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Position Title: Director of Humanitarian Programs
Location: Goma, Kinshasa
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization founded in 1979, dedicated to alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. With a mission to empower communities to overcome challenges and improve their lives, Mercy Corps operates in over 40 countries worldwide, employing around 5,000 staff members. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Mercy Corps has been active since August 2007, focusing on supporting vulnerable communities through crises and fostering long-term resilience and development programs. The organization is recognized as a leader in humanitarian and development programming in Eastern Congo, implementing a complex portfolio of programs with an annual budget of approximately 50 million USD.

Job Overview:
The Director of Humanitarian Programs (DOP-H) is a Senior Leadership role responsible for overseeing the humanitarian and resilience programs portfolio in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This position requires a proven leader who can ensure the implementation of innovative and adaptive programs that align with the country strategy. The DOP-H will collaborate closely with the Country Director and the Director of Development Programs to deliver strategic vision and effective program Coordination. The role involves frequent travel to field offices and representation of Mercy Corps DRC to donors, stakeholders, and government authorities. The DOP-H will lead complex program implementation across multiple field offices in a challenging and unpredictable environment, adapting to the evolving context and strategic decisions made by the organization’s leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The DOP-H will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Communicating a clear vision of program goals and strategies to teams and stakeholders, translating them into actionable work plans.
• Leading the implementation of humanitarian and resilience program strategies, prioritizing actions and resources to achieve objectives.
• Collaborating with the Crisis Analysis Team to incorporate socio-political and Security Context Analysis into program planning.
• Identifying new initiatives and program opportunities in coordination with the Country Director and relevant personnel.
• Ensuring effective cross-program coordination and communication, aligning Mercy Corps’ programming and operations.
• Supporting the establishment of program quality tools and measures, monitoring and improving program performance.
• Developing the capacity of Program Leadership and team members, promoting a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Managing compliance with donor regulations and serving as the budget holder for humanitarian and resilience programming.
• Establishing relationships with donors, government authorities, and other organizations to enhance strategic partnerships. 1
• Ensuring compliance with security procedures and promoting a secure working environment for team members.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BA/S or equivalent in social science, management, international development, or a relevant field, with an MA/S preferred. They should have five to seven years of senior-level leadership and management experience in large and complex programs (USD 10M+). Experience in managing humanitarian relief and/or transitional programs in conflict-affected areas is essential, along with a proven track record in developing relationships with institutional donors. Previous experience in francophone Africa is highly desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, management capabilities, and a solid understanding of humanitarian coordination structures. Knowledge of gender and protection mainstreaming is a key advantage, as well as strong analytical skills to address complex issues.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a BA/S or equivalent in social science, management, international development, or other relevant fields. An MA/S is preferred, indicating a higher level of academic achievement and expertise in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires five to seven years of senior-level leadership and management experience in large and complex programs, particularly those with budgets exceeding USD 10 million. Candidates should have experience managing humanitarian relief and transitional programs in conflict-affected areas, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex environments and lead diverse teams effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in written and Oral Communication in both French and English is required for this position. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders, donors, and team members in a multilingual environment. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in either Goma or Kinshasa, with options for unaccompanied or accompanied living arrangements. The living conditions in Goma are comfortable but may involve challenges such as unstable water and electricity supply. In Kinshasa, staff will have access to modern amenities and medical facilities. The role may require frequent travel to field sites, where living conditions can vary. Mercy Corps emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is an equal opportunity employer. The organization also prioritizes safeguarding and ethics, ensuring a respectful and safe work environment for all team members.