mission leader job opening in democratic republic of Congo

INTERSOS is actively seeking a Mission Leader to join its operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The role is a 12-month fixed-term contract, with a deadline of July 29, 2026 for applications.

About INTERSOS: This non-profit humanitarian organization is dedicated to assisting victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Its core values include solidarity, justice, human dignity, equal rights and opportunities for all, respect for diversity, peaceful coexistence, and a strong commitment to supporting the most vulnerable social groups.

Position details:

Job title: Mission Leader

Position code: SR-38-10259

Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

Duty station: Goma, with frequent travel to South Kivu, Ituri, and Kinshasa

Start date: September 1, 2026

Contract duration: 12 months

Reports to: Regional Director

Functional supervision: Senior Management Team (SMT)

Team under supervision: SMT team

Deployment location: Without family

Project context:

The humanitarian landscape in the DRC remains deeply challenging, with a complex web of overlapping crises that have worsened in recent years. The eastern provinces face endemic violence and armed conflict, leading to massive and repeated displacement. Chronic health vulnerabilities persist, exacerbated by recurrent epidemics such as Ebola. Civilians endure severe hardship, including frequent human rights violations and breaches of international humanitarian law, with targeted attacks and high rates of gender-based violence.

INTERSOS has been operational in the DRC since 2010, implementing programs in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. These initiatives focus on protection, health, water and sanitation (WASH), and food security, in collaboration with United Nations agencies and funded by entities such as ECHO, AICS, SV, and others.

Position objective:

The Mission Leader serves as INTERSOS’ representative in the country, acting on behalf of the organization’s Director General. This role is pivotal in shaping the organization’s response, including strategy development, resource planning, program management, and implementation.

Key responsibilities:

Strategy and vision:

Monitor and analyze the political and humanitarian situation across the country and neighboring regions through established contacts and exploratory missions to identify potential intervention areas. Develop and propose a new strategic framework aligned with INTERSOS’ values and principles.
Explore and present funding opportunities that align with initiatives and maximize community impact. Provide guidance and direction for fundraising activities targeting institutional and private donors.
Align with and track donor priorities and funding strategies in the country. Ensure strict adherence to INTERSOS’ policies and donor requirements.
Maintain oversight of project and program development and implementation. Conduct periodic field visits to assess progress, quality, and compliance with internal and external standards, ensuring technical and ethical integrity and goal achievement.
Submit project proposals and emergency interventions for central administration approval. Evaluate potential emergency responses and lead the development of additional programs based on assessment findings.
Lead the detailed country strategy planning process, prioritizing actions and resources to meet program objectives.

Representation and advocacy:

Serve as the face of INTERSOS, managing relationships with authorities to ensure seamless and timely implementation of planned interventions while upholding impartiality and independence.
Ensure compliance with host country regulations by overseeing and verifying the organization’s government recognition procedures.
Maintain productive communication with donors, ensuring that assessed needs are effectively communicated to influence donor priorities.
Represent INTERSOS in relevant forums and platforms.

Team management:

Ensure the senior management team operates effectively, collaboratively, and is actively involved in key decision-making processes.
In coordination with the Human Resources Coordinator, guide and oversee the performance management process for both international and national staff.
Uphold organizational values, the Code of Ethics, the organization’s Management and Control Model, and INTERSOS’ procedures.
Foster high ethical standards, promote teamwork, and cultivate a productive work environment.
Empower staff to achieve organizational goals, fostering a highly functional and cooperative team dynamic.

Finance, logistics, and procurement:

Collaborate with the Finance Coordinator to oversee the mission’s overall financial management, ensuring financial viability and accountability for fund management (NGO budget).
Ensure allocated resources are managed efficiently, transparently, and in compliance with financial policies.
Work with the Logistics and Procurement Coordinator to establish and maintain efficient procurement services and processes.

Safety and security:

Assume ultimate responsibility for safety, including developing and validating the country security plan, ensuring compliance with procedures, monitoring context evolution, conducting analyses, and formulating recommendations.
Engage regularly with the regional office and security advisor on security-related matters.
Make final decisions on all security-related matters in the country.

Accountability and quality control:

Collaborate with the SMT to produce and present monthly activity reports for the mission.
Continuously evaluate and analyze the impact of the country’s programs and operations, including through periodic field visits, in partnership with the Program Coordinator and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning).
Ensure all INTERSOS safeguarding policies are strictly adhered to by staff.
Supervise the effectiveness of a complaint feedback mechanism in collaboration with the MEAL department.
Oversee program quality and impact in alignment with established strategic objectives and related indicators.
Supervise program reporting, ensuring compliance with INTERSOS policies and procedures, 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.
Experience working with NGOs in developing countries.
Proven track record with major grants and international donors.
Experience in insecure environments with responsibility for security planning, monitoring, and management.
Proficiency in essential computer skills (Word, Excel, and Internet).
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory.

Desired competencies and skills:

Strategic vision and forward-thinking approach.
Strong organizational and planning skills.
Leadership, team management, and collaboration abilities.
Behavioral flexibility and adaptability.
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 and values.

General terms and benefits:

Salary range: €4,505 – €5,182 gross per month
Accommodation: Shared guesthouse
R&R: 7 days of psycho-physical recovery every 12 weeks + €1,000 allowance
Annual leave: 2.5 days per month
Comprehensive medical insurance for staff
Transport and visa: Round-trip airfare. For missions lasting at least 9 months, an additional round-trip ticket to the home country is provided.
Integration training: One week of online training prior to deployment

How to apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by the deadline. The application process consists of three quick steps: register (providing your name, email, password, and nationality), log in, and apply by uploading your CV in PDF format. The platform allows candidates to track their application history with INTERSOS.

Applicants must also provide the name, position, and contact details of at least three references, including two direct supervisors and one HR contact. Family members should not be included as references.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the first interview.