Democratic Republic of the Congo: Program Manager - Human Rights House

The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering; it seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.

The Carter Center is seeking a highly-qualified individual to serve as Program Manager of the Center’s Human Rights House (HRH) project in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The successful candidate for this independent contract position will manage Human Rights program operations and activities.

Start date: As soon as possible

Location:Kinshasa, DRC (with some internal travel within the country)

Length of assignment: Initial period of 6 months with the possibility of further extension based on mutual satisfaction

I. Major Function

Working with TCC in the DRC, the Human Rights House (HRH) Program Manager directs and manages the implementation of the Human Rights House program. Represents the Human Rights House program in the DRC and maintains collaborative relationships with donors, government officials, and representatives of international and local non-governmental organizations. Supervises personnel and manages administrative operations of the Human Rights House initiatives. Works with headquarters and field staff, consultants and external experts to achieve program goals. Performs related responsibilities as required.

II. Key Responsibilities

• Human Resources Management: Supervises Human Rights House program staff. Designs performance management plans and engages in periodic performance reviews. Provides support to and collaborates with project staff and consultants. Maintains active awareness of staff needs and engages in staff development efforts. Promotes a cooperative work environment. Assists the Field Office Director with recruitment of local staff members and expatriate staff and consultants.
• Program Design and Implementation: Provides leadership in the design and implementation of the Human Rights House programs, in collaboration with the Field Office Director and the Associate Director in Atlanta. Assists the Field Office Director and Atlanta-based program staff in developing new (internal and external) project proposals. Directs and supervises Human Rights House staff and expert consultants to implement all aspects of the program. Ensures effective and timely delivery of activity plans and their implementation. Monitors quantitative and qualitative data related to project implementation.
• Strategic Program Leadership: Assesses the national human rights context, capacities of local human rights actors, and national and international human rights priorities on a continuous basis. Provides analysis and advice to the Carter Center on important programmatic, operational, and substantive issues.
• Communication and Reporting: Ensures effective and timely coordination and communication between relevant headquarters and field office staff, as well as between field office staff and local civil society partners. Provides input to or drafts sections of donor and other reports as requested by management. Drafts Carter Center press releases, periodic public statements, and other relevant reports as needed, in consultation with and with the pre-approval of the Field Office Director and the Atlanta-based Associate Director. Submits written and oral reports to the Field Office Director and Atlanta staff on a weekly basis.
• Representation:Represents the Human Rights House program in the DRC in coordination with the Field Office Director. Maintains productive, strategic relationships with project partners and other key actors in the DRC, including government officials, international organizations, diplomatic missions, donors, civil society leaders, and other critical institutions and groups.
• Operational Management:Oversees logistical and administrative processes of the Human Rights House program. Ensures that all staff members operate in compliance with Congolese laws and regulations, as well as the Center’s operational policies and procedures.
• Financial and Sub-Grant Management: Ensures development of meaningful sub-grants that are targeted to support development of sub-grantees’ capacities in agreed upon areas. Ensures grant compliance. Manages expenditures and forecasts. Assists the Finance Manager and Field Office Director with financial reporting. Supports technical staff and local civil society partners in negotiating and implementing sub-grants. Ensures timely activity implementation and accurate financial reporting for all sub-grantees. Maintains sub-grant files in compliance with the Center’s policies and procedures.

III. Working Relationships

Reports directly to the Field Office Director (FOD) in Kinshasa. Collaborates closely with project officers in Atlanta.

IV. Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, international human rights law, or other development-related field.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience, including significant experience implementing field office activities related to human rights and/or civil society capacity strengthening. Human resource and grant management skills are required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English.
• Experience working with civil society organizations, government officials, intergovernmental organizations, and international donors.
• Applicant should possess strong analysis, problem solving, and prioritization skills. Strong interpersonal skills, cross-cultural understanding and the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team are crucial. Prior training experience highly desirable.
• Proven fundraising success and experience working with donors, government officials, international organizations, and local civil society organizations are essential.
• Applicant should be well-organized and able to work under pressure and tight deadlines when necessary.
• Experience working in the Great Lakes region is a plus.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. To apply, please send a cover letter, CV, references, and salary requirements to CarterCenterKinshasa@gmail.com. When applying, please include “Human Rights House Program Manager” and the website where you found this posting in the subject line. Only those candidates selected for an interview or additional consideration will be notified by the Center, no phone calls please.