Country Director for DR Congo

Country Programme: DR Congo

Contract Length: 1 year, with the possibility of extension

Base: Kinshasa, DRC; with regular travel to Goma and Bukavu

Starting date: to be agreed upon

Line Manager: Regional Director

People in Need (PIN) is a Czech-based international non-governmental organization (NGO) that has provided humanitarian and development assistance across more than 20 countries since 1992. Today, PIN stands as one of the largest organizations of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe, supporting vulnerable communities in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. PIN empowers civil society, advocates for human rights, and promotes social inclusion both at home and abroad.

About the DRC Programme of People in Need: 

PIN is active in DRC since 2008. PIN focuses on addressing humanitarian and development needs, particularly in conflict-affected areas of South Kivu. PIN has provided emergency support in nutrition, food security, WASH, agriculture, and cash assistance while promoting climate resilience through sustainable initiatives, and is currently expanding its portfolio to include Education in Emergencies. Supported by donors such as ECHO, UN OCHA, and DoS, PIN operates with a small but solid team of national staff, reaching vulnerable communities in remote and hard-to-access areas.

About the role: 

The Country Director (CD) is the main representative of PIN in DRC, responsible for the overall strategic direction and leadership of the Country Programme.  The CD plays a key role in building and maintaining relationships with donors, partners, coordination platforms, and local authorities to support the growth and sustainability of the Country Programme. Based in Kinshasa, the CD oversees a national team operating from Bukavu and across field locations while ensuring that all programmes and operations are implemented in accordance with PIN’s values, policies, and strategy. While maintaining oversight of security and risk management, support functions, and human resource development, the core focus of the role lies in external representation, networking, and positioning PIN for current and future funding opportunities.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provides strategic leadership to fulfil the mission, vision, and strategy of PIN, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s core values.
• Represents PIN and builds strategic relationships with donors, national and international NGOs, government authorities, coordination platforms, and other key stakeholders.
• Strengthens PIN’s visibility, reputation, and influence in the country through strategic engagement, communication, and participation in relevant forums and coordination mechanisms.
• Proactively identifies and pursues funding opportunities and donor partnerships to support the sustainability and growth of the country programme
• Leads the implementation of medium- and short-term plans in coordination with headquarters (HQ), ensuring that required resources are in place and used effectively.
• Drives the development of new programmes and interventions, including expansion into new sectors.
• Oversees contingency planning and emergency preparedness and together with the Programmes Director, leads new emergency responses when needed.
• Ensures the quality, strategic alignment, and timely submission of proposals and donor reports, in collaboration with programme and HQ teams.
• Contributes to sector-wide advocacy and coordination efforts through relevant platforms and working groups.
• Promotes knowledge management and learning across the mission, in collaboration with HQ technical and MEAL teams.
• Promotes a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive organisational culture based on transparency, accountability, and professional growth.
• Provides regular guidance, feedback, and performance support to senior staff.
• Leads recruitment for key national positions and participates in the selection of international staff in collaboration with HQ.
• Ensures compliance with all internal policies and procedures across the country programme. Leads and oversees all support functions, ensuring effective, compliant, and coordinated operations across departments.
• Upholds PIN’s Safety and Security Policy, ensuring staff and beneficiary safety while balancing operational risk with programme priorities.
• Leads crisis management efforts and serves as the Head of the Incident Management Team (IMT) when required.
• Ensures strong internal coordination and communication across departments and functions.
• Upholds PIN’s commitment to integrity, safeguarding, and Do No Harm principles in all aspects of programming and operations. Ensures accountability frameworks are upheld, including adherence to CHS standards, the Code of Conduct, and complaint response mechanisms.

Main requirements: 

• Demonstrated experience in high-level external representation, donor engagement, and strategic positioning, with strong skills in strategic programme development, proposal writing, and external communications.
• Experience establishing and managing strategic partnerships to support effective programme implementation and results.
• Strong leadership and staff management skills, with a proven track record of successfully managing large, diverse teams and fostering the capacity building of both national and international staff;
• Strong background in security management, ensuring the safety and security of staff and operations in complex, high-risk environments;
• Proficient in economic management of large-scale country programmes;
• Previous experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or a similar context, with a deep understanding of local dynamics, is preferred;
• Strong understanding of humanitarian and development principles;
• Reliable, self-sufficient, and systematic in approach to work, with a strong sense of responsibility;
• Excellent communication skills and cultural sensitivity;
• A dynamic, results-oriented profile with a proactive attitude;
• Strong organizational and planning skills;
• Critical analysis and problem-solving abilities;
• Proficiency spoken and written English and French (mandatory).

We offer:

• Working environment in a well-established humanitarian organization in a challenging context;
• Salary & Benefits: Salary based on PIN’s salary scale and HR policies; expected salary range between 3450 - 3800 EUR super gross (based on experience).
• Additional allowances include:
  • Monthly Subsistence Allowance of 1675 EUR;
  • Monthly Hardship Allowance of 400 EUR;
  • Accommodation provided by PIN/Monthly Housing Allowance
• Time off and Rest:
  • 25 days of holiday annually;
  • 10 sick days
  • Rest & Recreation (R&R) policy in place; 10 additional days of R&R leave per year;
• Travel benefits:
  • Reimbursement of travel expenses with travel to the country of residence once every 6 months of work;
  • Reimbursement of costs of visas and vaccinations; assistance with the visa application procedure;
  • Reimbursement for the medical check-up before and after the deployment;
  • Travel health insurance covering medical care, incl. the repatriation;
• Health and Well-being:
  • 24/7 Medical Support available online;
  • Free psychological consultations available online;
• Professional Development: Free access to e-learning platforms and PIN Learning Hub; PIN’s global Induction Training, and tailored capacity-building opportunities, including Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT)
• This positions is unaccompanied

How to apply:

If you are interested in this position, send us your CV and short cover letter via our application form.
Please note only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled.

People in Need is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct and committed to promoting the welfare of children and adults with whom People in Need involves. People in Need expects all staff to perform job duties and responsibilities in accordance with People in Need code of conduct and key policies (available at: https://www.peopleinneed.net/key-policies-4142gp). People in Need Staff will undertake the appropriate level of training.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.