Head of Mission - DRC

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Head of Mission

Code: SR-38-9823

Duty station: Goma with frequent visits to other bases

Starting date: 20/11/2025

Contract duration: 12 months

Reporting to: Regional Director

Functional Supervisor: N/A

Supervision of: Management team

Type of Duty Station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

The humanitarian situation in the DRC remains complex and has deteriorated overall in recent years, with multiple overlapping crises, particularly in the country's eastern provinces, which are facing endemic violence and armed conflict. Insecurity has led to repeated mass displacements. The impact of violence on civilians is a major concern, with regular violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including targeted attacks on civilians and a high prevalence of gender-based violence.

INTERSOS has been present in the DRC since 2010 and is currently working in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Haut Uele through protection programs, notably protection monitoring in partnership with the Fond Humanitaire and UNHCR, and nutrition programs in partnership with WFP and UNICEF.

General purpose of the position

The Head of Mission represents INTERSOS in the country and acts on behalf of the Director General, directing the organization's response, including strategy design, resource planning, program management, and implementation.

Main responsibilities and tasks:

Strategy and vision

• Is responsible for monitoring and analyzing the political and humanitarian situation throughout the country and in neighboring countries through established contacts and exploratory missions aimed at identifying potential areas of intervention. Conceive, propose, elaborate, and develop a new intervention strategy in line with INTERSOS values and principles.
• Explore and present funding opportunities that integrate initiatives and leverage community impact; support and guide fundraising activities with institutional and private donors.
• Monitor donor priorities and intervention strategies in the country. Ensure strict compliance and adherence to INTERSOS and donor procedures.
• Have an overview of the development and implementation of projects and programs and, through periodic visits to intervention areas, assess their progress and quality following internal and external standards and requirements, final results and achievements to ensure that the organization's technical and ethical standards are met and objectives achieved.
• Project proposals and emergency responses must be submitted to headquarters for approval. Evaluate potential emergency interventions in the country and lead the development of additional programs based on the results of the review and evaluation.
• Lead the detailed country strategy planning process and prioritize actions and resources to achieve program objectives.

Representation and advocacy

• Represent the organization and manage relations with the authorities, ensuring smooth and timely implementation of planned interventions and preserving impartiality and independence.
• Ensure, maintain, and monitor the organization's government recognition procedures in compliance with the formalities of the host country.
• Maintain productive communication with donors and ensure that assessed needs are communicated in order to have an impact on donor priorities.
• Represent INTERSOS in relevant fora.

Personnel management

• Ensure that the senior management team is effective, mutually supportive, and sufficiently involved in key decision-making processes.
• In coordination with the Human Resources Coordinator, guide and supervise the performance process of international and national staff.
• Ensure compliance with organizational values, Code of Ethics, Organization Management and Control Model, and INTERSOS procedures.
• Maintain high ethical standards, promote teamwork, and ensure a productive working environment.
• Empower staff to achieve organizational goals and work as a highly functional and cooperative team.

Finance, logistics, and procurement

• In collaboration with the financial coordinator, define and oversee the overall financial management of the mission, striving to ensure financial sustainability and assume responsibility for the management of mission funds (NGO budget).
• Ensure that allocated resources are managed efficiently and transparently.
• In collaboration with the Logistics and Procurement Coordinator, ensure that the required and efficient procurement services and processes are in place.

Safety and security

• Assume final responsibility for security, including the development and validation of the country security plan, and ensure compliance with procedures, monitoring of context development, analysis, and formulation of recommendations.
• Interact regularly with the regional office and the security advisor on security issues.
• Assume final responsibility for all decisions concerning security in the country.

Accountability and quality control

• In collaboration with the SMT, is responsible for the production and presentation of monthly mission activity reports.
• Continuously assess, analyze and evaluate the impact of the program and country operations, also through periodic visits to intervention areas, in collaboration with the program coordinator and MEAL.
• Ensure that all INTERSOS Safeguarding Framework policies are adhered to by staff.
• In collaboration with the MEAL department, oversee the effectiveness of a complaints feedback mechanism.
• Oversee program quality and impact in line with established strategic objectives and related indicators.
• Oversee program reporting, ensuring compliance with INTERSOS policies and procedures, donor regulations, and national requirements.

Required profile and experience

Education

• University degree in project management, international business, development, international political economy, or other relevant field

Professional Experience

• Eight years' experience in management positions in humanitarian contexts

Professional Requirements

• Experience with NGOs in developing countries.
• Experience with major grants and international donors.
• Experience working in a non-secure environment with responsibility for security planning, monitoring, and management.
• Essential computer skills (Word, Excel, and Internet).

Languages

• Fluent in English and French

Personal Requirements

• Strategic vision
• Good organizational and planning skills
• Leadership, team management and cooperation
• Behavioral flexibility
• Networking, negotiation and decision-making skills
• Diplomatic, interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Strong analytical and practical problem-solving skills
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to apply following the link below:

https://www.intersos.org/field/#intersosorg-vacancies/vacancy-details/67ff874cb89a1402bdc251ee/

Please note that our application process is made of 3 quick steps: register (including your name, email, password and citizenship), sign-up and apply by attaching your CV in PDF format. Through the platform, candidates will be able to track their applications’ history with INTERSOS.

Please also mention the name, position and contact details of at least three references: two line managers and one HR referent. Family members are to be excluded.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for the first interview.