Job location: Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Starting date: As soon as possible

Vacancy closing date: 13 July 2023

Duration position: 2 years

Working hours: 40 hours

Since 2022, ZOA (Lead), VNG International and Agriterra are implementing the TRIDE (Transition pour un development inclusif dans l'Est de la RDC) project the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

ZOA is an international relief and recovery organisation, supporting people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. With 900 employees and (local) partners ZOA is active in Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Asia. VNG International is an expert in strengthening democratic local government in developing countries and countries in transition. Agriterra is an international specialist in cooperative development working in emerging and developing economies.

We are seeking a dynamic and highly experienced Consortium Leader to lead an ambitious and complimentary project aimed at alleviating insecurity and instability in DRC. As Consortium Leader, you will have the unique opportunity to work closely with diverse stakeholders, to achieve our shared vision of a more inclusive and prosperous DRC, from the bottom-up.

If you are passionate about making a difference and thrive in a challenging and dynamic environment, we welcome your application. We are recruiting a

Consortium Leader
(fulltime, Bukavu)

The TRIDE Project

TRIDE aims to promote local economic development through Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM), the development of agricultural value chains, improved local governance and improved access to land and markets. Three international organisations are implementing this food security and IWRM multi-annual project in North and South Kivu provinces in the DRC, which is funded by the Dutch Government.

ZOA is currently looking for a Consortium Leader (CL), who will be responsible to lead the implementation and further development of this consortium-led project.

Your position

As CL you will play a crucial role in managing and leading the consortium, ensuring effective project management, fostering strong relationships among consortium partners, promoting a collaborative and unified approach, and demonstrating strong leadership qualities.

You will lead the various coordination structures and will be responsible for the day-to-day implementation of the programme. As CL you must be a strong decision maker with experience in the management of large and complex development projects, preferably in fragile security settings.

You will be accountable to the lead organisation (ZOA) while representing all three consortium partners. This means you report to the Country Director of ZOA DRC. This position requires you to chair monthly management team meetings, engage with authorities at all levels, and ensure political support for the project. You frequently visit the project locations (where possible).

As Consortium Leader you:

• Coordinate with consortium members and partner organisations to ensure high quality implementation of activities, compliance with donor and consortium rules, and accountability to beneficiaries;
• Ensure that project implementation is on time, on target and within budget;
• Ensure effective coordination and regular communication among consortium members, public partners, steering and technical committees, programmatic and finance/support teams across partners, donors, and other stakeholders;
• Provide strategic vision and guidance in unifying approaches between programme and consortium members in the different geographical areas of the project to facilitate coherent implementation;
• Ensure the timely production of all relevant project documents, including a multiyear consortium strategy (programmatic and financial), consortium annual plans, consolidated consortium budget, narrative and financial reports towards the donor, audit reports, official communication, and any other relevant documents according to internal consortium and donor requirements;
• Work closely with consortium members to solve problems that may arise during implementation;
• Ensure effective risk management including the pro-active identification of risks, issues, and capacity gaps and manage these or seek support for solutions;
• Establish and consolidate a positive image of the project and the partners in the local context;
• Monitor, establish corrective measures and evaluate the progress of the project in partnership with the MEAL Expert, also possibly for advocacy purposes;
• Are responsible for the connection with the (political) authorities and the donor (EKN) on behalf of the consortium.

In terms of Human Resources, Finance and administration you are expected to:

• Recruit and manage consortium-specific staff, consultants and sub-contractors as needed to carry out activities;
• Supervise and conduct periodical evaluation of the performance of the ZOA Consortium Management Team;
• Coordinate the consortium budget, assets, and resources & monitor and establish corrective measures, if necessary, with regard to the financial management of the project, in partnership with the Finance Manager;
• Ensure that the consortium adheres to donor policies and procedures;
• Prepare and process the allocation of indirect costs to the consortium coordination budget, in collaboration with the Head of Finance and the Finance Manager;
• Have budget holder responsibility for the Consortium Management Unit budget.

Additionally, you represent the consortium towards external stakeholders – donors, government, coordination bodies, and local and international NGOs. Networking with relevant actors helps achieve consortium objectives.

Your profile

Do you have senior programme management experience in a fragile context? Are you motivated by your expertise, and do you have a heart for people in DRC to take on this new role?

Becoming successful as Consortium Leader means you:

• Have a minimum 5-7 years’ experience in large project management, preferably in IWRM (Integrated Water Resource Management) and FNS (Food and Nutrition Security) in fragile areas;
• Have proven experience in project management in a consortium or multi-partner setting;
• Possess strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams;
• Have demonstrated affinity with the social, political, gender and conflict sensitivity aspects of catchment-level Integrated Water Resources Management, Food and Nutrition Security, Local Governance and Climate Change;
• Cast vision, think strategically, and have strong networking skills;
• Are able to build, lead, and develop staff with diverse backgrounds and expertise, empowering them to elevate their level of responsibility, span-of-control and performance;
• Have analytical and writing skills and excellent command of French and English, both verbally and written;
• Understand the key trends in international and humanitarian development;
• Promote and model a Christian, people focused, and participative leadership style and culture;
• Are a Christian and fully support our vision, mission and core values.

Working with ZOA DRC

We offer the exciting opportunity to lead this consortium in DRC. You will:

• Become part of a reliable and well-established organisation;
• Work with expats and national professionals and a dedicated team in the Netherlands;
• Be provided with professional development opportunities where needed;
• Receive a 2-year contract, a decent salary and good fringe benefits, such as coverage for housing costs, insurance, pension, holiday allowance, 29 leave days, R&R, etc.

The TRIDE project lays contractually with ZOA. Because of the location of the posting, it is not possible that family members accompany you. However, depending on the security situation, partners can visit.

Do you need more information?

Would you like to know what’s like to work for ZOA? Visit our Career Page and read the stories of possible future colleagues!

For more information about this position or the recruitment process, please contact Arno van Turennout, a.vanturennout@zoa.ngo.

Interested and ready to apply?

ZOA operates with an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified women and men, people of all nationalities, and cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.

CV’s of no more than 5 pages in length are appreciated.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. An assessment may be part of the recruitment process. It is our aim to inform all other candidates of their status in the recruitment process within 4 weeks after the vacancy has closed.

Please note that we carry out background and reference checks (including COTER – Counter Terrorism check) for all candidates as part of the recruitment process. As ZOA and Dorcas participate in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a written questionnaire: the “Statement of Conduct”, which will be sent to past employers regarding Misconduct (such as sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment).