Base Manager – Kinshasa At Mercy Corps

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ABOUT MERCY CORPS

Mercy Corps is a leading global organization, driven by the belief that a better world is possible. In times of disaster and hardship, in more than 40 countries around the world, we join forces to deliver bold solutions in action – helping people overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within, today and for the future.

Mercy Corps has been present in the DRC since August 2007, with a current staff of over 300 national and expatriate employees and an operational presence in Goma and Beni (North Kivu province), Bunia (Ituri province), and Tshikapa, Kalonda West, and Ndjoko Punda (Kasai province). As a leading NGO in the DRC, working with over 40 partners by 2024, Mercy Corps reached 2.12 million people in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Kasai through integrated programs that ensured equitable access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in humanitarian and development contexts; economic development and livelihoods to strengthen food security and resilience; and institutional capacity building and social cohesion to promote peace and good governance.

Mercy Corps DRC is implementing ambitious programs to empower the most vulnerable people, enabling them to overcome hardship and build resilience in the face of one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. In this context, Mercy Corps DRC is seeking a Base Manager for its Kinshasa office.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Base Manager is responsible for supervision, coordination, management, and representation. They ensure the smooth operation of the office by coordinating and supervising daily operations, anticipating base needs, supporting program activities, supervising field teams, managing material and financial resources, managing security aspects, and fostering Mercy Corps’ integration within local communities and with administrative authorities. They are responsible for ensuring that all staff working in their area of ​​responsibility adhere to and respect the Code of Conduct and all Mercy Corps policies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Ensure the proper management of the base through the supervision of Operations (administration, logistics, procurement, finance and human resources) in order to best support program activities in a comfortable and professional working environment.
  • Support the monitoring of the security context and the decision-making leadership of security validations up to the “High” risk level.
  • Provide daily support for program implementation and monitor activities carried out from their field of operation. Working closely with Program Managers, they contribute to achieving program objectives while adhering to Mercy Corps’ standards, timelines, budget, and quality guidelines.
  • Provide administrative supervision of staff supporting its base.
  • To represent Mercy Corps within its area of ​​responsibility.
  • Liaise with the government side in its area of ​​responsibility (liaison services).Operations Supervision
  1. Human Resources and Logistics
  • Supervise all logistics transactions, including the management of goods such as small equipment, vehicles, and vehicle consumables (fuels, lubricants, and spare parts).
  • Supervise the preparation of monthly logistics reports (store inventory, fuel consumption, maintenance and repairs), verify their compliance and ensure their regularity.
  • Ensure the proper management and maintenance of vehicles, supervise travel and fuel management
  • Ensure that movements to and from the base are well planned and executed.
  • Ensure that all team members understand and comply with Mercy Corps policies, the organization’s Code of Conduct, and internal regulations.
  • Supervise base operations personnel, working closely with department heads, and organize their annual performance review.
  • In close collaboration with the managers based in Kinshasa, monitor the program’s technical staff to support the quality and smooth running of activities2. Support for supplies and finance
  • Engage with program managers to monitor the supply plan for their base
  • Validate local purchase requests based on your level of authority (see Authority Matrix)
  • Oversee the smooth operation of the supply chain and ensure that the base is resupplied on time.
  • Ensure continuous communication between the program and logistics to guarantee proper planning of all purchases
  • Ensure maximum use of the framework agreements of its base
  • Ensure that all contracts and contractual conditions are respected by the supplier and Mercy Corps and that they comply with local legislation.
  • Ensure that procurement procedures are followed in accordance with Mercy Corps’ FP3 policy requirements and that procurement is conducted ethically.
  • Support and facilitate cash flow from the national office to the field as needed, in close coordination with the Financial Manager
  • Ensure that the financial staff on the base comply with Mercy Corps regulations, policies and procedures, and behave professionally in all circumstances
  • Participate in the evaluations of financial staff at their base in conjunction with the financial managers in Goma3. Security

In coordination with the Senior Security Officer:

