WeWorld-GVC, recently constituted from the merger of two NGOs, is an Italian secular and independent organization working since 1971 in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Present in 29 countries with 128 projects, WeWorld-GVC operates in the following areas of assistance: human rights (gender equality, prevention and combating violence against children and women, migration), humanitarian aid (prevention, emergency relief and rehabilitation), food security, access to water, health and hygiene, education, global citizenship education, quality teaching and international volunteering. WeWorld-GVC works mostly with girls, boys, women and youth, actors of change in every community for a fairer and more inclusive world. Supports people overcoming emergencies and guarantees a life with dignity, opportunities and a better future through human and economic development programs, in the framework of the 2030 Agenda. Joining the WeWorld-GVC team means being part of the development of a dynamic organisation where the contribution of each staff member is promoted and valued, working together towards the collective achievement of shared goals and vision. At present, the main donors are Italy (AICS), the EU (DG ECHO), UNICEF, OCHA, and Belgium (DGD).

Position: Country Representative DRC

Location: Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Type of contract: 6 months (with possibility of extension)

Deadline: 29/08/2021

Starting date: October 2021

Gross Salary: to be defined according to the candidate’s profile

Working context

The DRC is facing an acute and complex humanitarian crisis. Recurrent conflicts in the Kivu’s provinces and Ituri, health shocks and natural disasters, as well as the chronic poverty suffered by a large part of the population are all reasons for the high level of humanitarian needs. According to the Humanitarian Needs Survey 2020, 15.6 million people (including 5.01 million IDPs) in DRC are in need of humanitarian assistance. The country also hosts 538,000 refugees from neighbouring countries, a particularly vulnerable population. The Integrated Food Security (August 2019) analysis revealed a slight increase in the total number of people classified as food insecure in crisis (phase 3) and emergency (phase 4) situations. At the same time, the Humanitarian Needs Overview (2020) highlights that 4.7 million people across the country are suffering from acute malnutrition. Many parts of the country also remain affected by multiple epidemics, including measles, cholera, malaria and the Ebola virus.

Purpose of the Role

The Country Representative is the official and legal representative of WeWorld-GVC in the DRC. Under the supervision of the Head of Regional Unit and the Desk, the CR is responsible for the opening, development and management of WeWorld-GVC’s mission in the DRC. In this capacity, he/she will contribute to the design of the programme, be responsible for relations with international and national partners, with the main donors to structure stable partnerships. The Country Representative will be responsible for relations with national authorities and local governments, budget management, security, operations and research and structuring of a motivated and professional team to ensure the implementation of WeWorld-GVC’s operational strategy in DRC.

Main functions and duties

REPRESENTATION

• To represent the organisation before the local and national authorities present in the country, in accordance with the mandate of WeWorld-GVC
• To submit reports or exchange necessary information and resolving any problems with authorities, partners or beneficiaries
• To monitor the correct registration of the organisation and compliance with legal obligations in the country, including framework agreements allowing work and travel in the country, monitoring general relations between civil society and the government, setting up the necessary guidelines and actions for the good work of the organisation in the country
• To develop, manage and monitor strategic and operational partnerships and networks
• To maintain and guiding the organisation’s “positioning” in the country
• To participate in meetings and sectoral clusters with donors, partners, institutions etc., and position the organisation ona strategic, technical and operational level
• To represent and boosting relations with donors and UN agencies, defending the interests of the organisation
• To analyse opportunities in line with the mission strategy
• To represent the organisation beside the national and international media. Representing and boosting relations with other international actors accounted for in the DRC
• To identify, engage and strengthen strategic in-country partners engaged in child protection, migration and human rights integrated responses, in line with WeWorld-GVC Country Strategic Plan and Regional Strategies, to grow the pipeline of opportunities in DRC, through a participatory process
• Identify additional areas of synergy and cooperation with donors, other NGOs, UN agencies and relevant institutions
• Promote WeWorld-GVC organizational identity and capacity towards all stakeholders and partners in DRC and ensure WeWorld-GVC remains relevant to the changing needs of disadvantaged people in the country

