Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Closing date: 20 Feb 2016
HEAD OF MISSION - DRC
Terms of Reference
Job title: Head of Mission
Location: Bukavu, DRC
Date of posting: 11 January 2016
Closing date: 20 February 2016
Background
Established in 2002, Radio La Benevolencija Humanitarian Tools Foundation (RLB) is a Dutch NGO committed to the empowerment of minorities and social groups that have been or are in danger of becoming the victims of ethnocentric or other forms of hate violence. Using a combination of edutainment methodologies and comparative psychological research, RLB’s media intervention in Rwanda, the DRC and Burundi is a prototype campaign to embed, in national audiences, scientific knowledge on how to resist the psychological pressures and demagoguery that turn individuals into perpetrators of atrocity. RLB’s radio soaps, 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 looking for professionals with experience in the field of media for behaviour change and Education & Entertainment (edutainment) strategies, to manage a mixed media project promoting reconciliation, trauma healing and peace in North and South Kivu (DRC). As Head of Mission (HOM), s/he will manage the overall development of the national RLB media/communication campaign and coordinate related programme activities. The HoM will be responsible for the development and implementation of RLB's country policy, annual plan and project proposals and their respective budgets.
In addition, the role requires coordination of two regional projects, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and Oxfam Novib, which also entails undertaking periodic contextual analyses of the region when implementing cross-border activities in the DRC (Kivus, Kinshasa), Rwanda and Burundi. As such, sound knowledge of the Great Lakes region as well as of the current situation in the DRC, preferably based on work experience in the region, is essential.
Roles and responsibilities
The Head of Mission will be responsible for the following:
Providing strategic leadership in the development, design, planning and implementation of a communications campaign and educational entertainment broadcast on the prevention of violence
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
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
Ensuring proper programmatic, administrative and financial coordination of two regional projects with the Benevolencija missions in Rwanda and Burundi, including taking the lead on the production of regional media programmes and grassroots campaigns.
Overseeing the running of the country mission including:
Human resources management: negotiating contracts; monitoring allowances, entitlements and leave procedures for RLB staff, etc.
Financial management: overseeing financial staff; ensuring fiscal compliance with all national applicable laws and regulations; checking financial reporting and tax requirements, audits, insurances, etc.
Liaising with government authorities; arranging permits, setting up legal framework, tax exemptions, etc.
Developing security procedures for RLB staff in the country or region based on the country context analysis (in particular, the domestic situation and international relations);
Fundraising and initiating new projects in accordance with the national country strategy
Representing La Benevolencija to the government, embassies/delegations, media, the UN and other international agencies, donors and partners
Such other duties and functions, as requested by HQ, based on his/her knowledge and abilities.
Person specification
Proven experience in NGO project management, in particular, financial, administrative and logistical management
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
What we offer
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 2016. Salary and benefits will be commensurate with experience.
How to Apply
To apply for this position, please send your CV, including at least two references, along with a letter of motivation (in French or English) no later than 20th February 2016, addressed to George Weiss at vacancy@labenevolencija.org.
For more information about this position, please contact George Weiss (Director, RLB) or Muriel Veldman (Programme Manager) by phone +31 20 6166599.
How to apply:
To apply for this position, please send your CV, including at least two references, along with a letter of motivation (in French or English) no later than 20th February 2016, addressed to George Weiss at vacancy@labenevolencija.org.