International ngo job opening in drc mission leadership role

INTERSOS is actively seeking a Mission Manager to lead humanitarian operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for a 12-month period. The role is based in Goma, with regular travel to South Kivu, Ituri, and Kinshasa. Contract type: Co.co.co. Application deadline: July 29, 2026.

INTERSOS is a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Guided by principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality, and respect for diversity, the organization prioritizes the most vulnerable populations through sustainable and inclusive interventions.

Position Overview

Job Title: Mission Manager
Code: SR-38-10259
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Duty Station: Goma, with frequent travel to South Kivu, Ituri, and Kinshasa
Start Date: September 1, 2026
Contract Duration: 12 months
Reporting To: Regional Director
Supervisory Responsibilities: Senior Management Team (SMT)
Family Status: Non-family posting

Context of the Role

The humanitarian landscape in the DRC remains deeply challenging, exacerbated by overlapping crises, particularly in the eastern provinces. Persistent armed violence has triggered mass displacement, compounded by chronic health vulnerabilities, including recurrent Ebola outbreaks. Civilians face severe hardships, including widespread human rights violations, gender-based violence, and targeted attacks on communities. Since establishing its presence in 2010, INTERSOS has been delivering critical support in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu through protection, health, WASH, and food security programs, in collaboration with UN agencies and funded by donors such as ECHO, AICS, and SV.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Monitor and analyze political and humanitarian developments across the country and neighboring regions to identify new intervention opportunities.
• Design and refine country-specific strategies aligned with INTERSOS’s core values and principles.
• Explore funding avenues, aligning initiatives with donor priorities to maximize community impact.
• Align program strategies with donor expectations while ensuring strict adherence to organizational and donor procedures.
• Oversee project implementation, conducting periodic field visits to assess progress, quality, and compliance with technical and ethical standards.
• Submit emergency interventions and project proposals for central approval and initiate additional programs based on identified needs.
• Lead comprehensive country strategy planning, prioritizing actions and resource allocation to achieve program objectives.

Representation and Advocacy

• Serve as the primary representative of INTERSOS in the country, fostering constructive relationships with authorities to facilitate timely and impartial humanitarian responses.
• Ensure compliance with local legal requirements for organizational recognition and operations.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with donors, ensuring their priorities align with assessed humanitarian needs.
• Represent the organization in relevant forums and coordination platforms.

Team and Personnel Management

• Ensure the Senior Management Team operates cohesively, fostering collaboration and inclusive decision-making.
• Work with the HR coordinator to oversee the performance evaluation process for both international and national staff.
• Uphold organizational values, ethical standards, and safeguarding policies, promoting a productive and ethical work environment.
• Empower staff to achieve organizational goals through effective leadership and teamwork.

Financial and Logistical Oversight

• Collaborate with the finance coordinator to manage the mission’s financial health, ensuring transparent and efficient resource allocation.
• Monitor budget adherence and financial accountability for all INTERSOS funds.
• Partner with logistics and procurement coordinators to establish and maintain efficient operational systems.

Safety and Security Leadership

• Oversee the development and implementation of the country security plan, ensuring compliance with all safety protocols.
• Monitor the evolving security context, providing strategic recommendations to mitigate risks.
• Engage regularly with regional offices and security advisors to address safety concerns.
• Retain final decision-making authority on all security-related matters in the country.

Accountability and Quality Assurance

• Lead the production of monthly activity reports, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
• Continuously evaluate program impact through field visits and data analysis, in partnership with the MEAL coordinator.
• Ensure strict adherence to INTERSOS’s safeguarding framework by all personnel.
• Supervise the effectiveness of feedback and complaints mechanisms in collaboration with the MEAL department.
• Guarantee program quality and alignment with strategic objectives and key performance indicators.
• Oversee program reporting, ensuring compliance with organizational 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 (8) years of leadership experience in humanitarian contexts, preferably within NGOs operating in developing countries.
• Proven track record in managing major grants and collaborating with international donors.
• Experience in high-risk environments, with responsibility for security planning, monitoring, and management.
• Proficiency in essential software tools, including Word, Excel, and internet-based platforms.
• Fluency in both French and English is mandatory.

Key Competencies

• Strategic vision and forward-thinking approach.
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills.
• Strong leadership, team management, and collaborative abilities.
• Adaptability and behavioral flexibility in dynamic environments.
• Expertise in networking, negotiation, and decision-making.
• Diplomatic, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Proactive mindset with the ability to work independently.
• Robust analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Deep commitment to INTERSOS’s mission and values.

Terms and Benefits

• Salary Range: €1,405 – €5,182 gross per month (based on experience and qualifications).
• Accommodation: Shared guesthouse facility.
• Rest and Recovery (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: Full coverage for staff members.
• Travel and Visa Support: Round-trip airfare provided. For assignments exceeding 9 months, an additional round-trip ticket to the home country is included.
• Integration Training: One week of pre-deployment online training.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the organization’s designated portal. The process includes three quick steps: registering (providing name, email, password, and nationality), logging in, and applying with a PDF version of your resume. Candidates can track their application status via the platform.

Applicants must provide the names, positions, and contact details of at least three references—two former supervisors and one HR contact. Family members are ineligible as references. Only shortlisted candidates for the initial interview will be contacted.