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) programming in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The successful candidate for this independent contract position will manage a portfolio of Human Rights program operations and activities.

Start date: As soon as possible

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

Length of assignment: Initial contract period of one year with the possibility of further extension based on mutual satisfaction.

1. Background

The Center’s overarching goal in DRC is to promote accountability, transparency and respect for human rights through strengthening the capacities of both civil society actors and government institutions. In 2007, the Center created the Human Rights House (HRH) in Kinshasa as a vehicle to build a vibrant citizenry to hold the government accountable. The Human Rights House in Kinshasa provides space and resources for local civil society organizations (CSOs) to safely engage in work focused on protecting human rights in the DRC. Current programming initiatives that will be supported by this position include a focus on increasing the capacity of organizations engaged in women’s rights, strengthening human rights defenders protection networks, and promoting positive youth participation in political affairs and public life.

1. Position Summary

Working with The Carter Center in the DRC, the Human Rights House (HRH) Program Manager directs and manages the implementation of a portfolio of Human Rights projects. In coordination with the Senior Country Representative, this position 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. This position supervises program personnel that support Human Rights House initiatives; works with headquarters and country staff, consultants and external experts to achieve program goals. Performs related responsibilities as required.

1. Key Responsibilities

• Human Resources Management: Supervises Human Rights House program staff. In collaboration with the Senior Country Representative, 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 Senior Country Representative with recruitment of local staff members and expatriate staff and consultants, as needed.
• Program Design and Implementation: Provides leadership in the design and implementation of the Human Rights House programs, in collaboration with the Senior Country Representative and the Associate Director in Atlanta. Assists the Senior Country Representative 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 Senior Country Representative and the Atlanta-based Associate Director. Submits written and oral reports to the Senior Country Representative and Atlanta staff on a weekly basis.
• Representation: Represents the Human Rights House program in the DRC in coordination with the Senior Country Representative. 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. Engages with operational staff, including the Senior Country Representative and Operations Manager, to ensures that all staff members operate in compliance with Congolese laws and regulations, as well as the Center’s code of conduct, policies, and procedures.
• Financial Management: Ensures grant compliance. Manages expenditures and forecasts. Assists the Finance Manager and Senior Country Representative with financial reporting. Reviews and provides input on budgets, as requested.
• Sub-Grant Management: Ensures development of meaningful sub-grants that are targeted to support development of sub-grantees’ capacities in agreed upon areas. In coordination with Sub-grant Officer, 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.

1. Working Relationships

Reports directly to the Senior Country Representative in Kinshasa. Collaborates closely with Associate Director and Program Associate in Atlanta.

1. Qualifications

• 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.
• 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.
• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, international human rights law, or other development-related field.
• Experience working with human rights defenders, or on programs focused on youth participatory rights or women’s rights is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English.
• Experience working with civil society organizations, government officials, intergovernmental organizations, and international donors.
• 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 DRC or Great Lakes region is a plus.

How to apply

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