Head of Mission : Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Location: Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo Reports To: Associate General Secretary, International Development through Director, International Programs

Purpose: The Head of Mission (HoM) is to lead and manage all programming, human resources, business development and Mission operations in DRC for UMCOR.

Essential Functions: The Head of Mission, (HoM), based in Lubumbashi, will be responsible for over-all country office strategy, supervision, programming, program development, and oversight of all aspects of UMCOR’s presence. Central to the position will be the implementation and management of UMCOR projects in the DRC including current programs focused on malaria and HIV prevention and treatment, WATSAN and agriculture-related activities, as well as both education and nutrition programming to be implemented under anticipated future awards.

The HoM will be responsible for ensuring that all aspects of UMCOR’s programs in the DRC are implemented in compliance with grant agreements, budgets and according to schedule. The HoM will develop programs focusing on post-conflict transitional and health activities, areas in which UMCOR strengths lie worldwide. As part of program development, the HoM is expected to examine the funding situation in the country, meet with donors and partners frequently, and solicit funding for programs. In addition, the position will be responsible for establishing office and management procedures, assessing the security situation, and human resources management. As a United Methodist organization, the position will also require collaboration with the United Methodist church and its local partners, with a view of building their capacity to implement development projects in the future.

Primary Responsibilities: • Oversee all aspects of UMCOR DRC operations, including administration, human resources, security, project management and implementation. • Oversee the administrative operations of the UMCOR DRC Offices in Kamina and Lubumbashi and ensure adherence to all policies and procedures related to program activities, finance, administration, and support services. • Coordinate with HQ in the establishment and management of the mission strategy for UMCOR’s work in DRC. • Develop work plans, in conjunction with program staff, for implementation of all programs; oversee implementation of all program activities and ensure work plans are followed or adjusted as needed. • Design, prepare and negotiate project proposals and budgets, while maintaining oversight of the program, budget and expenditures to ensure timely use of funds. • Ensure compliance with UMCOR and donor policies and procedures as they relate to personnel, security, procurement and financial management. • Collaborate with the Finance unit/staff in the administration of finance, including budget preparation and submission of financial reports, funds transfers, accounting, and related functions • Ensure consistent high quality outputs and comprehensive monitoring, documenting and evaluation of all activities and their impacts, including timely preparation and submission of required narrative reports to UMCOR HQ and donors. • Actively coordinate program activities with other humanitarian and government agencies working in the area and attend inter-agency and/or cluster meetings. • Provide regular situation reports to HQ and timely program reports according to donor and internal UMCOR requirements. • Monitor developments throughout DRC and assess local contextual needs with the view of new program development and expanding programming. • Must be willing to travel extensively to conduct regular site and donor/partner visits for all programs • Responsible for field office personnel recruitment, management and staff development. • Communicate with HQ’s Program Unit on all aspects of programming, including but not limited to weekly calls. • Other tasks as assigned by the Director, International Programs.

Qualifications: This position requires a Master’s Degree in International Relations or related field and at least 5 years experience working in relief/transition/development programs with strong field experience. Requires at least 3 years in a leadership position and experience working in an insecure environment. The successful candidate will have strong working experience in one or more of the following areas: health, food security, economic development issues/approaches, capacity building, agriculture, vocational training and education. Experience working with the US Government, bilateral and international donors from a grants management and program development perspective is required.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES: Excellent written and oral communication skills in English required. Fluency in English and French is also required. Strong program, management, financial, administrative, representational and networking skills required. Experience in working in insecure environments is essential. Experience with church or faith-based organizations is a plus.

How to apply: 

If you meet the minimum requirements, submit your cover letter (notes), resume, complete the official iForm application and position related questions on our website at http://jobs-umcor.icims.com/umcor_jobs/jobs/candidate/job.jsp?jobid=1370.... No telephone inquiries please. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Responses received by November 16, 2012 will be given first review. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with hiring at the earliest possible date. The position will be open until filled. Thank you for your interest in UMCOR.