Humanitarian job opening in democratic republic of Congo

INTERSOS is recruiting a Mission Head to lead its operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The position is a 12-month contract, classified as a fixed-term collaboration agreement (Co.co.co.). Applications close on July 29, 2026.

INTERSOS is an independent, non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to assisting victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Guided by principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, and equality, the organization prioritizes vulnerable communities through inclusive and culturally respectful interventions.

Job Details

• Position Title: Mission Head
• Reference Code: SR-38-10259
• Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Primary Location: Goma, with frequent travel to South Kivu, Ituri, and Kinshasa
• Start Date: September 1, 2026
• Contract Duration: 12 months
• Reporting To: Regional Director
• Functional Supervision: Senior Management Team (SMT)
• Assignment Type: Without family

Context and Project Overview

The humanitarian landscape in the DRC remains deeply challenging, marked by overlapping crises, particularly in the eastern provinces. Chronic insecurity has triggered repeated mass displacements, compounded by persistent health vulnerabilities, including recurrent Ebola outbreaks. Civilians face severe hardships, including widespread human rights violations, targeted attacks, and a high prevalence of gender-based violence.

INTERSOS has been active in the DRC since 2010, implementing programs in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Current initiatives focus on protection, health, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and food security, in collaboration with UN agencies and funded by donors such as ECHO, AICS, and SV.

Role Objectives

The Mission Head will serve as INTERSOS’s official representative in the country, leading strategic planning, resource management, and program implementation in alignment with organizational policies and donor requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning and Leadership

• Monitor and analyze political and humanitarian developments across the DRC and neighboring regions through stakeholder engagement and field assessments to identify new intervention opportunities.
• Develop and refine INTERSOS’ country strategy in line with organizational values, ensuring alignment with donor priorities and compliance with internal and external standards.
• Design and propose funding initiatives that maximize community impact, while overseeing fundraising efforts targeting institutional and private donors.
• Ensure adherence to INTERSOS’ policies and donor-specific procedures throughout program execution.
• Conduct regular field visits to evaluate program progress, quality, and ethical compliance, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and organizational standards.
• Submit emergency intervention proposals for central approval and lead the development of additional programs based on assessment findings.
• Oversee the detailed planning of the country strategy, prioritizing actions and resources to achieve programmatic goals.

Representation and Advocacy

• Act as the primary liaison with national authorities, ensuring smooth and timely implementation of interventions while upholding the organization’s impartiality and independence.
• Manage the legal recognition process for INTERSOS in the host country, ensuring compliance with local regulations.
• Cultivate productive relationships with donors, ensuring their priorities align with assessed needs and programmatic goals.
• Represent INTERSOS in relevant forums and coordination platforms.

Team Management

• Ensure the Senior Management Team operates cohesively, fostering collaboration and inclusive decision-making processes.
• Work with the Human Resources Coordinator to guide and evaluate the performance of both international and national staff.
• Uphold INTERSOS’ organizational values, ethical standards, and management frameworks, promoting a productive and ethical work environment.
• Empower staff to achieve organizational objectives, fostering a highly functional and cooperative team dynamic.

Financial, Logistics, and Procurement Oversight

• Collaborate with the Finance Coordinator to oversee the mission’s financial management, ensuring transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
• Ensure allocated resources are used efficiently and in compliance with donor and organizational policies.
• Work with the Logistics and Procurement Coordinator to establish and maintain effective supply chain processes.

Safety and Security Management

• Assume ultimate responsibility for safety protocols, including developing and validating the country security plan, monitoring contextual developments, and implementing security recommendations.
• Engage regularly with regional offices and security advisors to address safety concerns.
• Make final decisions on all security-related matters in the country.

Accountability and Quality Control

• Collaborate with the SMT to produce and submit monthly activity reports for the mission.
• Continuously assess and analyze the impact of programs and operations through periodic field visits, in coordination with the Program Coordinator and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) teams.
• Ensure full compliance with INTERSOS’ safeguarding policies across all staff activities.
• Oversee the effectiveness of complaint feedback mechanisms in collaboration with the MEAL department.
• Monitor program quality and impact against established strategic objectives and indicators.
• Supervise program reporting to ensure adherence to INTERSOS policies, donor regulations, and national requirements.

Required Profile

• A university degree in project management, international affairs, development studies, international political economy, or a related field.
• Eight years of leadership experience in humanitarian contexts, preferably within NGOs operating in developing countries.
• Proven track record in managing large-scale grants and engaging with international donors.
• Experience working in insecure environments with responsibility for security planning, monitoring, and management.
• Strong proficiency in essential computer tools, including Word, Excel, and internet-based platforms.
• Fluency in both French and English is mandatory.

Core Competencies

• Strategic vision and forward-thinking approach.
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills.
• Strong leadership, team management, and collaborative abilities.
• Adaptability and flexibility in dynamic environments.
• Excellent networking, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Diplomatic, interpersonal, and communication prowess.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Analytical mindset and practical problem-solving capabilities.
• Deep commitment to INTERSOS’ core principles and humanitarian ethics.

Contract Terms and Benefits

• Salary Range: €4,505 – €5,182 gross per month
• Accommodation: Shared guesthouse
• Rest and Recuperation (R&R): 7 days of psycho-physical recovery every 12 weeks, plus a €1,000 allowance
• Annual Leave: 2.5 days per month
• Comprehensive Medical Insurance: Coverage for all staff
• Travel and Visa Support: Round-trip airfare included. For assignments exceeding 9 months, an additional round-trip ticket to the home country is provided.
• Onboarding Training: One week of online pre-deployment training

Application Process

Interested candidates should apply through the designated platform. The process consists of three quick steps:

1. Register by providing your name, email, password, and nationality.
2. Log in to your account.
3. Submit your application along with a PDF version of your CV.

Applicants can track their application history with INTERSOS through this platform.

Include the names, positions, and contact details of at least three references—two former supervisors and one HR contact. Family members are not eligible as references.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the first interview.