Join international aid mission in democratic republic of Congo

INTERSOS is seeking a committed Mission Leader to join its emergency response operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The role is a 12-month contract, offering a unique opportunity to lead humanitarian initiatives in one of Africa’s most critical regions.

About INTERSOS: As an independent, non-profit humanitarian organization, INTERSOS delivers life-saving aid to victims of natural disasters and armed conflict. Grounded in principles of solidarity, justice, and human dignity, the organization champions equal rights, cultural diversity, and the protection of vulnerable communities.

Position Details:

Job Title: Mission Leader
Reference Code: SR-38-10259
Location: Goma, with regular travel to South Kivu, Ituri, and Kinshasa
Start Date: September 1, 2026
Contract Duration: 12 months
Reporting To: Regional Director
Supervisory Responsibility: Senior Management Team (SMT)
Family Status: Unaccompanied assignment

Context of the Mission:

The humanitarian landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains deeply challenging, marked by overlapping crises in the eastern provinces. Persistent armed conflict has displaced millions, while recurrent health emergencies—including the Ebola virus—exacerbate suffering. Civilians endure widespread human rights violations, gender-based violence, and limited access to basic services. INTERSOS has been active in the DRC since 2010, implementing protection, health, WASH, and food security programs in partnership with UN agencies and funded by donors such as ECHO, AICS, and SV.

Core Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Analyze political and humanitarian trends across the country and neighboring regions to identify gaps and opportunities for intervention.
• Develop and refine INTERSOS’ strategic vision in alignment with organizational values and donor priorities.
• Secure funding by engaging institutional and private donors, ensuring programs deliver measurable community impact.
• Oversee project design, implementation, and evaluation to guarantee compliance with technical, ethical, and donor standards.
• Lead emergency response planning and coordinate additional programming based on evolving needs.
• Coordinate annual strategy planning and resource allocation to achieve program objectives.

Representation & Advocacy:

• Serve as INTERSOS’ primary representative in the DRC, liaising with government authorities to facilitate timely and impartial humanitarian access.
• Manage legal recognition processes and ensure adherence to local regulations.
• Engage with donors to align funding with assessed needs and advocate for prioritized interventions.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums and coordination platforms.

Team & Operations Management:

• Lead the Senior Management Team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Collaborate with the HR coordinator to oversee performance management for both international and national staff.
• Uphold INTERSOS’ ethical standards, code of conduct, and safeguarding policies across all operations.
• Promote a culture of teamwork, transparency, and continuous improvement within the mission.

Financial & Logistical Oversight:

• Work with the finance coordinator to manage the mission budget, ensuring financial sustainability and transparency.
• Monitor resource allocation to maximize efficiency and accountability.
• Coordinate with logistics teams to maintain robust procurement and supply chain systems.

Safety & Security:

• Oversee the country’s security plan, conducting risk assessments and implementing protective measures.
• Collaborate with regional security advisors to monitor threats and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Make critical decisions to safeguard staff and operations in high-risk environments.

Accountability & Quality Assurance:

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on mission activities and program impact.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through field visits and data analysis, in partnership with MEAL teams.
• Guarantee compliance with INTERSOS’ safeguarding framework and donor requirements.
• Supervise complaint mechanisms to address feedback and uphold accountability standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in project management, international affairs, development studies, or a related field.

• Minimum of eight years in senior humanitarian leadership roles, preferably in developing countries.
• Proven experience managing large grants from international donors.
• Track record of working in insecure environments with full responsibility for safety planning.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and internet-based tools.
• Fluency in French and English is mandatory.

Key Competencies:

• Strategic vision and analytical thinking.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Exceptional leadership, team management, and collaborative abilities.
• Diplomatic, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Problem-solving agility and independent decision-making.
• Commitment to INTERSOS’ humanitarian principles and ethical standards.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary: €4,505 – €5,182 gross per month.
• Accommodation: Shared guesthouse facilities.
• Rest & Recovery: 7 days of psycho-physical recovery every 12 weeks, plus a €1,000 allowance.
• Annual Leave: 2.5 days per month.
• Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Coverage for all staff.
• Travel & Visa Support: Round-trip airfare and additional travel allowance for assignments over nine months.
• Onboarding Training: One week of online pre-deployment training.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to apply through the designated portal. The process includes three quick steps: register (providing name, email, password, and nationality), log in, and submit your application with a PDF version of your CV. Ensure you include contact details for at least three professional references—two former supervisors and one HR contact—excluding family members. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial interview.