STRATEGIC VISION

• To define, in coordination with the Head of Regional Unit, the Desk Officer, the thematic experts and the Head of International Programmes the intervention strategy of WeWorld-GVC in the DRC, in accordance with the mandate, the international strategy of WeWorld-GVC, the East Africa strategy and the political framework of the organization
• To define, implement and monitor the Mission Action Plan in all these aspects: the Country Representative is responsible for the achievement and attainment of the objectives of the Mission strategy
• To carry out permanent monitoring of the intervention context and centralise decision-making on the strategic orientations necessary to achieve the objectives, revise the objectives with the Regional Unit, if necessary ensure, in collaboration with the teams and the Head of Regional Unit, the quality and relevance of the projects and programmes, with reference to the mandate of WeWorld-GVC
• To define with the Regional Unit the organisation chart of the mission and the allocation of resources in line with the defined strategic objectives and the available means
• To ensure, in collaboration with the teams and the Head of Regional Unit, the quality and relevance of projects and programmes, with reference to the mandate of WeWorld-GVC
• To support the writing of proposals and reports (narrative and financial)
• To ensure the submission to financial partners, in accordance with the orientations of the strategic plan, in compliance with the standards and within the deadlines defined at headquarters level

Program MANAGEMENT and Development

• To lead and oversee the grants acquisition of new projects in the country, ensuring a long-term portfolio and achievement of annual targets
• To lead and oversee the preparation and implementation of programmes documents (including SOPs, policy briefs, Programmes plans and Risk Assessments)
• To assist the HQ to maintain public/media/donor relations to actively engage their interest/support in promoting and communicating WeWorld-GVC achievements, competencies and interest at global level
• To oversee the financial and logistic sustainability of programs and operations through effective and efficient resources development effort, outstanding financial ratios, effective budget administration and procurement management (i.e. management and maintenance of project assets and regular inventories)
• To define, in collaboration with the Head of Regional Unit department at HQ, the mission's HRD policy, ensure that it is regularly updated or revised, and ensure that it is applied to the mission

HUMAN RESOURCES

• To identify and plan human resources needs (International and National)
• Timely inform HR HQ about both the present and the future International HR Needs (Annual and 4M updates) in order to facilitate a punctual recruitment process and deployment of the necessary workforce
• To direct and manage staff in the country, ensuring development of appropriate capabilities and competencies according to the strategic and operational needs of projects/programs
• To ensure transparent, equal and inclusive management and training of human resources in accordance with the policy and procedures, and all regulatory requirements (WeWorld-GVC, host country legislation and donor’s policy)
• To foster an inclusive and diverse work environment, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed

SECURITY MANAGEMENT

• To develop a country security strategy based on headquarters and country information
• To identify risks and threats and develop systems of early warning flags
• To coordinate in the design, testing and communications of appropriate security and safety plans and programmes
• To develop and document emergency preparedness and disaster evacuation plans and programmes
• To monitoring the political and humanitarian situation in the country

The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties.

Essential Requirements

Qualifications and Knowledge

• An advanced university degree or equivalent in the field of Social or Political Science, Development Studies, International relations, Project Management, Human rights
• Strong managerial competencies and good knowledge of main international donors’ (ECHO, DEVCO, OCHA, UNICEF, EU) policies and procedures
• Good knowledge of MSOffice
• Fluent in French, both written and verbal
• Good knowledge of English (level B2)

Professional experience

• Minimum 5 years of relevant working experience in related fields
• Proven working experience with international NGOs in management of complex international cooperation projects, funded by institutional donors
• Extensive project development and proposal writing experience
• Experience in finance, HR management and administration required
• Experience in security management

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to assess needs, develop and write new project proposal
• Ability to analyse information, evaluate options and think and plan strategically
• Strong flexibility and capacity to adapt behaviour to the needs of the situation
• Capacity to work autonomously and in problems prevention/resolution
• Proven organisational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
• Good communication, negotiation skills and sensitivity in dealing with local institutions on critical issues
• Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Strong commitment to the Mission of WeWorld-GVC, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics

Desirable Requirements

• Previous professional experience in DRC or precarious contexts similar to those in the DRC
• Knowledge and experience in protection, health, nutrition or WASH is a plus