Deputy Country Director for Operations - Aden

About the role

Solidarités International (SI), a humanitarian aid association, is recruiting a Deputy Country Director for Operations for its Yemen mission, based in Aden with regular travel to bases in Marib, Al Mokha (West Coast) and Taiz. The post reports to the Country Director, supervises the Base Managers and Heads of Base of all operational bases, and coordinates with programme, support and security teams. The mission has a forecast budget of around EUR 11 million for 2027 and runs emergency and resilience WASH programmes, cash assistance to IDPs and livelihoods activities.

Key responsibilities

• Lead SI operations in Marib, Al Mokha/West Coast and Taiz, ensuring quality implementation, resource management, compliance, accountability and audit follow-up.
• Supervise Base Managers/Heads of Base and support operational planning.
• Coordinate with programme, support and security teams on access, risk management and programme continuity.
• Maintain strong security management and negotiate with authorities and tribes.
• Support partnerships, representation and country strategy, and assess the potential opening of a new base in DFA-controlled areas in the north.
• In the first 2-3 months: review programme delivery, budgets, staffing and access across bases, strengthen business continuity and access arrangements, assess options for a northern base, build staff capacity and expand partnerships.

Required profile

• Diploma (BA or MA) in a relevant field such as political science or international relations.
• 3-4 years of experience in the humanitarian sector; 0-2 years on similar positions.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory; Arabic is an asset.
• Experience in Yemen or the Middle East is appreciated.

Required skills

• Multi-base operational leadership, project-cycle management, resource planning and programme quality.
• Managing and coaching staff, and security management.
• Access negotiation, context and risk analysis, continuity planning and internal controls and audit coordination.
• Multi-project and multi-donor management.

What we offer

• Salaried position, from EUR 3,300 gross per month (base salary EUR 3,000 plus 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly) and a monthly per diem of USD 750.
• Accommodation costs and travel to the assignment covered; accommodation in a rented guesthouse in Al Mokha or Taiz, shared with other INGOs.
• Alternating work and rest (7 working days every two months, with a USD 850 break allowance) and one extra rest day per month worked.
• Insurance package covering healthcare, dental, repatriation and war risks, with essential vaccinations and antimalarial treatment refunded.

The mission started in Yemen in 2017, with three operational bases in Al Mokha, Taiz and Marib, and operates in hard-to-reach areas near the frontlines. Applications via the Solidarités International careers page are accepted only with a CV and cover letter; the vacancy may close early.