Country Head of Programme

Position description

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has faced decades of turmoil, driven by resource exploitation, violent conflict, and instability. With ongoing violence in the M23/AFC conflict in the east and the Maindombe crisis in the west, millions of people are affected, and education is severely disrupted, leaving 2 million children without access to school.

Role Purpose:

The Country Head of Programmes (CHoP) will oversee all programme implementation in the DRC, focusing on child protection, education in emergencies, and livelihoods. The CHoP will lead planning, management, and quality delivery of programmes, ensuring they align with Street Child’s mission and donor requirements. The CHoP will also represent Street Child in local coordination efforts and provide operational leadership to staff in Goma.

Key Responsibilities:

Programme Strategy, Implementation, and Quality (40%)

• Provide leadership for planning, implementation, and monitoring of programmes;
• Ensure all programmes are evidence-based, gender-responsive, and aligned with global standards (Sphere, INEE, CPMS);
• Develop MEAL systems, ensuring regular data collection and reporting;
• Oversee the preparation of donor reports, ensuring compliance;
• Guide adaptive management and ensure timely project delivery.

Resource Mobilization and Donor Engagement (25%)

• Lead resource mobilization efforts and manage funding opportunities;
• Develop and submit proposals in collaboration with the proposal development and communication teams;
• Build and maintain donor relationships and partnerships;
• Ensure timely communication and reporting to donors.

Leadership and Staff Management (20%)

• Serve as Head of Office for the Goma Field Office, providing leadership and operational oversight;
• Supervise and mentor programme staff, ensuring professional development;
• Implement a performance management framework for efficiency and accountability;
• Promote a culture of responsibility and excellence among staff.

Partnership Engagement and Localization Strategy (10%)

• Coordinate localization efforts and strengthen partnerships with local organizations;
• Represent Street Child in national coordination mechanisms;
• Support the agency’s leadership in localization and partnership building;
• Document success stories to showcase leadership in localization.

Recruitment and MEAL System Development (5%)

• Lead recruitment for the Programme Technical Team;
• Support the development of MEAL systems to ensure accountability and data-driven decision-making.

Key Relationships:

• Internal: Regional Director, Finance & Operations, Programme Team, HR;
• External: Donors, Partners (INGOs/NGOs/CSOs), Local Authorities, Coordination Clusters.

Person Specification:

Essential

• Education: Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Humanitarian Affairs, or related fields (Master’s preferred);
• Experience:
  • At least 7 years of progressive experience in humanitarian and development programme management, including senior leadership roles;
  • Proven experience in MEAL, proposal writing, and donor reporting;
  • Strong knowledge of Child Protection, Education in Emergencies, and Livelihoods programming;
  • Experience in leading localization strategies and capacity building for local partners;
  • Familiarity with humanitarian standards (Sphere, CPMS, INEE).
• Core Competencies:
  • Strategic and analytical thinking;
  • Strong leadership, coaching, and team management skills;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication in English and French;
  • Highly organized and able to manage competing priorities;
  • Commitment to safeguarding and child protection policies.

Desirable

• Experience:
  • Technical specialization in education in emergencies or child protection in emergencies;
  • Proven coaching/capacity building skills.
• Core Competencies:
  • Experience in organizational development.

Application instructions

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