Humanitarian job opening in Democratic Republic of Congo
INTERSOS is seeking a highly motivated Mission Manager to lead its emergency response operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is a 12-month contract position based in Goma, with frequent travel to South Kivu, Ituri, and Kinshasa.
About INTERSOS
As an independent, non-profit humanitarian organization, INTERSOS is dedicated to aiding victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Our mission is rooted in core values of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equal rights, and opportunities for all people, with a strong focus on protecting vulnerable groups and promoting diversity and peaceful coexistence.
Position Details
Job Title: Mission Manager
Reference Code: SR-38-10259
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
Duty Station: Goma (with frequent travel to South Kivu, Ituri, and Kinshasa)
Start Date: September 1, 2026
Contract Duration: 12 months
Supervision: Regional Director
Functional Supervision: Senior Management Team (SMT)
Team Supervision: SMT members
Accommodation: Shared guesthouse (no family posting)
Project Context
The humanitarian landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains deeply challenging, marked by overlapping crises, particularly in the eastern provinces. Chronic violence, armed conflict, and recurrent displacements have created severe humanitarian needs. Civilians face persistent threats, including targeted attacks, gender-based violence, and widespread human rights violations. Chronic health vulnerabilities, including recurring Ebola outbreaks, further compound the crisis.
INTERSOS has been active in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2010, delivering critical programs in protection, health, water and sanitation, and food security across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Our work is made possible through partnerships with UN agencies and funding from major donors such as ECHO, AICS, and SV.
Core Responsibilities
Strategy and Program Leadership
The Mission Manager serves as the primary representative of INTERSOS in the country, overseeing the design, planning, and implementation of all programs in alignment with the organization’s strategic objectives and donor requirements.
- Monitor and analyze political and humanitarian developments across the country and neighboring regions to identify new intervention opportunities.
- Develop and propose strategic initiatives that align with INTERSOS values and principles.
- Explore and secure funding opportunities, including institutional and private donor engagement.
- Align program priorities with donor strategies and ensure full compliance with INTERSOS and donor policies.
- Oversee project development and implementation, conducting regular field visits to assess progress, quality, and adherence to technical and ethical standards.
- Submit emergency and project proposals for central approval and lead the design of new programs based on identified needs.
- Lead the annual country strategy planning process, prioritizing actions and resource allocation to achieve program objectives.
Advocacy and Representation
- Act as the official representative of INTERSOS in all engagements with national authorities, ensuring timely and effective implementation of planned interventions while upholding impartiality and operational independence.
- Ensure proper legal recognition of the organization in compliance with national procedures.
- Foster productive relationships with donors, ensuring their priorities align with assessed humanitarian needs.
- Represent INTERSOS in relevant forums and coordination platforms.
Team Leadership and Management
- Ensure the Senior Management Team operates effectively, fostering collaboration and inclusive decision-making.
- Work with the HR Coordinator to guide and evaluate the performance of both international and national staff.
- Uphold INTERSOS values, ethical standards, and organizational policies across all operations.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and ethical conduct, empowering staff to achieve organizational goals.
Financial, Logistical, and Procurement Oversight
- Collaborate with the Finance Coordinator to manage the mission’s financial resources, ensuring transparency, accountability, and fiscal sustainability.
- Ensure efficient and effective allocation and use of allocated funds in compliance with donor and organizational policies.
- Work with the Logistics and Procurement Coordinator to establish and maintain streamlined supply chain and procurement processes.
Safety and Security Management
- Assume ultimate responsibility for safety and security, including the development and implementation of the country security plan.
- Monitor evolving security conditions and provide strategic recommendations to mitigate risks.
- Collaborate regularly with regional offices and security advisors on safety-related matters.
- Make final decisions on all security-related issues affecting mission operations.
Accountability and Quality Assurance
- Oversee the preparation and submission of monthly activity reports in collaboration with the SMT.
- Continuously assess and evaluate the impact of programs and operations through field visits and data analysis.
- Ensure full compliance with INTERSOS safeguarding policies across all levels of the mission.
- Supervise the effectiveness of complaint feedback mechanisms in partnership with the MEAL department.
- Monitor program quality and impact against established strategic objectives and key performance indicators.
- Ensure compliance with INTERSOS policies, donor regulations, and national requirements in all reporting.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- A university degree in project management, international affairs, development studies, international political economy, or a related field.
- Minimum eight years of leadership experience in humanitarian contexts, preferably with NGOs in developing countries.
- Proven experience managing large grants and working with major international donors.
- Hands-on experience in insecure environments, with responsibility for safety planning, monitoring, and management.
- Proficiency in essential computer tools (Word, Excel, and Internet).
- Fluency in both English and French is required.
Key Competencies
- Strong strategic vision and planning skills.
- Exceptional organizational and leadership abilities.
- Advanced team management and collaborative skills.
- High adaptability and behavioral flexibility in challenging environments.
- Strong networking, negotiation, and decision-making capabilities.
- Diplomatic, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Initiative and ability to work independently under pressure.
- Analytical mindset and practical problem-solving skills.
- Deep commitment to INTERSOS’s mission and values.
Terms of Employment and Benefits
- Salary Range: €4,505 – €5,182 gross per month.
- Accommodation: Shared guesthouse.
- Rest and Recovery: 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 provided. For missions lasting 9+ months, an additional round-trip ticket to the home country is included.
- Onboarding Training: One week of online integration training prior to deployment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the online portal. The process includes three quick steps: register (providing your name, email, password, and nationality), log in, and apply by uploading your PDF CV. The platform allows candidates to track their application status with INTERSOS.
Applicants must include the names and contact details of at least three professional references—two direct supervisors and one HR contact. Family members cannot serve as references.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.