Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified Chief of Party (chef.fe de Mission) for our new upcoming project “STAR-EST”.

About the project and the role

The STAR-EST project, funded by the World Bank, focuses on stabilizing and rebuilding Eastern DRC by supporting community-based socio-economic infrastructure, socio-economic reintegration, and strengthening provincial governance. A key component is the facilitation of Activities Generating Revenue (AGR) for individuals and groups, particularly vulnerable populations and ex-combatants.

The Chief of Party (Chef de Mission) will lead and manage the proposal writing, all aspects of the Activities Generating Revenue (AGR) program, ensuring the successful implementation of activities in the target provinces. This involves working closely with community-based organizations (OBC), managing resources, overseeing sub-projects, and ensuring that all beneficiaries are supported in their economic reintegration efforts. This position is contingent on funding.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the AGR program, coordinating activities across one of North Kivu, Ituri, or South Kivu provinces.
• Ensure alignment of the AGR activities with the overall project objectives and work closely with local partners and stakeholders.
• Manage the operational execution of the program, ensuring that resources are efficiently utilized and timelines are respected.
• Identify and select Community-Based Organizations (OBC) to facilitate the implementation of AGR activities in collaboration with local communities.
• Provide ongoing support and capacity-building for OBCs in areas such as project supervision, reporting, and monitoring.
• Work with OBCs to assist beneficiaries in developing small business plans and accessing cash grants.
• Certify payments and ensure that sub-projects are progressing according to plan, intervening with additional support as required.
• Ensure the timely submission of reports, including monthly progress updates, quarterly technical and financial reports, and a final project report.
• Serve as the key point of contact for AGR activities, coordinating with local authorities, OBCs, and the project’s provincial coordinators.
• Ensure that ex-combatants and other vulnerable groups are effectively reintegrated through economic opportunities provided by the program.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have a few years of management experience and have worked both strategically and operationally with several of the tasks above. We hope to hear from you if you have a proven experience and strong leadership in managing multidisciplinary teams, expertise in working with community-based organizations and facilitating capacity-building programs. Moreover, we also expect the following:

• Master’s degree (BAC +5) in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, or related fields;
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience, with at least 5 years in project management, specifically in community-based projects or economic development initiatives.
• Proven experience in leading teams and managing resources in complex environments.
• Experience in the economic reintegration of vulnerable populations, particularly in fragile or conflict-affected areas.
• Previous experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in regions with similar socio-economic and climatic conditions to Eastern DRC, is required.
• Full professional proficiency in French, mandatory.
• Knowledge of other languages spoken (e.g. Swahili) in the project areas (North Kivu, Ituri, South Kivu) is highly desirable

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.

Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

Contract length: To be confirmed

Band: E2

Duty Station: Goma, North Kivu Province/ DR Congo, with travel to DRC Field Offices

Start date: To be confirmed

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national or International employees. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected] .

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in French or in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 24th October 2024

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo