About the Context
The Democratic Republic of the Congo remains one of the world’s largest and most complex humanitarian crises. Protracted conflict, insecurity, recurrent disease outbreaks, and economic fragility continue to drive acute humanitarian needs and large-scale displacement, particularly in the eastern provinces. In 2026, nearly 15 millions of people remain in need of humanitarian assistance, protection and access to essential services.
NRC has been present in DRC since 2001 and is a key humanitarian actor in the east of the country, supporting displacement-affected communities through multi-sectoral programming, including Education, WASH, Shelter and Settlements, Information, Counselling and Legal Assistance, Protection from Violence. In 2025, NRC’s teams assisted nearly 460,000 people directly through a multi-sectoral response across the displacement cycle.
The operating environment is highly volatile and requires strong, principled and adaptive leadership. The Country Director will lead a large and high-risk country operation at a time when conflict dynamics, access constraints, funding pressures and the Ebola outbreak are adding further complexity to the response.
Find out more about NRC https://www.nrc.no/ and Watch this short video to see NRC in action https://vimeo.com/736782633
What we are looking for
The Purpose of the Country Director position is the overall leadership and responsibility for the country operation.
As Country Director, you would provide strategic direction and management across NRC's country operations: driving effective programme delivery, strong external representation (including active engagement in inter-agency coordination), and alignment with organizational priorities. You'd also lead resource mobilization and advocacy efforts, while building high-performing teams to deliver accountable, high-impact humanitarian response.
What you will do
Analyse the political and humanitarian context and adapt the NRC programme ensuring relevance to the evolving context in DR Congo
Prioritize continuous improvement and innovation to ensure the highest quality of humanitarian and protection programming with a focus on timely delivery
Motivate and coach staff to create effective teams, with particular attention to ensuring an efficient and empowered Country Management Group
Promote accountability, the highest standard of ethics, including safeguarding, and adherence to the Humanitarian Principles
Responsible for all NRC advocacy efforts in the country and ensure that contributions are made to NRC regional and global advocacy efforts
Develop and enforce policies to promote and maintain diverse staff at all levels
Provide vision, promote ideas, gain agreement and act as a role model
Serve as a proactive member of the Regional Management Group, promote collaboration with other COs and the Regional office and contribute to the development of the Central and West Africa Region as a whole
Actively engage with other COs, engaged in the congolese refugee response to ensure holistic advocacy and programming
Ensure that all staff retention and rotation is discussed with Regional Director.
Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position JD _Country Director DR Congo.pdf
What you will bring
1.Professional Competencies
Minimum 5 years’ experience from working as a Senior Manager/Country Director in humanitarian/recovery context
Experience from working in complex and volatile contexts
Documented/proven results related to the position’s responsibilities
Knowledge about own leadership skills/profile
Fluency and English, both written and verbal
Valid driver’s license
Context related skills, knowledge and experience
Knowledge of the context in DR Congo
Experience from advocacy work
Experience with change management processes
2.Behavioural competencies
Handling insecure environment
Planning and delivering results
Working with people
Analysing
Communication with impact and respect
Coping with change
Leadership profile
Build meaningful relations
Act with integrity
Empower people
Deliver results
What we offer
- Duty station: DR Congo, Goma
- Contract: 24 months with possibility of extension
- Salary&Benefits: Grade 12 on NRC’s salary scale
- NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
- We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.
- Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC https://www.nrc.no/career/what-we-offer/
- Kindly send any questions about the application process to: cwa.recruitment@nrc.no. Applications sent via email will not be accepted. Please check your application status on your NRC application profile.