Directeur des opérations RDC

Job Posting Organization:
Handicap International / Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is an independent and impartial international solidarity association that operates in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict, and disaster. Established in 1982, HI has implemented development programs in over 55 countries and responds to numerous emergency situations. With a budget of approximately 200 million euros and around 4000 employees worldwide, HI is committed to promoting the dignity and fundamental rights of people with disabilities and vulnerable individuals. The organization believes in the importance of inclusion and diversity within its structure and has a disability policy to facilitate the welcome and integration of people with disabilities. More information can be found at www.hi.org.

Job Overview:
The position of Director of Operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is primarily based in Goma (80% of the time) with regular presence in Kinshasa (20%). The Director of Operations is responsible for managing the Area Managers in Kinshasa, Goma, Beni, and Uvira. This role involves ensuring the coordination, performance, and coherence of operations implemented throughout the country. The Director supervises the operational management of the bases, assists managers in achieving their objectives, ensures the quality of interventions, and contributes to the planned and optimal allocation and use of resources based on operational priorities. The Director plays a central role in anticipating and managing crises, deploying emergency responses, identifying operational constraints, and defining strategies to maintain or expand humanitarian access to affected populations. In close collaboration with the Program Director, the Director contributes to HI's strategic positioning, the development of emergency interventions, the monitoring of strategic partnerships, and the representation of the organization to key humanitarian and institutional actors in the area.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Management of Area Managers: Responsible for the hierarchical management of Area Managers in Kinshasa, Goma, Beni, and Uvira. Define annual and individual objectives for Area Managers, conduct regular follow-ups, and carry out performance evaluations according to HI's HR policies. Support Area Managers in their professional development and strengthen their managerial and operational capacities. Ensure the application of HI's policies, procedures, and standards within the bases in the Eastern region. Assist Area Managers in resolving complex operational, organizational, and HR issues.
• Operational Management of Interventions: Monitor the operational performance of the bases in Kinshasa, Goma, Beni, and Uvira, and assist Area Managers in implementing necessary corrective actions. Ensure compliance with HI's planning framework and support Area Managers in developing, monitoring, and updating operational plans. Track budget execution and burn rates of projects and bases in collaboration with Area Managers and support teams. Coordinate the deployment of emergency responses in support of Area Managers, especially during epidemics, population displacements, or other major humanitarian crises. Coordinate resource mobilization and mechanisms for operational continuity to cover critical needs, transition periods, or funding and capacity gaps.
• Humanitarian Access, Negotiation, and Influence: Provide technical and strategic support to Area Managers on humanitarian access, negotiation, and acceptance issues. Coordinate the analysis of access constraints affecting HI's operations across the country and contribute to defining access strategies tailored to each intervention context. Play a leading role in developing and implementing operational advocacy strategies aimed at preserving or improving humanitarian access to affected populations. Develop and maintain working relationships with key actors influencing humanitarian access and represent HI in relevant coordination spaces related to access issues. Support Area Managers in complex negotiations with authorities, communities, and other stakeholders when necessary. Ensure monitoring of humanitarian access issues and provide strategic recommendations to the Program Director to guide HI's positioning on these matters.
• Emergency Program Development and Partnership Management: Contribute to identifying and developing funding opportunities in humanitarian and emergency sectors in coordination with the Program Director. Support the development of emergency project proposals and ensure coordination of contributions from the relevant bases. Monitor operational relationships with humanitarian and emergency donors in support of the Program Director. Coordinate the evaluation of national partners with the support of technical and support teams, analyze risks associated with partnerships, and validate accompanying plans. Ensure strategic monitoring of national partnerships involved in interventions in the Eastern region.
• Representation and Influence: Represent HI within coordination platforms in the Eastern region and, if necessary, in Kinshasa, including FONGI platforms and relevant consultation frameworks. When required, represent HI in technical working groups and coordination mechanisms by delegation from the Program Director. Develop and maintain constructive working relationships with key humanitarian, institutional, and coordination actors present in the Eastern region. Contribute to the visibility, positioning, and influence of HI on priority humanitarian issues in its intervention area.

Required Qualifications:
Minimum of 8 years of experience in the humanitarian or development sector, including several years in management and coordination of complex operations. Significant experience in managing senior teams and supporting managers. Proven experience in managing humanitarian crises, leading emergency responses, and coordinating large-scale operations. Comfortable in a role of international representation, negotiation, and partnership development. Strong understanding of the humanitarian, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and political context in Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recognized for leadership and ability to unite teams around common goals.

Educational Background:
A relevant degree in humanitarian studies, international relations, social sciences, or a related field is preferred. Advanced degrees may be advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the humanitarian or development sector, with a strong emphasis on management and coordination roles. Experience in crisis management and emergency response is crucial, as well as familiarity with large-scale operations.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, and proficiency in English is highly desirable. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo would be an asset.

Additional Notes:
The position involves regular missions to Kinshasa. The contract is for 12 months, starting ideally on September 1, 202

• The international contract provides social coverage tailored to individual needs, including unemployment insurance for EU nationals, retirement insurance, health coverage, repatriation, and other benefits. The salary starts at €2869 gross per month, depending on professional experience. Per diem is €677 net/month in Goma or €1160 net/month in Kinshasa, paid in local currency based on time spent. Hardship allowance is €500 net/month. Employees are entitled to 25 days of paid leave per year and 5 days of rest and recuperation every 8 weeks. The position is open to couples, with coverage for visa and travel expenses for accompanying partners, as well as insurance if not covered. Housing is provided by HI. If residing in the country, a local package will be offered.