Mission Leader Opportunity in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

INTERSOS is actively recruiting a Mission Leader to join its operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This 12-month position offers a Co.co.co. contract with an immediate start date of September 1, 2026.

About INTERSOS

INTERSOS is a non-profit humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Our work is rooted in core values of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equal rights and opportunities, respect for diversity, peaceful coexistence, and a commitment to the most vulnerable populations.

Position Details

Job Title: Mission Leader
Reference Code: SR-38-10259
Location: Goma (with frequent travel to South Kivu, Ituri, and Kinshasa)
Start Date: September 1, 2026
Contract Duration: 12 months
Reporting to: Regional Director
Direct Reports: Senior Management Team (SMT)
Housing Arrangement: Without family

Project Context

The humanitarian landscape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains deeply challenging, with escalating crises across the country. Eastern provinces face persistent armed conflict, endemic violence, and recurring displacement of civilians. Chronic health vulnerabilities, including recurrent Ebola outbreaks, compound the crisis. Civilians endure severe hardships, including frequent human rights violations, targeted attacks, and widespread gender-based violence.

INTERSOS has maintained a presence in the DRC since 2010, implementing critical programs in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Our initiatives focus on protection, healthcare, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and food security, delivered in collaboration with UN agencies and funded by major donors such as ECHO, AICS, and SV.

Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Analyze political and humanitarian dynamics across the country and neighboring regions through field assessments and stakeholder engagement to identify priority intervention areas.
• Develop and implement a country-specific strategy aligned with INTERSOS’ mission and values.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, engaging institutional and private donors to maximize program impact.
• Align program priorities with donor strategies and ensure strict adherence to INTERSOS and donor policies.
• Oversee project design, implementation, and evaluation, conducting regular field visits to assess progress, quality, and compliance with organizational and external standards.
• Submit emergency and project proposals for central approval and lead the development of additional programs based on assessed needs.
• Lead the detailed strategic planning process, prioritizing actions and resources to achieve program objectives.

Representation and Advocacy

• Serve as the primary representative of INTERSOS, managing relationships with national authorities to facilitate seamless program implementation while upholding the organization’s neutrality and independence.
• Ensure compliance with local registration procedures and maintain productive communication with government stakeholders.
• Engage with donors to ensure their priorities align with assessed humanitarian needs, advocating for responsive funding.
• Represent INTERSOS in relevant forums and coordination platforms.

Team Management and Leadership

• Ensure high performance and cohesion within the Senior Management Team, fostering collaboration and shared decision-making.
• Collaborate with HR to guide performance evaluations for both international and national staff.
• Uphold organizational values, ethics, and control frameworks, ensuring all personnel adhere to INTERSOS policies.
• Cultivate an ethical, inclusive, and productive work environment that empowers staff to achieve organizational goals.

Financial, Logistical, and Procurement Oversight

• Work with the Finance Coordinator to manage the mission’s overall financial health, ensuring transparent and effective resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and donor requirements.
• Collaborate with Logistics and Procurement Coordinators to establish efficient operational and supply chain systems.

Safety and Security Management

• Assume ultimate responsibility for safety, including developing, validating, and implementing the country security plan.
• Monitor the evolving security context, analyze risks, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Engage regularly with regional offices and security advisors on safety-related matters.
• Make final decisions regarding security protocols and emergency responses.

Accountability and Quality Control

• Collaborate with the SMT to produce and present monthly activity reports.
• Continuously evaluate program impact through field visits and data analysis, in partnership with the MEAL Coordinator.
• Ensure adherence to INTERSOS’ safeguarding policies by all personnel.
• Supervise the effectiveness of complaint feedback mechanisms in collaboration with the MEAL department.
• Oversee program quality and impact, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and key performance indicators.
• Monitor program reporting to ensure compliance with INTERSOS policies, donor regulations, and national requirements.

Required Qualifications

• 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, preferably with NGOs in developing countries.
• Proven experience managing major grants and partnerships with international donors.
• Demonstrated ability to work in insecure environments, with responsibility for security planning, monitoring, and management.
• Proficiency in essential computer skills, including Word, Excel, and internet tools.
• Fluency in both French and English is mandatory.

Desired Competencies

• Strategic vision and strong organizational and planning skills.
• Leadership, team management, and collaborative problem-solving abilities.
• Adaptability, negotiation, and decision-making prowess.
• Diplomatic, interpersonal, and communication strengths.
• Initiative, autonomy, and a results-driven mindset.
• Analytical thinking and practical problem-solving capabilities.
• Commitment to INTERSOS’ principles and ethical standards.

Terms and Benefits

• Salary Range: €4,505 – €5,182 gross per month.
• Accommodation: Shared guesthouse.
• Rest and Recuperation (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: Coverage for all staff.
• Travel and Visa Support: Round-trip airfare included. For assignments of 9+ months, an additional round-trip ticket to the home country is provided.
• Orientation Training: One week of online pre-deployment training.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the designated portal. The process includes three quick steps: registration (name, email, password, and nationality), login, and application submission with a PDF version of their CV.

Applicants must provide the names, positions, and contact 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.