UKRAINE - HEAD OF SECURITY & HUMANITARIAN ACCESS (M/F) - KYIV

Country: Ukraine Organization: Solidarités International Closing date: 20 Oct 2026 Desired start date: ASAP Duration of the mission: 5 months Location: Kyiv 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 Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces, SI has been responding to the needs of the population living in areas under Government control. While programming in 2022 and 2023 was—rightly—focused on immediate emergency response, the year 2024 marked a transition toward a more balanced approach, combining both emergency and early recovery interventions. SI’s main strategic objective for 2026 is to strengthen and clearly position its comparative advantage in Ukraine. The ambition is for SI to build a recognized and demonstrable expertise in WASH and Shelter. The program strategy for 2026 therefore focuses on two core sectors—WASH and Shelter—and is structured around two strategic axes: 1. Respond to both acute and chronic emergencies 2. Contribute to creating the conditions for dignified return or sustainable stay in stable areas through a recovery-oriented approach To maximize the impact of its interventions, SI aims to further enhance sectoral integration and promote localized approaches. In 2026, SI’s country program in Ukraine is expected to operate with a budget of approximately 10 million euros, with three field bases (Mykolaiv, Dnipro, Kharkiv), one coordination office in Kyiv, and a total of 110 staff, including around 15 expatriates. The main donors in 2026 are CDCS, AFD, and ECHO. Additional donors have been approached to expand and diversify the portfolio further, in line with SI’s programmatic priorities. ABOUT THE JOB SIZING OF THE TEAM ON THE BASE / IN COORDINATION : Direct report to Country Director Functional link with Field Coordinators and Field Coordinator Assistants Direct line management of Deputy Access and Liaison Coordinator and Fire Safety officer SI in Ukraine is composed of about 15 expatriates and 90 national staff GENERAL OBJECTIVES : On behalf of the Country Director, the Head of Security and Humanitarian Department oversees the definition of access, safety and security strategies, as well as the implementation of information gathering, analysis and the necessary frameworks, both at base level and in coordination. They support the development of a network of reliable information and key contacts. They ensure compliance with the overall SI regulatory framework in their area and ensures the proper implementation of the Minimum Operational Standards for Security and Access. ISSUES AND SPECIFIC CHALLENGES : Static frontline but dynamic and volatile security context Increasing range of drones, systemic targeting of critical infrastructures and logistical nods and massive attacks in areas of presence Decreasing humanitarian access and challenged humanitarian principles PRIORITIES ON THE 2-3 FIRST MONTHS : Contribute to SI's access strategy in Sumy oblast and Kherson city, if applicable Maintain a high level of standard in security management throughout the Country program, regardless of HR turnovers and gaps Ensure dynamic risk assessments despite the routine Participate to the capacity-building of local partners SECURITY CONSTRAINTS : Existing curfew from 01 am to 05 am Frequent massive attacks targeting Kyiv Daily drones presence leading to air alarms and often, the need to shelter Adaptability of both sides to the conflict leading to frequent adaptative measures required YOUR PROFIL DIPLOMAS : Master in a humanitarian or security-related field EXPERIMENT IN THE HUMANITARIAN SECTOR : more than 5 years EXPERIMENT ON SIMILAR POSITIONS : 3-4 years TECHNICAL SKILLS : -Knowledge of standard corpus of security tools and documents in a country security pack -Risk assessment and mitigation -Staff training, development, coaching, and mentoring expertise TRANSVERSAL SKILLS : -Leadership and decision-making capacity -Ability to work under pressure in a volatile security environment -Strong inter-personal and analytical skills LANGUAGES : -English is Mandatory -Ukrainian or Russian is a strong asset SI WILL OFFER YOU A salaried position: According to experience, starting from EUR 2860 gross per month (2600 EUR 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. How to apply Do you recognise yourself in this description? If yes, please send us your CV and cover letter! https://www.solidarites.org/fr/depuis-1980/travailler-avec-nous/offres-emploi/deposer-votre-candidature/?jobId=PA3FK026203F3VBQB6G8N8NVU-116768&langCode=fr_FR 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 -- Solidarités International (SI) est déterminé à prévenir et à combattre tout type d’abus – tout acte d’exploitation, d’abus et/ou de harcèlement sexuels (SEAH) à l’encontre des membres des communautés bénéficiaires ou de ses collaborateurs et collaboratrices, atteinte aux personnes et/ou aux biens, fraude, corruption, conflit d’intérêt non déclaré, financement d’activités portant atteinte aux droits de l’homme - qui pourrait être perpétré dans le cadre de ses interventions. SI applique une tolérance zéro à l’égard de tout type d’abus, particulièrement des actes de SEAH. Solidarités International est un employeur équitable qui combat toute forme de discrimination. SI ne demandera jamais une rétribution quelconque en vue de participer à un processus de recrutement. 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.