  • Maintain daily contact with security officials in Kinshasa and/or Goma and with your supervisor for movement planning and authorization
  • To receive, inform and assist Mercy Corps visitors within its area of ​​operation
  • Ensure that all team members understand and comply with Mercy Corps security policies
  • Monitor the security context and situation, notably by maintaining regular contact with the authorities in your area.
  • Participate in security meetings, including OCHA and INSO, and provide Mercy Corps management with regular security situation reports.
  • Ensure the proper performance of the security company contracted to protect the office
  • With the support of security officials in the DRC, develop and implement a local security plan including a contingency plan for the base

4. Support for program implementation in close collaboration with the area program manager

  • Create a workspace and environment that promotes the successful implementation of programs and ensure good relations between staff from different departments.
  • Coordinate the development of work plans for the support team in their area of ​​activity to ensure consistency with the program team’s work plan
  • Ensure that the team members at the base adhere to the shared schedule.
  • Supervise the implementation of activities, only at the request of the line managers of the base’s program staff.
  • Organize weekly coordination meetings between all departments of the base
  • Maintain fluid and regular communication (at least once a week) with the technical line managers of the base’s program staff
  • Ensure that the base’s program staff comply with Mercy Corps regulations, policies and procedures, and behave professionally in all circumstances
  • Participate in the evaluations of the base’s program staff in conjunction with their line managers.
  • Ensure the proper implementation of Mercy Corps’ complaints management system in the area of ​​operation, in close coordination with internal control departments
  • Conduct quality control visits in the event of an alert to preserve the reputation of Mercy Corps, in close coordination with program managers and the internal control and DMEL departments.
  • Provide context analyses and analyze development and funding opportunities in the intervention area at the request of program managers in Kinshasa and/or Goma

5. Coordination, representation and administration

  • Represent Mercy Corps to local authorities, religious leaders, donors, United Nations agencies, national and international NGOs and other relevant stakeholders in its area of ​​responsibility.
  • To become familiar with all aspects of the programs in order to be able to represent Mercy Corps to stakeholders in the area of ​​intervention and to ensure the relevance of the activities carried out.
  • Develop and maintain working and coordination relationships with relevant organizations (NGOs, associations, state bodies, etc.) in the various sectors of interest of Mercy Corps.

6. In coordination with the officer in charge of administration:

  • To ensure efficient administrative management in general.
  • To ensure that expatriates obtain their visas within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Ensure proper logistical organization for the arrival and departure of external trips.
  • Efficient management of internal movements, including hotel bookings.

7. Other

  • Provide weekly and monthly reports on base operations and performance, escalating support and training needs to the national level.
  • Conduct yourself both professionally and personally in a way that does credit to Mercy Corps and does not jeopardize its mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo; demand the same of all team members.

8. Safeguarding Responsibilities (required for all roles)

  • Actively learns about protection and integrates it into their work, including risk protection and mitigation measures related to their area of ​​work.
  • Practices the values ​​of Mercy Corps, including respect for the dignity and well-being of participants and other team members.
  • Encourages openness and communication within their team; encourages team members to submit reports if they have concerns using reporting mechanisms, e.g., the Integrity Hotline and other options.

Supervisory responsibility

The Base Manager will provide administrative supervision of the entire support team (Procurement, Logistics, Security, HR/Admin, Finance, Security) in their area of ​​responsibility, in close collaboration with the respective technical supervisors.

Reports directly to: Country Manager for Base Operations

Works directly with: Technical supervisors in support departments and program managers in their area of ​​responsibility.

Accountability towards participants and stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members must support all accountability efforts, particularly towards our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and the international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively involving communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field projects.

Minimum qualifications and transferable skills

  • Advanced degree at Bac + 5 level in social sciences, administration management, project management, logistics management or in any other relevant field related to the function;
  • To have a thorough knowledge of the area and its challenges;
  • Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in a similar position in the NGO environment, with responsibilities in office management, required experience in team management (multidisciplinary teams);
  • Have at least 2 years of experience in operations management (logistics, procurement, security, HR, finance, etc.);
  • Computer skills (Excel, Word, etc.);
  • Good analytical skills and organizational skills;
  • Ability to engage and interact with local authorities and other government representatives;
  • Proven ability to liaise effectively with government in a humanitarian context;
  • A thorough knowledge of the city of Kinshasa and its social dynamics is required;
  • The candidate must be patient, enthusiastic, and diplomatic;
  • Proficiency in French, both verbal and written, multitasking, organizational, and prioritization skills are required. Knowledge of English is an asset.
  • Knowledge of Lingala is an asset for this position;
  • Attention to detail, the ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines, and work independently and collaboratively with team members are required.
  • Computer skills with a strong familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel are required.

