DanChurchAid (DCA) is looking for a Head of Programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Fluency in French and English is mandatory for this role

Are you looking for an opportunity to lead a team of humanitarian professionals in one of the world’s most challenging contexts? Can you lead an established programme to excellence and growth, and ensure quality and accountability? Can you develop and write winning project proposals? Then you might be our new Head of Humanitarian Programmes in DR Congo.

In DR Congo we have implemented humanitarian projects since 2004. DCA aims to protect vulnerable communities in DR Congo, and to contribute to improve stability and social cohesion by addressing and mitigating the consequences of conflict and displacement. We clear explosive remnants of war, and assist communities affected by conflict and displacement by addressing protection and other essential needs. We apply a people-centred approach to tackle interlinked humanitarian and security needs, and aim to build positive relationships between communities, authorities, and institutions, to improve community safety and encourage the development of local economies. At the centre of our work is our belief that local communities are the best agents of change. In DC Congo, DCA is currently focusing on protection - GBV, Shelter – NFI, WASH, Multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA), Peacebuilding and mine action. DCA is also planning to open food security and livelihoods components.

Role and Responsibilities

The Head of Programmes (HoP ) will be an instrumental part of DCA’s humanitarian team of around 150 national and 9 international staff, and will inspire and lead the strategic implementation of DCA’s humanitarian interventions in the DRC in accordance with the country strategy. 

The HoP will be responsible for overseeing the development of programmes, leading fundraising and donor engagement, and will be responsible for ensuring programmatic quality in addition to the effective management of grants. The position manages a team of technical programme staff at the CO level and is responsible for ensuring programmatic quality standards are met across the board, including through robust MEAL processes, capitalization of learning and cross-cutting issues (protection and age, gender, and diversity mainstreaming) in collaboration with the Head of MEAL department. 

The HoP will conduct external representation, actively engaging with partners, civil society and the donor community. You will also be part of the Senior Management Team .

More specifically, the HoP will work with:

Programme strategy, development and quality

• Supports the Country Director with the strategic development of the country programme 
• Oversee and lead all aspects of programme design, development and quality assurance 
• Ensure the implementation of effective and participatory Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning strategies at all levels of the country programme.
• Oversee and lead Area Managers and the implementing teams to ensure quality of projects . 
• Ensure programming is principled and in line with Core Humanitarian Standards, Sphere standards and other relevant frameworks.
• Ensures donor compliance and adherence to DCA policies.

Donor liaison, Partnerships and Representation

• Negotiates with donors as required in conjunction with the Country Director and DCA headquarters.
• Build and maintain networking with humanitarian NGOs, incl. ACT alliance members. 
• Attend and actively participate in relevant coordination and cluster meetings
• Promote DCA’s localization agenda: identify local NGOs/partners and develop partnerships with the latter.

Fundraising and grants management

• Lead the development of the fundraising strategy of the country programme
• Ensure quality control of proposals / donors reports and ensure the timely submissions to HQ/donors 
• Ensure effective and transparent budgeting, planning and follow-up in compliance with DCA policies, donors rules and regulations.
• Ensure grants opening, review, and closure meetings take place systematically

Direct staff management

• Line management of 3 technical coordinators and grant coordinator. Ensure that all staffs under the HoP line management have clear and realistic performance-based management goals.
• Provide on-going support and coaching and ensure that line-managed staff have the required support and capacities to fulfil their responsibilities

Education and Competencies

• Relevant University Degree, Masters or post-graduate in international relations, Humanitarian Programs Management, political science, international development and/or similar field
• Fluency in French and English, both written and verbal.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Head of Programme, or similar leadership positions in a humanitarian context.
• Strong proven skills in successfully writing concept notes and humanitarian project proposals. 
• Sector expertise, preferably within Shelter – NFI, Protection - GBV, cash, Food security & livelihoods, and/or peacebuilding.
• Experience in managing US DoS, EU, ECHO and OCHA fundings would be an asset .
• Strong skills in monitoring and evaluation.
• Strong skills in networking with various stakeholders 
• Knowledge of the context in DR Congo (particularly Eastern DRC) is an advantage.

We offer

• 12-month renewable contract.
• A competitive salary package 
• 6 weeks of paid vacation.
• A generous R&R package.
• Accommodation in a spacious, shared house in Goma.
• Insurance as per industry standards.
• An opportunity to make a difference addressing humanitarian needs in a challenging environment.

Frequent travel to field locations is to be expected.

Only applications consisting as a minimum of a motivation letter and a CV will be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Only applications in English uploaded through DCA’s recruitment system will be considered.

Application deadline:  31th December 2025.

Start date: February 2026

Interviews will be held on a rolling basis. DCA reserves the right to select a candidate prior to the deadline.

For more information on DCA, please visit  https://www.danchurchaid.org/

or any questions related to the position, please contact Country Director TARPOUGA Zakaria (zata@dca.dk)   

Work related travels are expected in this position.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us.  Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.