Country manager, Democratic Republic of Congo

You’re used to driving growth and managing critical relationships in a challenging environment. But what if that growth was in low cost renewable energy or the number of women involved in deciding the future of their community?

And what if those relationships made a positive difference to children living with the effects of HIV? At Christian Aid, this is our bottom line – not stocks and shares. It will soon be yours too.

And a unique chance to make a life-changing difference to your life and thousands of others.

Effectively the CEO and senior representative of our operations in DRC, our largest programmein Africa, you’ll manage and coordinate our resources across the country. From setting budgets to implementing strategy it’s a varied and infinitely rewarding role. Working collaboratively on every level, you’ll make sure our programs are efficient and effective.

What’s more, you’ll raise awareness of DRC and the work we do there across the organization through internal networking. As well as liaising within the organization, it’s essential that you build strong external relationships with government officials, churches and our NGO partners. You’ll also develop and inspire your staff, making sure they’re enthused and able to achieve their goals.

Ambitious and entrepreneurial, you may be from a corporate or not-for-profit background. That’s where you’ll have developed your excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills. However, you’ll also be used to working in a less structured and more democratic environment. With your ability to plan strategically and coordinate people, projects and resources, you’ll be confident managing change and influencing others.

Ideally, you’ll have first-hand knowledge of DRC, but what’s more important is your sound understanding of international development issues. So whatever your motivation, your passion and innovative approach mean you’ll really make a difference.

More than half the world lives in poverty. We aim to put a stop to that. So we campaign against the structures and rules that keep people poor. And we work with local organizations to give people strength to find their own solutions to the problems they face, irrespective of their religion. In DRC, our programme is currently focused on improving governance at a local level and cutting the spread of endemic diseases like HIV and malaria. We will be looking to you to lead the programme into new areas.

Please show your suitability for this post by giving answers to the following questions: Using the guidance notes may help you formulate your answers.

Decision making

Can you describe an example of a situation where you took a risky short-term decision in order to ensure that a longer-term goal would be achieved or a future problem avoided?

Stewardship of resources

When identifying opportunities or negotiating business relationships, how have you gone about determining best return on investment or maximum benefits for both your organization and the partner/client? Please give a specific example.

Leading and managing change

Tell us about a time when you communicated a broad organizational change to employees in a way that helped them gain a clear vision of the impact of the change and support and embrace it in their work.

Risk taking

Describe a time when you assessed the various risks associated with a strategic plan of action that you were proposing.

We value the contribution each person makes to the success of our organization. That’s why you can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits and flexibility that will ensure you enjoy a good work/life balance.

Download the role profile (34 KB pdf)

To find out more and apply,please download an application pack and email your completed International application form to: drcrecruit@christian-aid.org quoting the job reference number below.

Please note that only electronically submitted application forms will be accepted.

Please note also that CVs will not be accepted and that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Job reference: DRC/CM/CA/08/11

Closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 28 September 2011

Interview date:Monday 10 October 2011

Christian Aid values diversity and aspires to reflect this in our workforce. We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, colour, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.