

The social life is quite limited in Herat though there are many INGOS there. SI is expected to be located within CRS compound where CRS has no permanent expat but visiting expats. The GH is quite modern with basic services such as good internet, running water, 24/7 security guards but there is not yet a dedicated cook.

How to apply

Application process

Do you recognize yourself in this description? If yes, please send us your CV and cover letter: Submit your application - SOLIDARITÉS INTERNATIONAL

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.