Head of Programmes for DRC

Starting date: ASAP

Contract Length: 12 months, with the possibility of extension

Country: Democratic Republic of Congo

Location: Bukavu, DR Congo with regular travels to Goma, Kinshasa and field locations

Line Manager: Country Director

About People in Need:

People in Need (PIN) is an international non-profit organization founded in 1992 in the Czech Republic. Today, it is the largest NGO of its kind in post-communist Europe, providing humanitarian relief and supporting civil society in over 20 countries.

PIN has been present in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2008, with a main office in Bukavu (South Kivu) and several field offices. Its work focuses on conflict-affected areas, delivering emergency assistance in nutrition, food security, WASH, agriculture, and cash support, while promoting climate resilience through sustainable initiatives. Supported by donors such as BHA, ECHO, SDC, and UN OCHA, PIN works with around 120 local staff to reach vulnerable communities in remote and hard-to-access areas.

Position Overview

The Head of Programmes leads PIN’s programme portfolio in the DRC, ensuring projects are delivered on time, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. The role oversees results-based monitoring and evaluation, shapes programme strategy, and drives the development of new initiatives.

Working closely with the Country Director, the Head of Programmes represents PIN to donors, authorities, and partners, and will play a key role in expanding programming into new geographic areas. The position also contributes to strategic planning and emergency preparedness, strengthens collaboration with local and international actors, promotes continuous improvement, and fosters a positive, supportive environment for programme teams.

Main Duties & Responsibilities:

Programme Leadership & Quality

• Lead overall programme management, ensuring timely, efficient, and high-quality delivery across the portfolio.
• Ensure programmes are implemented in line with the Country Programme strategy and contribute to progress against programme indicators.
• Guarantee compliance with donor requirements, national regulations, and PIN policies, while mainstreaming cross-cutting themes, safeguarding, and accountability.
• Strengthen collaboration with local and international actors to enhance programme impact and sustainability.
• Line-manage Project/Programme Managers and the MEAL team; oversee budgeting and procurement, and coordinate closely with the Head of Systems and Operations (HoSO).
• Ensure robust MEAL systems, including effective complaints and feedback mechanisms, to drive evidence-based programming, accountability, and organizational learning.
• Support emergency preparedness and promote innovation to adapt programmes to changing contexts.

Programme Development & Fundraising

• Lead assessments, reviews, and high-quality proposal development aligned with country and global strategies.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand programming into new geographic areas and sectors, in collaboration with the Country Director.
• Maintain strong donor relations and actively seek new funding opportunities.
• Represent PIN to donors, authorities, and partners, ensuring field experience informs policy and donor commitments.

People Leadership

• Ensure adequate staffing; lead recruitment, performance management, and capacity building.
• Foster a positive, supportive team culture.

Security

• Ensure staff adhere to security procedures and cooperate with security focal points.
• Integrate security considerations into programme design, planning, and implementation.

Main Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale programmes funded by major humanitarian donors, with proven ability to supervise procedures and ensure compliance with donor requirements.
• Experience representing the organization in coordination forums, with donors, and with local authorities.
• Capacity for innovation and adapting programs to evolving contexts.
• Experience with climate resilience programming or accessing climate resilience funding is a strong advantage.
• Experience with risk management, compliance, and organizational policies.
• Knowledge of Safeguarding and Accountability, both as concepts and in programmatic practice.
• Experience working in insecure or hardship environments is a strong advantage.
• Familiarity with the DR Congo (donor landscape, partnerships, local needs and opportunities) is a strong advantage.
• Fluent knowledge of French and English.
• Proven people management experience, including staff supervision and capacity development.
• Strong critical analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work in difficult conditions and under pressure, often to tight deadlines.
• Cultural sensitivity, excellent communication skills, and strong ability to motivate and transfer knowledge to others.
• Responsible and systematic, with strong organizational and planning skills.
• Commitment to the organization’s values, with empathy and integrity.

PIN offers:

Working environment in a well-established middle-sized humanitarian organization in a challenging context;

-        Salary and benefits: Salary based on PIN´s salary scale and HR policies; expected salary 2950 - 3350 EUR super gross (based on experience)

-        Additional allowances include:

• monthly subsistence allowance of 1675 EUR;
• monthly hardship allowance of 400 EUR;

 -         Time Off and Rest:

• 25 days of holiday per year;
• 10 sick days;
• Rest and Recreation 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 of the medical check-up before and after the deployment;
• Travel health insurance covering medical care, incl. the repatriation;

• Accomodation provided by PIN

-        Health and Well-being:

• Free 24/7 medical helpdesk and psychological consultation available online;

-        Professional Development: Free access to e-learning sites, global PIN’s Induction Training, access to PIN Learning Hub, and individually tailored capacity-building opportunities; incl. HEAT training

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 is committed to promoting the welfare of children and adults with whom People in Need involved. 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.