Lead NCA's Country Programme in DRC

Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) has worked in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1973, building long-term partnerships across Eastern DRC to strengthen community resilience. For the past 27 years, our programme has used a rights-based approach that engages both right-holders and duty-bearers to promote gender equality and expand access to safe water and sanitation. Working closely with local civil society partners, we connect humanitarian response with long-term development to deliver timely, culturally sensitive support, particularly for women and girls. Our work also focuses on transforming harmful social norms and addressing the inequalities that affect daily life in the region.

As our next Country Director, you will guide this mission forward. You will lead a dedicated team, represent NCA to key stakeholders, and ensure that our programmes remain relevant, safe and impactful in a fast-changing and high-risk environment. This is a role for an experienced leader who thrives with responsibility, complexity, and the opportunity to create meaningful, lasting change.

Your responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Set the overall direction for NCA's work in DRC, ensuring programmes remain relevant, high quality and aligned with NCA's global strategy, values, and humanitarian principles.

Team Leadership & Office Management

• Oversee the daily operations of NCA's offices in Bukavu and Goma, including staff leadership, financial management, and compliance with NCA policies and donor requirements.

• Foster an inclusive, safe and accountable working environment that prioritizes wellbeing and professional growth.

Partnerships & Representation

• Build and strengthen partnerships with authorities, donors, and civil society actors.

• Ensure strong donor engagement, funding diversification, and long-term sustainability of the Country Programme.

Security & Risk Management

• Maintain effective security management, risk mitigation, safeguarding, and duty of care for staff, partners, and programme participants.

Who you are

You are a decisive and composed leader who takes ownership, communicates clearly and fosters psychological safety. You balance strategic vision with hands-on leadership when needed. You collaborate openly, listen actively and build respect-based relationships. You remain calm under pressure, carefully evaluate risks, and stay focused when faced with stress or uncertainty. Above all, you lead in ways that build trust, stability and purpose for your team.

What you bring

• Higher education in international development, political science, management or a related field.

• Minimum 4 years of experience as a Country Director or in an equivalent senior leadership role.

• Demonstrated leadership in complex, high-risk or conflict-affected environments.

• Experience managing through other leaders and overseeing multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong track record in partnership building and donor relations.

• Understanding of how programmes, finance, operations and security interconnect.

• Experience working in multicultural and conflict-sensitive settings.

• Fluency in French and English.

Practical & security information

• This position is open to expats only.

• This is a non family duty station and requires the ability to work and live independently in a high-risk context.

• NCA provides a living cost allowance and comprehensive insurance package.

• A valid HEAT (Hostile Environment Awareness Training) certificate within the last 4 years is required or must be completed within the first 3 months.

How to apply

We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Even if you do not meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply if this role aligns with your expertise and values. Submit your application through our recruitment portal by uploading your CV and responding to three screening questions. Only applications received through the online system will be considered.

Before applying, please read the ACT-Code-of-Conduct-revised-2024.pdf and nca-pshea-and-cs-policy_word_en.pdf. All staff must sign these documents as a condition of engagement. NCA screens shortlisted candidates against UN and donor sanctions lists in line with humanitarian principles and donor requirements.

Norwegian Church Aid ('NCA') is one of the largest aid organisations in the Nordic region. Together with our international network and partner organisations in the ACT Alliance we are able to reach millions of people each year and help make a positive difference around the world and we therefore work with advocacy, long-term development in local communities and providing emergency assistance.