Ebola Program Portfolio 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, Mercy Corps has a significant presence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) with over 300 national and expatriate employees. The organization operates in multiple locations including Goma, Beni, Bunia, Tshikapa, Kalonda West, and Ndjoko Punda, and has representation in the capital city, Kinshasa. Mercy Corps is dedicated to responding to crises and supporting communities in over 40 countries worldwide, focusing on disaster response, community resilience, and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Ebola Program Portfolio Director will report to the DRC Country Director and collaborate closely with the Director of Programs, senior management, regional and global technical teams, and business development colleagues. This role is crucial for providing strategic direction and oversight for Mercy Corps’ Ebola response in the DRC, while also orienting prevention and preparedness efforts in Uganda and South Sudan. The Director will ensure that the programming is timely, high quality, evidence-driven, conflict-sensitive, and responsive to the rapidly changing conditions of the humanitarian landscape. The position requires strong leadership to manage the Ebola response portfolio, ensuring coherence across various locations and projects while adapting to the evolving needs of the communities served. The Director will also promote learning, accountability, safeguarding, localization, and conflict-sensitive approaches as integral components of the response.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Ebola Program Portfolio Director include leading the development and implementation of the overall Ebola response strategy, ensuring alignment with national strategies and donor requirements. The Director will maintain a strategic vision for the portfolio, establish clear priorities, and ensure resource allocation aligns with community needs. They will oversee program quality, promote adaptive management, and ensure community engagement is integrated into design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design. The Director will also represent Mercy Corps in various coordination mechanisms, advocate for the organization’s positioning, and lead resource mobilization efforts. Additionally, the Director will manage partnerships, support team leadership and development, ensure compliance with financial and operational requirements, and promote a culture of safeguarding and accountability within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in international development, humanitarian response, public health, management, or a related field; an advanced degree is preferred. A minimum of 7 years of progressively senior experience in managing humanitarian, emergency, public health, or development programs is required, with at least 3 years in senior management roles. Experience in complex emergency responses, particularly in conflict-affected environments, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong skills in strategic planning, adaptive management, and portfolio-level decision-making, as well as experience in engaging with donors and government authorities. Familiarity with accountability to affected populations and safeguarding principles is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as international development, public health, or humanitarian response. An advanced degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in managing humanitarian programs.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of progressively senior experience in managing humanitarian or emergency programs, with a strong preference for candidates who have experience in complex multi-sector responses. Previous experience in Ebola response or other major infectious disease emergencies is advantageous but not mandatory. Candidates should have at least 3 years of senior management experience overseeing significant programs or teams, demonstrating the ability to lead effectively in high-pressure environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, as these are the primary languages of communication within the organization and with stakeholders. Additional relevant languages are considered an advantage, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse communities and partners.

Additional Notes:
This is an unaccompanied position based in Bunia, Ituri Province, DRC, which is characterized as a high-risk and rapidly evolving emergency environment. The role requires regular travel to field locations, which may involve extended working hours, including evenings and weekends, depending on operational needs. Mercy Corps provides group accommodation in Bunia, and the organization emphasizes 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 safeguarding principles, ensuring a respectful and inclusive work environment.