Country Representative – Democratic Republic of Congo At Libraries Without Borders

ABOUT BSF

Created in 2007 by historian Patrick Weil, Bibliothèques Sans Frontières strengthens the power of vulnerable populations to act by facilitating their access to information, education and culture. The association deploys its inclusive and innovative projects in around thirty countries around the world to enable people affected by crises and precariousness to learn, have fun and (re)build their future. Thanks to its innovative tools, its content library and its expertise in mediation, BSF and its partners tackle the major issues of the 21st century such as education, reading and culture, citizenship and social cohesion, health and employment and entrepreneurship.

At BSF, recruitment decisions are made based on the skills and qualities of candidates in relation to the needs of the association within the framework of a respectful and inclusive process. BSF recruits and employs people regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, cultural or ethnic origin or disability.

CONTEXT OF THE POSITION

Libraries Without Borders has been present in the Great Lakes region for more than ten years. Since 2010, BSF has implemented various projects to promote access to education and information and digital inclusion in Kinshasa and in several regions of the DRC. In 2020 and 2021, its action in the DRC increased with the implementation of projects to strengthen the quality of learning in several vocational training centers, in 4 provinces of the country,

In 2023, BSF strengthened its presence in the country with the opening of an office in Kinshasa, both in the continuity of established partnerships but also and above all in order to amplify its operations and the support provided to the population.

In this context, Libraries Without Borders is recruiting a DRC country representative, based in Goma. His/her main mission will be to support the development and implementation of the association’s activities in the country and to establish its presence locally as a major player in access to education, knowledge and information.

POSITIONING IN THE ORGANIZATION CHART

Under the authority of the Geographic Manager, the Country Representative in the DRC ensures the development of fundraising, partnerships, and the influence of BSF in its geographical area of ​​implementation . He/she also establishes local partnerships and manages operations and monitors administrative, legal and financial procedures related to the organization in the DRC. He/she recruits a team based in Goma and other areas depending on the projects.

MAIN MISSIONS

It. Its specific missions will be:

1.Analysis of the context, issues, stakeholders involved and prospecting

• Analyze the context, issues and needs in relation to BSF’s mandate and global strategy; analyze the humanitarian response and educational and social public policies in the region and map the actors involved.
• Prioritize contact with the stakeholders involved: public authorities, companies, foundations and potential sponsoring institutions for BSF, and respond to incoming requests.
• Identify funding opportunities in the area concerned based on calls for donor projects according to the intervention themes.

2. Development of the development strategy, fundraising and monitoring of partnerships

• Develop thematic, geographic and partnership intervention strategies consistent with the mandate, vision and financial capacities of the organization, in consultation with operations management and general management.
• Develop the response to calls for donor projects by referring to existing standardized frameworks and operational guidelines defined upstream.
• Support the updating of compliance and accountability procedures and ensure compliance with these procedures in the context of grant monitoring.
• Develop the BSF network in the country, by establishing links with organizations and institutions, participating in contact and negotiation meetings with potential financial partners.

3. Structuring of the BSF DRC office (Goma and sub-bases)

• Establish local contacts to facilitate the establishment of BSF on the ground.
• Ensure the administrative procedures necessary for the optimal functioning of the office in the country: identify premises (offices, accommodation, etc.); set up HR, administrative, security, logistics and financial procedures for the mission; carry out registration procedures with the competent administration and actively monitor them; ensure compliance with internal procedures, etc.

4. Operations management

• Guarantee the quality of the operations implemented by ensuring that BSF actions comply with the organization’s quality standards and have a strong social impact.
• Ensure proper budgetary management of the projects implemented;
• Ensure budget planning and monitoring of the region’s budget;
• He/she carries out diagnostic and activity monitoring missions in the country, if necessary. He/she will be required to travel within the country
• Actively contribute to strengthening procedures/processes both for programs and in conjunction with other departments (logistics, finance, etc.) with a view to compliance with donor requirements and be responsible for ensuring compliance with this regulatory and contractual framework in operations.
• Coordinate the monitoring of narrative and financial reports.

5. Security

• Supervise risk analysis and monitoring of security contexts
• Is the guarantor of security analysis, the development of security plans in the country and compliance with BSF protocols in the field.
• Participate in the crisis management unit in the event of a security incident

6.HR & Management

• Recruit and manage human resources in your area
• Support the country offices regarding any HR issues

SEARCH PROFILE

Education and experience:

• Holder of a Bac+5 level diploma, you have significant professional experience internationally in a senior position involving high-level representation with international networks, institutional donors and private financiers. You have a good understanding of international cooperation in humanitarian crisis contexts .
• With strong leadership and significant experience , you have a proven ability to raise funding, drive change, and generate buy-in for innovative projects. You have experience in implementing operations and mobilizing human, financial, logistical, and technical resources.
• Agile and with a great capacity for work , you master English at a professional level as well as the office pack and digital tools. Your interpersonal, communication and writing skills are recognized, as well as your team spirit and your good humor. You have a great sense of responsibility, are reliable and rigorous with a great capacity for organization and management of stress and priorities.

Specific skills and qualities:

• Excellent writing and synthesis skills
• In-depth knowledge of public institutions, the private sector as well as institutional donors and their financing mechanisms
• Mastering the project cycle
• Mastery of security issues
• Administrative and financial project management/monitoring and contract management
• Ability to work in sensitive and complex political and security contexts and in a multicultural environment
• Excellent listening, negotiation and communication skills
• Respect for BSF values ​​and principles
• Field mobility essential.
• Perfect command of French and English.

JOB CONDITIONS

• Type of contract: Expatriate CDDU – contract under French law
• Contract duration: 12 months, renewable depending on funding
• Start date: 06/01/2025
• Status and method of working time management: Executive status on a fixed-day basis (208 days).
• Gross monthly salary: Between €3,000 and €3,800 depending on salary scale and equivalent experience
• Benefits :
  • Around 9 weeks of rest (CP/RTT) per year in total
  • Allowance for living expenses
  • Guesthouse supported by BSF
  • Social protection system adapted to expatriation (CFE, supplementary health insurance, pension, repatriation assistance and civil liability)
  • 1 annual return plane ticket (contractual address-country of expatriation) for paid leave for any contract of at least 12 months.
• Work location: Goma, with frequent travel to Kinshasa and other areas of the DRC
• Job context: Unaccompanied position. Accompanying persons are not supported by BSF.