Country Director

Country Director

Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

September 12, 2026October 13, 2026KinshasaDemocratic Congo
Job Description
Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and crises. Founded in 1946, NRC has grown to become a key player in the humanitarian sector, operating in over 30 countries worldwide. The organization is dedicated to providing high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC's mission is to help millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world's most dangerous and difficult crises. The organization emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and innovative teamwork. With a commitment to safeguarding and ethical practices, NRC aims to create a safe environment for all individuals involved in its operations.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director position at NRC is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing the organization's operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Country Director will provide strategic direction and management across NRC's country operations, ensuring effective program delivery and strong external representation. This role involves active engagement in inter-agency coordination and alignment with NRC's organizational priorities. The Country Director will lead resource mobilization and advocacy efforts while building high-performing teams to deliver accountable and impactful humanitarian responses. Given the complex and volatile context in DRC, the Country Director must analyze the political and humanitarian landscape, adapting NRC's programs to remain relevant and effective. The position requires a focus on continuous improvement and innovation in humanitarian and protection programming, ensuring timely delivery of services to those in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: analyzing the political and humanitarian context in DRC and adapting NRC's programs accordingly; prioritizing continuous improvement and innovation to enhance the quality of humanitarian and protection programming; motivating and coaching staff to create effective teams, particularly within the Country Management Group; promoting accountability and adherence to the highest ethical standards, including safeguarding and humanitarian principles; leading all NRC advocacy efforts in the country and contributing to regional and global advocacy initiatives; developing and enforcing policies to maintain a diverse workforce at all levels; serving as a proactive member of the Regional Management Group, fostering collaboration with other country offices and the regional office; and ensuring that staff retention and rotation discussions are held with the Regional Director.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Country Director position must possess a minimum of 5 years of experience in a senior management or country director role within a humanitarian or recovery context. They should have a proven track record of results related to the responsibilities of the position, demonstrating knowledge of leadership skills and profiles. Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory, and candidates must hold a valid driver's license. Additionally, candidates should have context-related skills, knowledge, and experience, particularly regarding the situation in DRC, experience in advocacy work, and familiarity with change management processes.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Country Director position includes a relevant degree in fields such as international relations, humanitarian studies, development studies, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees or specialized training in humanitarian response or management are highly desirable and may enhance a candidate's suitability for the role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have significant experience, specifically a minimum of 5 years in senior management roles within humanitarian or recovery contexts. Experience in complex and volatile environments is essential, as is a demonstrated ability to manage large-scale operations effectively. Candidates should also have experience in advocacy and change management processes, which are critical for navigating the challenges faced in the DRC.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both in written and verbal communication. Knowledge of French or local languages spoken in the DRC would be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and communities effectively.

Additional Notes:
The Country Director position is based in Goma, DRC, with a contract duration of 24 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. The salary is classified as Grade 12 on NRC's salary scale, and the organization offers a range of benefits to its employees. NRC is committed to equal opportunities and diversity, ensuring a workplace free from discrimination based on age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or physical ability. The organization encourages innovative ideas and provides employees at all levels with the responsibility to contribute to its mission. Interested candidates are advised to direct any questions regarding the application process to the provided email address, as applications sent via email will not be accepted.
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