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: 01/02/2026

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 generally deteriorated in recent years, consisting of multiple overlapping crises, particularly in the eastern provinces of the country, which face endemic violence and armed conflicts. The insecurity has led to massive and repeated 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 the 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, including protection monitoring in partnership with the Humanitarian Fund 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 General Director, leading the organization's response, including strategy design, resource planning, and program management and implementation.

Main responsibilities and tasks:

Strategy and Vision

• Responsible for monitoring and analyzing the political and humanitarian situation throughout the country and neighboring countries through established contacts and exploratory missions aimed at identifying potential areas of intervention. To design, propose, and develop a new intervention strategy in line with INTERSOS's values and principles.
• To explore and present funding opportunities that integrate and leverage impact for communities; to support and guide fundraising activities from institutional and private donors.
• To monitor the priorities and intervention strategies of donors in the country. To ensure strict compliance and adherence to INTERSOS and donor procedures.
• To have an overview of the development and implementation of projects and programs, and, through periodic visits to the areas of intervention, to evaluate their evolution and quality in accordance with internal and external standards and requirements, final results, and achievements, to ensure that the organization's technical and ethical standards are met and that the objectives are achieved.
• Project proposals and emergency interventions must be submitted for the approval of the central administration. To evaluate potential emergency interventions in the country and to lead the development of additional programs based on the results of the review and evaluation.
• To lead the detailed country strategy planning process and to prioritize actions and resources to achieve program objectives.

Representation and Advocacy

• To represent the organization and manage relationships with authorities, ensuring the smooth and timely implementation of planned interventions and preserving impartiality and independence.
• To ensure, secure, and control the government recognition procedures of the organization in compliance with the host country's formalities.
• To maintain productive communication with donors and ensure that assessed needs are communicated in order to impact donor priorities.
• To represent INTERSOS in the relevant forums.

Personnel Management

• To 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, to guide and supervise the performance process of international and national staff.
• To ensure compliance with organizational values, the Code of Ethics, the organization's Management and Control Model, and INTERSOS procedures.
• To maintain high ethical standards, promote teamwork, and ensure a productive work environment.
• To empower staff to achieve the organization's objectives and to work as a highly functional and cooperative team.

Finance, Logistics, and Procurement

• In collaboration with the Financial Coordinator, to define and oversee the overall financial management of the mission, striving to ensure financial sustainability and assuming responsibility for the management of the mission's funds (NGO budget).
• To ensure that allocated resources are managed in an efficient and transparent manner.
• In collaboration with the Logistics and Procurement Coordinator, ensure that the required and efficient procurement services and processes are in place.

Safety and Security

• To assume final responsibility for security, including the development and validation of the country security plan and to ensure compliance with procedures, context development monitoring, analysis, and the formulation of recommendations.
• To interact regularly with the regional office and the security advisor on security matters.
• To assume final responsibility for any decision concerning security in the country.

Accountability and Quality Control

• In collaboration with SMT, is responsible for the production and presentation of the mission's monthly activity reports.
• To continuously evaluate, analyze, and assess the impact of the country's program and operations, also through periodic visits to the areas of intervention, in collaboration with the Program and MEAL Coordinator. To ensure that all of INTERSOS's safeguarding framework policies are respected by the staff. In collaboration with the MEAL department, to supervise the effectiveness of a complaint feedback mechanism. To oversee the quality and impact of the program in accordance with established strategic objectives and related indicators.
• To oversee program reports, ensuring compliance with INTERSOS policies and procedures, donor regulations, and national requirements.

Required profile and experience

Education

• University degree in project management, international affairs, development, international political economy, or another relevant field.

Professional Experience

• Eight (8) years of 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 an unsecured environment with responsibility for security planning, monitoring, and management
• Essential computer skills (Word, Excel, and Internet)

Languages

• Fluent in French and English

Personal Requirements

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

Comment postuler ?

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to apply by following the link below:

https://www.intersos.org/en/field-eng/#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, positio,n 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.