INTERSOS is currently recruiting a Mission Leader for its operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The position is a 12-month contract, starting September 1, 2026. Applications close July 29, 2026.
About INTERSOS: This nonprofit humanitarian organization provides lifesaving assistance to victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Guided by principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality, and respect for diversity, INTERSOS prioritizes the most vulnerable populations through programs focused on protection, health, water and sanitation, and food security.
Position Details
Job Title: Mission Leader
Reference Code: SR-38-10259
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Primary Location: Goma, with frequent travel to South Kivu, Ituri, and Kinshasa
Contract Type: Fixed-term (Co.co.co.)
Start Date: September 1, 2026
Duration: 12 months
Supervisor: Regional Director
Team: Senior Management Team (SMT)
Accommodation: Without family (shared guesthouse provided)
Context
The humanitarian landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains dire, with overlapping crises intensifying across the country. Eastern provinces face chronic violence, armed conflict, and recurrent displacements. Public health vulnerabilities are exacerbated by epidemics—most notably Ebola—while civilians endure widespread human rights abuses, including targeted attacks and gender-based violence.
INTERSOS has operated in the DRC since 2010, delivering programs in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. These initiatives focus on protection, health, water and sanitation, and food security, in collaboration with UN agencies and funded by international donors such as ECHO, AICS, and SV.
Role Responsibilities
Strategy & Vision
- Monitor political and humanitarian developments across the country and neighboring regions through established networks and field assessments to identify new intervention opportunities.
- Design, propose, and implement a country-specific strategy aligned with INTERSOS’s principles and values.
- Explore and secure funding opportunities, including donor proposals and private sector initiatives, to maximize community impact.
- Align program priorities with donor strategies while ensuring full compliance with INTERSOS and donor regulations.
- Oversee project and program development, implementation, and evaluation through periodic field visits, ensuring adherence to technical and ethical standards.
- Submit emergency response proposals and program expansions to headquarters for approval, directing rapid deployment where needed.
- Lead the detailed country strategy planning process, prioritizing actions and resources to achieve program objectives.
Representation & Advocacy
- Act as INTERSOS’s primary representative in the country, maintaining relationships with authorities and ensuring timely, impartial program execution.
- Manage government recognition procedures in compliance with local legal requirements.
- Facilitate transparent communication with donors, ensuring their priorities align with identified humanitarian needs.
- Represent INTERSOS in relevant forums and coordination platforms.
Team Leadership
- Ensure the Senior Management Team operates effectively, fostering collaboration and inclusive decision-making.
- Collaborate with the HR Coordinator to oversee performance management for both international and national staff.
- Uphold INTERSOS’s ethical standards, code of conduct, and organizational policies, promoting a productive and inclusive work environment.
- Empower staff to achieve organizational goals through teamwork and professional development.
Finance, Logistics & Procurement
- Work with the Finance Coordinator to oversee the mission’s financial management, ensuring transparency and sustainability.
- Ensure efficient and accountable allocation of allocated resources.
- Collaborate with the Logistics and Procurement Coordinator to establish and maintain effective supply chain systems.
Safety & Security
- Hold ultimate responsibility for safety, including the development, validation, and implementation of the country security plan.
- Monitor security trends and provide recommendations to mitigate risks.
- Maintain regular coordination with regional offices and security advisors on safety-related matters.
- Make final decisions regarding security protocols and emergency responses in the country.
Accountability & Quality Control
- Oversee the production of monthly activity reports for the mission, in partnership with the SMT.
- Continuously evaluate and analyze program impact through field visits and collaboration with the MEAL Coordinator.
- Ensure full adherence to INTERSOS’s safeguarding policies by all personnel.
- Supervise the effectiveness of complaint feedback mechanisms in collaboration with the MEAL department.
- Monitor program quality and impact against strategic objectives and key performance indicators.
- Ensure all program reports comply with INTERSOS policies, donor regulations, and national laws.
Qualifications & Requirements
- 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.
- Proven track record in international development NGOs, particularly in developing countries.
- Experience managing large-scale grants and working with major international donors.
- Demonstrated ability to operate in high-risk environments with full responsibility for security planning and implementation.
- Fluency in French and English is mandatory; additional languages are a plus.
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and internet-based tools.
Key Competencies
- Strategic vision and forward-thinking approach.
- Exceptional organizational and planning skills.
- Proven leadership, team management, and collaborative abilities.
- Adaptability and resilience in challenging environments.
- Exceptional networking, negotiation, and decision-making capabilities.
- Strong diplomatic, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently with initiative and autonomy.
- Analytical mindset and practical problem-solving expertise.
- Deep commitment to INTERSOS’s humanitarian principles.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: €4,505 – €5,182 gross per month (based on experience).
- Accommodation: Shared guesthouse provided.
- R&R: Seven days of psycho-physical recovery every 12 weeks, plus a €1,000 allowance.
- Annual Leave: 2.5 days per month.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for staff.
- Travel & Visa: Round-trip airfare provided. For assignments over nine months, an additional round-trip ticket to the home country is included.
- Onboarding: One week of online pre-deployment training.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to apply through the official portal. The application process consists of three quick steps:
- Register by providing your name, email, password, and nationality.
- Log in to your account.
- Submit your application, attaching your PDF-formatted CV and 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.