Crisis Analysis Team (CAT) Director

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization founded on the belief that a better world is possible. Established in August 2007 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on disaster response, humanitarian aid, and community development, partnering with local communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities. Mercy Corps DRC has a workforce of 300 employees, including both national and expatriate staff, and collaborates with 8 international partners and 10 national partners, alongside various donors. The organization is committed to addressing humanitarian needs, improving access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, promoting economic development, and fostering social cohesion and good governance.

Job Overview:
The Crisis Analysis Team (CAT) Director is responsible for leading the strategic vision and coordination of complex humanitarian and crisis analysis in the DRC. This role involves overseeing a multidisciplinary team that produces high-quality, timely, and contextually grounded analysis to inform evidence-based programming, advocacy, and decision-making. The CAT Director is a core member of Mercy Corps DRC’s senior leadership team, aligning analytical products with internal and external priorities, coordinating with donors and humanitarian actors, and ensuring that Mercy Corps’ interventions are informed by evolving local dynamics. The Director will manage the capacity, performance, and professional development of the CAT team, ensuring rigorous methodologies are applied and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. The CAT Director will provide comprehensive insights into local trends related to access, conflict, emergency response, and humanitarian needs, merging field data with geopolitical analysis to anticipate changes in the conflict and humanitarian landscape.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The CAT Director will articulate and refine the vision for crisis analysis within the DRC context, develop and implement effective strategies, build strategic relationships with donors and partners, identify fundraising opportunities, and collaborate with key internal stakeholders. They will supervise and coordinate the work of senior analysts and other team members, manage workplans, and ensure timely delivery of analytical products. The Director will oversee the production of various analytical reports, guide the identification of emerging themes, serve as a technical expert, and ensure quality assurance standards are upheld. Additionally, they will ensure that CAT products are accessible to diverse audiences, represent CAT in high-level briefings, maintain partnerships with peer analysis units, and integrate programmatic and operational insights into the analysis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field and have at least five years of experience in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and/or conflict analysis, with a minimum of two years of field experience in an active conflict environment. High-level written and analytical skills are essential, along with experience liaising with diplomatic and multi-national organizations, international NGOs, and donors. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required, as well as experience in leading, training, and coaching a team. Proficiency in Microsoft Office systems and fluency in both English and French, both written and spoken, are mandatory. Knowledge and experience in the DRC context is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background should ideally be complemented by practical experience in crisis analysis, humanitarian response, or related fields, providing the candidate with the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively lead the Crisis Analysis Team.

Experience:
The position requires at least five years of experience in security and/or conflict analysis, with a strong emphasis on field experience in active conflict environments. Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record of producing high-quality analytical outputs and engaging with various stakeholders in the humanitarian sector. Experience in managing teams and leading complex projects is also essential, as the role involves significant leadership responsibilities.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French, both written and spoken, is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the DRC context may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Goma and is not accompanied, requiring up to 30% travel to support country programs, including travel to insecure locations. Housing is provided by Mercy Corps in group accommodations with necessary amenities and security arrangements. The organization encourages ongoing learning, allowing team members to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to safeguarding principles and ethical research practices.