Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, established to protect and promote durable solutions for displacement-affected populations. DRC has been operational in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2009, expanding its reach across various provinces including North Kivu and Ituri. The organization operates in multiple countries across East Africa and the Great Lakes region, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda, delivering integrated humanitarian programming in areas such as Emergency Response, Protection, Economic Recovery, Shelter, and WASH. DRC is committed to addressing the needs of some of the most vulnerable and crisis-affected populations in these regions.

Job Overview:
As the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director for DRC's operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, you will be tasked with providing strategic leadership in one of the world's most complex humanitarian environments. The role requires you to respond to various challenges including protracted displacement, conflict, protection risks, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks. You will ensure that DRC remains responsive to evolving humanitarian needs while maintaining high standards of programme quality and operational effectiveness. A significant aspect of this position involves leading during emergencies and adapting programmes to address emerging crises, such as disease outbreaks like Ebola. You will mobilize teams and resources quickly, engage with humanitarian coordination mechanisms, donors, and authorities, and ensure that DRC's interventions are relevant and impactful during both acute emergencies and prolonged crises. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate strong humanitarian leadership and a proven track record in managing complex operations in dynamic environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide visionary leadership across DRC's operations in DR Congo, ensuring alignment with global strategic priorities and fostering a collaborative organizational culture.
• People Management: Lead and support senior managers, promote staff wellbeing, and ensure effective performance management systems are in place.
• Representation and External Engagement: Represent DRC with national authorities, donors, UN agencies, and other stakeholders, while strengthening DRC’s visibility and positioning.
• Programme Oversight and Development: Ensure quality programme implementation, support proposal design and fundraising efforts, and promote accountability to affected populations.
• Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security: Maintain accountability for safety and security management, ensuring operations comply with DRC policies.
• Operational and Financial Management: Oversee financial management and compliance with donor requirements, ensuring efficient resource allocation and risk management practices.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for this role, candidates must possess a minimum of 7 years of senior management experience in humanitarian or development settings, including experience as a Country Director or in a similar senior leadership role. A Master’s degree in Political Science, International Development, Economics, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field is required. Candidates should have demonstrated experience leading operations in complex and insecure environments, strong representation skills with donors and authorities, and proven experience in donor engagement and managing multi-donor portfolios. Additionally, experience working with internally displaced persons (IDPs) and conflict-affected populations is essential.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Political Science, International Development, Economics, or Humanitarian Affairs. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of humanitarian operations and the socio-political dynamics in which DRC operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of senior management experience in humanitarian and/or development settings. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing complex humanitarian operations, particularly in insecure environments, and experience in leading large and diverse teams under high-stress conditions. Previous experience in East Africa and/or the Horn of Africa is strongly preferred, as it will provide valuable context for the challenges faced in the region.

Languages:
Full professional proficiency in English and French is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability. The employment band is classified as D-Management, and the work location is in Goma, DR Congo. The preferred start date for this role is 1 September 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national or international employees. All applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, and applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is 12 July 202
• DRC is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive work environment.