Deputy Country Director for Operations (DCD-O)

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in 1979, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since August 200

• The organization has a workforce of more than 300 national and expatriate employees and works with over 40 partners to deliver integrated programs that address humanitarian needs and promote development. Mercy Corps aims to help people triumph over adversity and build stronger communities from within, focusing on areas such as water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), economic development, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, and peacebuilding.

Job Overview:
The Deputy Country Director for Operations (DCD-O) plays a crucial role within the Senior Management Team (SMT) at Mercy Corps, responsible for leading strategic and high-quality operations that ensure effective and safe delivery of programs in the DRC. The DCD-O oversees all core operational functions, including logistics, administration, procurement, assets, fleet, IT, and facilities. This position is based in Goma, the primary operational hub, and serves as the most senior leader in eastern DRC, engaging in high-level representation and strategic engagement with local authorities and non-state actors. The DCD-O is tasked with ensuring operational excellence and cross-departmental coordination in a volatile and high-risk context, while also leading risk-informed operational planning and management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DCD-O is responsible for providing strategic leadership to all operational support units, ensuring alignment with local and global strategies. This includes managing high-performing cross-departmental teams, making timely operational decisions, and leading the implementation of strategic initiatives. The DCD-O serves as the principal leadership representative for Mercy Corps in eastern DRC, engaging with humanitarian coordination forums and negotiating safe access for operations. The role also involves overseeing logistics, procurement, fleet, warehousing, IT, and facilities, ensuring compliance with global standards and conducting regular reviews of operational systems. Additionally, the DCD-O leads and mentors operations team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BA/S in a relevant field, with an advanced degree preferred. A minimum of 7 years of senior-level leadership experience in operations management in complex, high-risk contexts is required, preferably in eastern DRC or similar environments. Proven experience in strategic leadership of operations supporting multi-dimensional humanitarian, development, and recovery programming is essential. Strong interpersonal, representation, and cross-cultural communication skills are necessary, along with fluency in English and proficiency in French; knowledge of Kiswahili is a plus.

Educational Background:
The position requires a BA/S in a relevant field, with an advanced degree being preferred. This educational background should provide the candidate with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage operations in a complex and high-risk environment.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 7 years of senior-level leadership experience in operations management, particularly in complex and high-risk contexts. Experience in eastern DRC or similar environments is highly desirable, along with a demonstrated ability to negotiate and build access with armed actors while adhering to humanitarian principles and compliance standards.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, with proficiency in French being essential. Knowledge of Kiswahili is considered a plus, as it may facilitate communication in the local context and enhance operational effectiveness.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Goma and requires up to 30% travel to support country programs, which may include travel to insecure locations. Housing is provided in group accommodation with necessary amenities and security arrangements. Mercy Corps promotes ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to safeguarding principles and ethical standards.