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The Program Manager provides high-level support to the MCC DR Congo (DRC) Representative in the management/oversight for MCC DRC projects and partner relations. In addition, the Program Manager supports the Rep with planning, budgeting, problem solving, and other management issues as requested. Following a start-up period, the Program Manager will act as the program leadership point person in the absence of the Rep, thus allowing the Rep to take on additional regional and other short-term assignments for MCC. Through extensive collaboration with the Rep, the Program Manager will grow in management and leadership skills in one of the largest and most complex programs of MCC in Africa. The initial term length is a minimum of three years, although a five-year term is preferred in order to assure program continuity.

All MCC workers are expected to exhibit a commitment to: a personal Christian faith and discipleship; active membership or participation in a Christian church; and nonviolent peacemaking. MCC is an equal opportunity employer, committed to employment equity. MCC values diversity and invites all qualified candidates to apply

Invitations to serve with MCC are contingent on the successful outcome of criminal background check(s).

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in management, development, international / political studies, or law, or the equivalent in relevant program management experience
• Minimum of 1-3 years of international experience with MCC or a similar organization, preferably in the African context
• Good relational skills, including the ability to listen, give counsel and facilitate group processes within own culture and cross-culturally
• Demonstrated communication skills, both orally and written
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with local partners and church leaders
• Competence in computer word processing, database and spreadsheet software
• French language competency, or willingness to learn
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the year.
• Prior experience as an MCC service worker an added advantage.
• Because Eastern Congo is not a children-friendly environment in terms of schooling and security, single candidates or couples without children are strongly preferred.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following: • Assume management/oversight responsibilities for a subset of MCC DRC projects and partners, as determined by the DRC Rep o Project design, planning and budgeting o Concept note/proposal preparation o Project monitoring, evaluation and reporting o Partner capacity building and support In some cases, hands-on practical support for partners may be required • Assure regular communications with selected partners and other MCC DRC staff supporting the selected projects, including periodic on-site partner/project visits • In collaboration with the Rep, communicate with headquarters and regional MCC staff as needed to support the selected partners/projects • Provide program/management support as requested by the DRC Rep, e.g. o Program planning and budget o Financial monitoring and management o Personnel planning and problem solving o Personnel supervision o Support for Global Service Learning programs o Relationships with DRC Mennonite churches o Relationships with international NGO community • Act as program leadership point person in the absence of the DRC Rep • Other duties as assigned Along with the above tasks, the service worker will integrate the following: • Regularly attend a local church. • Participate in MCC team life and responsibilities, such as team meetings, worker reports, and retreats. • Model non-violent peacemaking in the workplace and community through respectful interactions with others.

As a service worker (volunteer) position, MCC would cover all basic needs (including, but not limited to: food, housing, transportation (to/from assignment & work related travel), medical/dental/optical coverage, vacation time & allowance, resettlement allowance provided at the end of term, etc.) and provide a modest monthly allowance.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is a naturally beautiful country with many lakes and rivers, beautiful mountains and green valleys. The peoples and cultures of the DR Congo are vibrant and the music, song and dance enthralling. The spiritual and political dynamics of daily living are full of passion and energy. It is an intensely engaging location in which to serve.

In the midst of all this, citizens of Goma, North Kivu, where the Program Manager will be based, live with a zest for life. The town is full of energy and dynamism. People are friendly. The weather is good. There are attractions such as Lake Kivu, Virunga park and Kauzi Biega park. Many international visitors make this place their home.

The great challenge in the DR Congo is security. Since 1996, DR Congo has been affected by violent conflicts; two major wars took place in 1996 and 1998. Since then, the country has not fully recovered from violence. In some parts of the country, especially in the east, there are still active armed groups.

Additional issues the service worker should be aware of are:
• While there is volcanic activity around Goma, eruptions are rare.
• Water and electricity are not consistent in many locations.
• The presence of endemic poverty and constant demands for money and/or jobs can be stressful.
• Care for serious injuries or diseases is available in Kigali or Nairobi.
• Because of poorly maintained roads, travel in the region is not very comfortable. Also, MCC workers are expected to coordinate with partners before traveling to any area outside of the three major towns of Goma, Bukavu, and Uvira.