Are you Norwegian Church Aid’s new Country Director for DRC?

Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) has been working together with strong partnerships in DRC since as early as 1973. For the last 29 years, we have been based in the country using a rights-based approach to engage right-holders and duty-bearers to foster positive gender relations and provide access to safe water and hygiene facilities. In close collaboration with our local partners, we have successfully built cooperation between our humanitarian and development programs to deliver timely and culturally sensitive support and services to mobilize and empower local communities, especially women and girls. 
 
NCA is seeking a new Country Director in DRC for a two-year contract with possibilities for extension. The person hired will lead and work closely with the country office’s Senior Management Team (SMT) to ensure that a successful implementation of the NCA country programme in DRC. We are looking for a person with extensive leadership experience and knowledge of and experience with humanitarian and long-term development work, including in complex and insecure contexts such as the one in Eastern DRC.  

The person we are looking for also has excellent leadership skills. In NCA, we expect all our leaders to prioritise the following three important areas of leadership: Take strategic lead, provide effective day-to-day management and promote a safe and healthy workplace. We are looking for a person who has experience and proven abilities within these three areas of leadership, and who also enjoys being such a leader. 

Further information about NCA and this position may be provided by NCA Head of Division for Southern and West-Africa: Marianne Opheim Sampo 

This is a non-family duty-station and this position is for expatriates only. Expatriates currently benefit from an R&R scheme.  

This is a minimum two-year contract with possibilities for extension depending on results and funding. Interviews will start mid-August. Start date for the position: As soon as possible.  

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Eastern DRC is a high-risk area, and as Country Director, you will have the responsibility to mitigate critical incidents from occurring and to manage them if they do. In this role, you will represent NCA to potential and current donors and other external stakeholders, ensuring that reports and other deliverables are submitted on time and with the required quality. This is a hands-on position where your success will be determined by your direct engagement in fundraising for new projects, program development, oversight of a highly competent staff, and representing NCA to stakeholders. 

As Country Director, you will strive to be influential with our partners and other relevant external stakeholders. It is essential for NCA to receive and follow up on complaints from beneficiaries and other stakeholders. This often takes considerable time and can lead to challenging situations where multiple considerations must be weighed. You will be prepared to manage these situations effectively. 

You thrive in evolving and challenging environments, have a strong commitment to servant leadership, teamwork, and accountability, and possess excellent interpersonal skills. 

QUALIFICATIONS / PERSONAL QUALITIES 

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing humanitarian and/or long-term development operations in fragile and insecure locations, preferably in Francophone Africa 

• Able to mentor, coach and support staff in their professional development 

• French and English proficiency is required 

• Relevant higher education 

• Excellent interpersonal skills and cross-cultural communication skills 

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills 

• Strong analytical skills and structure orientated  

• Flexibility, ability to work independently and meet deadlines 

• Must be loyal to Norwegian Church Aid's Christian values and accept the ACT Alliance Code of Conduct 

WE OFFER 

• Important and exciting tasks within a humanitarian response  

• Important role in a very visible organization, internationally 

• The opportunity to develop this position further for NCA DRC 

• Great opportunity to make everyday life better for the many who are in need 

• A competitive salary and benefits, as per NCA’s HR policies. 

Please note that HEAT training is required before deployment to DRC. 
 
We encourage all qualified persons to apply for a job with us, regardless of gender, age, disability or cultural background. Through our recruitment portal,  you can register and submit your CV, write an application / cover letter and attach relevant certificates. Only applicants using this electronic portal will be considered for the position.  

Before you apply: 

We kindly ask you to carefully read the  ACT Code of Conduct for the prevention of misconduct, including corruption, fraud, exploitation and abuse, including sexual; and to ensure child safeguarding and the  Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse and Child Safeguarding policy before you submit your application. If you are the selected candidate for this position you will be asked to complete and sign our Code of Conduct and Protection from Sexual Harassment, Exploitation and Abuse, and Child Safeguarding Policy. 
 
In accordance with core humanitarian principles, NCA implements a range of safeguards to prevent or reduce the possibility of humanitarian aid falling into the wrong hands. This includes those individuals and groups who are subject to sanctions by the United Nations Security Council. As part of this process, NCA will screen the details of the successful candidates for this post against the sanctions lists maintained by the UN and by some of NCAs governmental donors.