INTERSOS is actively recruiting a Mission Leader for its operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The role is a 12-month contract, classified as a Co.co.co., with applications closing on July 29, 2026.
INTERSOS is a non-profit, non-governmental humanitarian organization dedicated to supporting victims of natural disasters and armed conflicts. Its mission is rooted in the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equal rights and opportunities, respect for diversity, peaceful coexistence, and a commitment to protecting the most vulnerable social groups.
Position details
Job title: Mission Leader
Job code: SR-38-10259
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
Primary duty station: Goma, with frequent travel to South Kivu, Ituri, and Kinshasa
Start date: September 1, 2026
Contract duration: 12 months
Reporting lines
Direct supervisor: Regional Director
Functional supervision: Senior Management Team (SMT)
Subordinates: SMT team
Deployment conditions: Without family accommodation
Project overview
The humanitarian landscape in the DRC remains critically challenging, with a compounding series of crises over recent years. Eastern provinces—particularly Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu—face entrenched violence, recurring armed conflicts, and persistent insecurity. These conditions have driven repeated mass displacements, compounded by chronic health vulnerabilities, including recurrent Ebola outbreaks. Civilians bear the brunt of this instability, facing frequent human rights violations, gender-based violence, and violations of international humanitarian law.
Since establishing a presence in the DRC in 2010, INTERSOS has been delivering vital programs in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. These include protection, health, water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and food security initiatives, often in partnership with UN agencies and funded by entities such as ECHO, AICS, and SV.
Role purpose
The Mission Leader serves as the primary representative of INTERSOS in the country, acting on behalf of the organization’s Director General. This position leads the strategic direction, program planning, resource management, and operational delivery of all INTERSOS activities in the DRC.
Key responsibilities
Strategy and program development
- Monitor and analyze the political and humanitarian landscape across the country and neighboring regions through established networks and field assessments, identifying new areas for intervention.
- Develop, propose, and implement strategic plans aligned with INTERSOS’ values and operational principles.
- Explore and secure funding opportunities that align with organizational priorities and demonstrate measurable community impact.
- Guide fundraising activities targeting institutional and private donors.
- Align program strategies with donor priorities and ensure full compliance with donor and organization policies and procedures.
- Maintain a comprehensive oversight of project development and implementation, conducting regular field visits to assess progress, quality, and adherence to technical and ethical standards.
- Submit emergency response proposals and interventions for approval by central management and evaluate potential emergency scenarios, leading the development of additional programs as needed.
- Lead the detailed planning of the country strategy, prioritizing actions and resources to meet program objectives.
Representation and advocacy
- Act as the official representative of INTERSOS in all engagements with national authorities, ensuring seamless and timely implementation of programs while upholding the organization’s impartiality and independence.
- Facilitate and oversee the legal recognition of INTERSOS in compliance with national regulations.
- Maintain productive communication with donors, ensuring their awareness of assessed needs and aligning their priorities with programmatic responses.
- Represent INTERSOS in relevant forums, platforms, and coordination mechanisms.
Team leadership
- Ensure the senior management team operates effectively, fostering mutual support and active participation in key decision-making processes.
- In coordination with the Human Resources Coordinator, supervise the performance management of both international and national staff.
- Uphold organizational values, ethical standards, and INTERSOS’ management and control model.
- Promote high ethical standards, teamwork, and a productive work environment.
- Empower staff to achieve organizational goals, fostering a highly functional and cooperative team dynamic.
Financial, logistics, and procurement oversight
- Collaborate with the Finance Coordinator to oversee the overall financial management of the mission, ensuring financial viability and accountability for all allocated funds.
- Ensure transparent and efficient management of mission resources.
- Work closely with the Logistics and Procurement Coordinator to establish and maintain effective service delivery and procurement processes.
Safety and security leadership
- Assume ultimate responsibility for safety and security, including the development and validation of the country security plan and adherence to all protocols.
- Monitor evolving security contexts, conduct analyses, and formulate actionable recommendations.
- Maintain ongoing dialogue with regional offices and security advisors on all safety-related matters.
- Make final decisions regarding all security matters in the country.
Accountability and quality assurance
- Collaborate with the SMT to produce and present monthly activity reports for the mission.
- Continuously evaluate and analyze the impact of programs and operations through regular field visits and in partnership with the Program Coordinator and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning) team.
- Ensure full compliance with all INTERSOS safeguarding policies across all personnel.
- In partnership with the MEAL department, oversee the effectiveness of a community feedback mechanism.
- Supervise program quality and impact in alignment with strategic objectives and relevant indicators.
- Oversee program reporting to ensure compliance with INTERSOS policies, donor regulations, and national requirements.
Candidate profile
Education
- University degree in project management, international affairs, development studies, international political economy, or a related field.
Professional experience
- Minimum of eight years of leadership experience in humanitarian contexts.
- Proven track record working with NGOs in developing countries.
- Experience managing major grants and engaging with international donors.
- Direct experience working in high-risk environments with responsibility for security planning, monitoring, and management.
Technical and soft skills
- Proficiency in core computer applications: Word, Excel, and Internet.
- Fluency in both French and English is mandatory.
- Strong strategic vision and planning capabilities.
- Excellent organizational skills and a results-driven mindset.
- Proven leadership, team management, and collaboration abilities.
- Adaptability and flexibility in dynamic environments.
- Strong networking, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
- Diplomatic, interpersonal, and communication competencies.
- Self-motivation and the ability to work independently.
- Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
- Deep commitment to INTERSOS’ principles and humanitarian values.
Terms and benefits
Salary: Competitive gross monthly remuneration ranging from €4,505 to €5,182 (tax-free).
Benefits:
- Shared guesthouse accommodation.
- R&R leave: 7 days of psycho-physical recovery every 12 weeks, plus a €1,000 allowance.
- Annual leave: 2.5 days per month.
- Comprehensive medical insurance for staff.
- Round-trip airfare, including an additional ticket for assignments exceeding nine months (return to home country and back to duty station).
- One week of pre-deployment online integration training.
How to apply
Eligible candidates are invited to apply through the designated application portal. The process involves three quick steps: registration (including name, email, password, and nationality), login, and submission of a PDF-formatted CV. The platform also allows candidates to track their application history with INTERSOS.
Applicants must include the names, positions, and contact details of at least three professional references—two former supervisors and one HR contact. Family members are not eligible as references.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the first interview.
