People and Culture Director

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 worldwide, partnering with communities to implement bold solutions that help people overcome adversity and build stronger communities. The organization has been present in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since August 2007, employing more than 300 national and expatriate staff. Mercy Corps has a significant operational presence in various provinces, including North Kivu, Ituri, and Kasai, and has reached over 2.12 million people through integrated programs focused on improving water, sanitation, hygiene services, economic development, and social cohesion.

Job Overview:
The People and Culture (P&C) Director is a senior leadership position responsible for shaping and leading the People & Culture function within Mercy Corps DRC. This role is critical in ensuring that the organization’s people strategies align with its mission and operational goals. The P&C Director will work closely with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to provide strategic leadership on workforce planning, organizational culture, staff wellbeing, and talent management. The incumbent will serve as a trusted advisor to the Country Director, ensuring that the P&C strategies enhance program quality and operational excellence while reflecting Mercy Corps’ values. The position requires a proactive approach to organizational change and culture transformation, ensuring that the P&C function is adaptive and future-oriented.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The P&C Director will lead the development and execution of a long-term People & Culture vision aligned with Mercy Corps DRC’s strategy. Key responsibilities include translating strategic objectives into actionable P&C work plans, driving organizational change initiatives, and serving as a strategic partner on workforce design and succession planning. The role involves overseeing the recruitment and onboarding processes, ensuring compliance with local labor laws, and promoting equity and inclusion in hiring practices. The P&C Director will also develop staff wellbeing frameworks, manage employee engagement initiatives, and ensure compliance with DRC labor laws. Additionally, the incumbent will lead the implementation of compensation and benefits strategies, manage HR performance metrics, and oversee safeguarding and ethics within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in human resource management, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, or a related field. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly preferred. The ideal candidate should have 8-10 years of progressive HR and P&C experience, including at least 4 years in a senior leadership role within an international NGO or similarly complex organization. Professional HR and/or P&C certification is strongly preferred. In-depth knowledge of DRC labor law and HR compliance requirements is essential, along with a proven track record in people strategy development, talent management, and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Strong analytical skills and proficiency in HR data metrics are also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in human resource management, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, Organizational Development, or a related field is required. A master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of complex organizational dynamics.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in human resources and People & Culture roles, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership capacity within an international NGO or a similarly complex organization. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in navigating multiple regulatory frameworks and managing complex employee relations issues.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kinshasa and may require up to 40% travel to field locations, which can sometimes be in unsecure environments. The role is full-time and involves significant responsibilities in shaping the organizational culture and ensuring compliance with local labor laws. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally and adhere to the organization's values and Code of Conduct.