Success Factors

Demonstrated ability to manage and communicate effectively with team members from diverse work styles and cultures, follow procedures and meet deadlines with flexibility and creativity in planning and problem-solving. The candidate will have proven the ability to learn quickly, multitask, manage priorities, take initiative, and report on results, understand the bigger picture, while maintaining attention to detail and problem-solving skills. The work takes place in a complex and sensitive environment. Ability to adhere to laws and security protocols is essential. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is crucial. Successful Mercy Corps staff members are team players with a strong sense of responsibility and thrive in a changing environment. They make written and oral communication effective and prioritize it in all situations. In the DRC, patience, diplomacy, tenacity, compassion, determination, and a sense of humor are all key to success.

Living conditions / Environmental conditions

The position is based in Kinshasa and requires up to 10-20% travel to support national programs (including travel to neighboring provinces). This may include travel to unsafe areas with limited freedom of movement and limited amenities. The candidate must be willing to travel and work in challenging conditions.

Continuous learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that promote their personal and/or professional growth and development.

Team of commitment and efficiency

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and collaborate. By bringing together people with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives, we strengthen our ability to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. We foster a culture of trust and respect, where every team member is valued for their contributions, empowered to reach their full potential, and motivated to give their best.

We recognize that building a strong and effective team is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to learning, improving, and growing together.

Equal opportunities in employment

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all its employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other group protected by applicable law.

Protection and ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that everyone we come into contact with in the course of our work—whether team members, community members, program participants, or others—is treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the Core Principles for the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse set forth by the UN Secretary-General and the IASC and have signed the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Programme . We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves professionally, respect local laws and customs, and adhere to the policies and values ​​of the Mercy Corps Code of Conduct at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory online learning courses on the Code of Conduct upon hiring and on an annual basis.

As a candidate, if you witness or experience any form of sexual misconduct during the recruitment process, please report it to the Mercy Corps Integrity Hotline (integrityhotline@mercycorps.org). This email address, dedicated exclusively to complaints, is NOT for receiving applications; applications sent to this email will NOT be processed.

NB :

  • MERCY CORPS DRC DOES NOT REQUESTE ANY FEES AT ANY STAGE OF ITS RECRUITMENT PROCESS FROM START TO FINISH (APPLICATION, PROCESSING, TEST, INTERVIEW, SELECTION, ETC.)
  • THE ENTIRE RECRUITMENT PROCESS IS FREE AND COMPETITIVE.
  • ANY CANDIDATE WHO CONTACTS BY TELEPHONE, EMAIL OR OTHER MEANS, A MERCY CORPS DRC STAFF MEMBER (FROM HUMAN RESOURCES OR ANOTHER DEPARTMENT) TO INFLUENCE THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS, WILL HAVE THEIR APPLICATION ELIMINATED;
  • ONLY SELECTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CALLED FOR THE TEST;
  • INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE MERCY CORPS OFFICES ON THE GROUND FLOOR OR ONLINE.

For any complaints or advice in complete confidence, please contact Human Resources or report free of charge to the toll-free number: +243 821 190 013 .

This invitation does not constitute a commitment on the part of Mercy Corps. The organization reserves the right to reject some or all applications received if none meet its requirements.

How to apply

HOW TO APPLY

Please go directly to our website: www.mercycorps.org , then go to the Careers option , then click on the link (Country – specific job boards) , then in the list “ Africa ”, click on the appropriate link ( Democratic Republic of Congo ) for DRC national opportunities.

Lien : 051 REPUBLICATION : Chef.fe de Base Kinshasa | Mercy Corps Democratic Republic of Congo