Democratic Republic of the Congo: Head of Mission, La Benevolencija DRC

Established in 2002, Radio La Benevolencija Humanitarian Tools Foundation (RLB) is a Dutch NGO committed to the empowerment of minorities and social groups affected by ethnocentric or other forms of hate violence. Using a combination of Education & Entertainment (edutainment) methodologies and psychological research, RLB’s media and grassroots intervention in Rwanda, DRC and Burundi is a communications campaign to embed, in national audiences, knowledge on how to resist the psychological pressures and manipulation that turn individuals into perpetrators of atrocity. RLB’s radio dramas, factual documentaries and educational programmes, in combination with grassroots activities, convey this knowledge while simultaneously stimulating best practices of active bystandership. Regular parallel impact evaluations are conducted to measure the effectiveness of this Intervention tool and to ensure that the strategies and methodologies are attuned to specific contexts. More information can be found on our website: www.labenevolencija.org

RLB is currently is looking for a professional with experience in the field of media for behaviour change and Education & Entertainment (edutainment) strategies, to head its country office in Bukavu, DRC and manage mixed-media regional/national projects promoting reconciliation, trauma healing and peace-building in the Great Lakes region of Africa. As Head of Mission (HOM) DRC, s/he will manage the development of the country policy and the national RLB media/communication campaign, as well as coordinate related programme activities. S/He will also be responsible implementation of RLB's annual plan and project proposals and their respective budgets.

Roles and responsibilities

The Head of Mission will be responsible for the following:

1. Providing strategic leadership in the development, design, planning and implementation of a communications campaign and educational entertainment broadcast on the prevention of violence
2. Overseeing the production of national media programmes: innovating formats; guiding the E&E and dramaturgic content of scripts, and ensuring efficient use of production equipment and resources
3. Overseeing country-specific programme administration and implementation in line with the project proposals and budgets, and providing narrative/financial reports in line with donor criteria and in consultation with HQ
4. Ensuring proper programmatic, administrative and financial collaboration and coordination of the regional project with the Benevolencija missions in Rwanda and Burundi, especially with regard to the production of regional media programmes and grassroots campaigns.
5. Overseeing the running of the country mission including:
6. Human resources management: negotiating contracts; monitoring allowances, entitlements and leave procedures for RLB staff, etc.
7. Financial management: overseeing financial staff; ensuring fiscal compliance with all national applicable laws and regulations; checking financial reporting and tax requirements, audits, insurances, etc.
8. Liaising with government authorities; arranging permits, setting up legal framework, tax exemptions, etc.
9. Developing security procedures for RLB staff in the country or region based on the country context analysis (domestic situation and international relations);
10. Fundraising and initiating new projects in accordance with the national country strategy
11. Representing La Benevolencija to the government, embassies/delegations, media, the UN and other international agencies, donors and partners
12. Such other duties and functions, as requested by HQ.

Person specification

• Proven experience in NGO project management - financial, administrative and logistical – as well as managerial experience (personnel management, staff policies)
• Proven experience in the development, management, and production of education-entertainment media programmes such as radio dramas, spots, documentaries, etc.
• Knowledge of media and education-entertainment methodologies
• Experience of working in the Great Lakes region of Africa as well as the capability to conduct context analyses and security appraisals of unstable or conflict-ridden areas
• Experience in journalism and media production is considered an advantage
• Experience of reporting to national authorities and national/international organizations and donors
• Excellent skills of negotiation and communication
• Ability to deal with stressful, difficult and unexpected situations
• Fluency in French and a good command of English is essential
• Availability of at least 12 months

The Head of Mission will be hired on a consultancy contract for an initial period of 12 months with the possibility of extension, subject to a joint assessment of the collaboration and the continuation of programme funding program beyond 2018. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience.

To apply for this position, please send your CV, including at least two referees, along with a letter of motivation (in English) no later than 15 April 2018, addressed to George Weiss at vacancy@labenevolencija.org.

NB: Although the deadline is 15 April 2018, if no suitable candidates are found, applications will be accepted until this position is filled.
For more information about this position, please contact George Weiss (Director, RLB) by phone +31 20 6166599.