The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world’s largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 50 countries and more than 25 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you’re a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
Since 1996, IRC-DRC has been responding to the humanitarian and development needs of Congolese and refugee populations in the DRC, while working to promote their rights and strengthen their health, security, economic well-being, education and decision-making. Currently, IRC works in the areas of health (including sexual and reproductive health), nutrition, water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH), child and women protection, governance and conflict management, education, and economic recovery and development.
With National Office in Kinshasa and field offices in the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri and Tanganyika, the IRC is a key humanitarian actor in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The IRC aims to save lives, to strengthen Congolese institutions and to reinforce social cohesion through carefully designed and professionally implemented programs.
Scope of work
The Field Coordinator (FC) plays a key role in the overall leadership and management of the IRC DRC country office. Under the supervision of Deputy Director of Operations (DDO), the Field Coordinator will be responsible for the overall field coordination, program support, and field office management working in close collaboration with other members of the senior management team including the Deputy Director of Program (DDP), Deputy Director of Finance (DDF), and Senior Sector Coordinators (Health, WPE, Education…). The Field Coordinator will be based in Goma with frequent travel to Beni to oversee IRC operations, and locations as required.
Key responsibilities
Field Operational Management
• Coordinate all operational functions in the Nord Kivu and Ituri offices to ensure overall management of North Kivu-based operational support team.
• Ensure operational support for program teams for effective implementation of all project activities.
• In collaboration with the DDP and technical coordinators, provide support and leadership in project cycle management (PCM), including activity management, budget monitoring, new program development, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Support emergency needs assessments and emergency program implementation in response to the developing humanitarian situation.
• Together with program and grant staff, contribute to the development of programs and proposals for rapid and timely support to conflict-affected populations.
• Ensure health, safety and security protocols are followed at all times, and take corrective, timely actions as required and in consultation with the DDO and other SMT members.
• In collaboration with the Security Manager, review IRC North Kivu and Ituri security plans and tools on a regular basis and ensure they are up to date at all times.
• Support budget holders in review of budget vs. actual reports with operations staff and ensure appropriate action is taken in a timely fashion.
• Support and coordinate with North Kivu-based operations team as well as Kinshasa all aspects of supply chain support, including procurement, stock management, asset management, vehicle and equipment renewal, maintenance, and repair (including communications and computer equipment).
• Oversee under the auspices of the DDF and DDO the financial management of field office operations, and finance/logistics staff, including cash management and transactions, operational budget.
• Ensure complete and correct use of all finance forms and timely communication of financial issues to the financial controller.
• Ensure compliance with IRC and donor finance and logistics policies, including all aspects of procurement and asset management.
• Guarantee adequate communication and coordination between field locations, technical coordination staff and country office on daily activities as well as program and operational issues.
Strategic Planning
• Participate in the review of the strategic action plan (SAP) for IRC DRC Country Office (CO)
• Develop a North Kivu & Ituri -focused operations plan to support the program activities and the scale up programming according to the approved SAP.
HR and Staff Development
• Ensure the ongoing capacity building of the field staff through support to direct supervisors in ensuring staff performance evaluations and individual development plans.
• Ensure appropriate support to the field staff through regular site visits and replacement of staff if needed.
• Support field staff in the implementation of personnel policies including coaching, performance evaluation, staff development, and disciplinary measures.
Coordination and Representation
• Support the Senior Sector Coordinators and DDP to ensure quality implementation of the IRC DRC program interventions.
• Represent IRC to UN, international and national NGOs, and attend coordination meetings as needed at the provincial level.
• Actively develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders at the provincial level including donors, government actors, local traditional leadership, beneficiary populations, and their representatives, etc.
• Establish and maintain networks with UN, INGOs, and local partners to promote strategic partnerships.
Qualifications
• Master’s degree required (management-related or general operations preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing operations and/or projects in developing countries, preferably in Africa.
• Demonstrated ability to manage field staff and remote field offices.
• Experience in logistics, HR/Admin, and security management.
• Experience having managed operations (including security) in conflict-impacted setting.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills.
• Excellent staff capacity building and training skills.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Flexibility, ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
The work environment:
The designated base location for this position is Goma in North Kivu Province. Goma is security phase 4 (RED) so the Field Coordinator will be expected to respect the various security protocols in place in country. Phase 4 requires clear contingency planning in place with staff prepared should hibernation or evacuation be called for. The candidate must be prepared to work in insecure environments. This is an unaccompanied position.
Specific Security Situation: Crime and theft are common so there is limited freedom of movement. Civil conflict is ongoing in parts of the Eastern DRC and the area is considered unstable. Strict adherence to security guidelines is requested of all IRC staff.
Housing: Shared housing. All IRC sites have electricity and internet although some interruptions can be experienced. Food is the individual’s responsibility.
**Standard of Professional Conduct:**The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.
More Information
- Job City Goma
