Start Up Manager

Job Title: Start Up Manager – National or International

Department: Management

Duty Station: Bukavu, DRC

Line Manager: Executive Director

Line Management Responsibility: Incoming newly hired team members

Position Type: Consultancy – 2 months, start As Soon As Possible (no later than end of July)

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organisation. We work with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). We work to reduce violence, protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath, and help transform the world’s response to conflict situations.

OVERVIEW

NP is in the process of setting up its country program in DRC to support the strengthening of safety and security of conflict-affected communities in South Kivu and North Kivu. Working through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP), NP centres local communities in preventing violence and promoting positive peace. The NP programming will focus on building capacities within local communities to engage in nonviolent self-protection methods such as protective accompaniment/presence, community-led safety and security initiatives such as conflict de-escalation techniques and early warning/response mechanisms. Secured funding spans several years and offers an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable, civilian protection.

JOB SUMMARY

As Start Up Manager, you will be responsible for kick starting NP’s operations to ensure they are set up efficiently, safely and inclusively. This will include the identification of properties, service contracts and suppliers following procurement and risk management processes. In addition, heavy emphasis will be on ensuring external representation with appropriate stakeholders and recruitment processes.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations Start Up

• Identify office spaces in Bukavu and Kalehe to accommodate the NP team, running transparent and fair procurement processes to decide upon most appropriate options
• Ensure office space is furnished and staffed to run smoothly on a day to day basis
• Work with the NP Global team to ensure a Security Assessment for operational areas is completed and is informing the operational decisions being made .
• Support the recruitment processes for national and international team members, ensuring contracts follow applicable labour laws
• Represent NP DRC where needed.
• Support the startup and implementation of ongoing programmes .
• Continue and begin strong relationships with donors, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure effective coordination and collaboration with other humanitarian actors, government agencies, and local communities.
• Working with the support of the Global Head of Finance and Operations, ensure compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements, including those related to donor contracts and agreements.
• Accountable for the management and reporting of financial resources and assets.
• Provide budget management oversight, coordinating with program and finance staff as necessary
• Ensure procurement, logistics, HR, and administration processes are implemented by following NP’s policies and in compliance with donor contracts.

Risk Management

• Working with Executive Director and other relevant team members, the Start Up Manager will contribute heavily to risk mitigation, safety, and security procedures being put in place
• Ensures in country staff are engaging in risk management planning in adherence with safety and security protocols.

Commitment to NP Principles

• Demonstrate a commitment to NP’s mandate and principles.
• Maintain a positive image of the organisation full time while in the field.

All NP employees are expected to work according to the organisation’s guiding principles:

• • Nonviolence
    – Process-oriented
    – Redemption and Healing
    – Direct Action
    – Independence
    – Pluriversality
    – Radical Connection
    – Non-partisanship
    – Accountability

These principles and beliefs shall guide our actions and relationships in protecting civilians in violent conflicts through unarmed strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant university degree or higher education, preferably in management, social sciences, or international development; or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum 7 years of leadership and management experience
• Previous experience working as a senior manager in a complex emergency context, including security management experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with state and local, civil, and armed actors.
• Demonstrated ability to live, work and solve problems independently and effectively in remote, highly challenging locations.
• Proven communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to analyze conflict, security, and political contexts.

Skills and Competencies:

• Programme startup experience
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently.
• Independent Judgment/Analytical:
  • Ability to set priorities, solve problems and ensure the team operates efficiently and compliantly with donor regulations. Ability to manage information with discretion. Demonstrable conflict analysis skills, identify entry points and design prevention and protection strategies. Able to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision.
• Interpersonal:
  • Result-oriented and problem-solving. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and motivate and provide leadership to team and to work in a multi-cultural environment. Solutions-focused, creative problem solver. Proven ability to build relationships with the full range of actors including government, chiefs, military, police, and non-state actors. Genuine commitment and interest in living and working at the community level. Flexibility and adaptability; able to cope with a changing environment, both on a professional and a personal level.
• Language:
  • Fluency in both English and French strong preferred
• Information Technology:
  • Good skills in Microsoft Office applications.
• NP missions are often in a complex security environment where conditions change rapidly; ability to manage in insecure environments is essential to success in this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with UCP programming an asset but not essential
• Experience in working in DRC an advantage

Working Conditions:

• This field position will include challenging living conditions, limited access to amenities, and potentially unstable security situations.
• Flexibility in work hours may be required at times
• You must be prepared to live in basic or non-traditional accommodation, which may include shared housing, camps, or field-based settings
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to strict security protocols and maintain high level of integrity