CAFOD is recruiting a Programme Manager – Humanitarian for its work in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The position is a senior programme role focused on humanitarian work, partnerships, funding, programme quality and team management.
The contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension, and the advertised starting salary is $47,401 USD.
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This opportunity may suit experienced humanitarian and international development professionals who have managed programmes in complex crisis settings and understand how to work effectively with local and international partners.
The role also has a strong focus on humanitarian preparedness and response, including areas such as cash programming, protection and anticipatory action.
Applicants should be comfortable managing budgets, teams, donor-funded projects and programme risks. Fluency in both English and French is required, along with a willingness to travel regularly, sometimes to areas where security risks may be present.
About CAFOD
The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD) is a faith-based organisation working in international development and humanitarian contexts. Its programme approach includes working with partners to address poverty, inequality and environmental degradation.
For this role, CAFOD’s work in the DRC is guided by an agreed country strategy and an Integral Ecology Programme Model. The Programme Manager will work with colleagues and partners to develop and deliver programmes that meet quality, funding and safeguarding requirements.
Position Overview
The Programme Manager will lead the humanitarian programme portfolio in Goma and oversee its effective delivery. The role combines programme leadership with partnership management, financial oversight, fundraising, compliance, security responsibilities and people management.
A major part of the position involves working with partners to develop and deliver programmes while maintaining appropriate quality standards. The successful candidate will also help ensure that learning from programme work is captured and used to improve future decisions and interventions.
The role sits within CAFOD’s wider programme structure and requires close cooperation with teams covering programme quality, emergency response, advocacy, communications, education and finance.
Regular travel is part of the position, with up to approximately 12 weeks per year expected. The post-holder may also deputise for the Deputy Country Representative when required.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will have overall responsibility for managing and reviewing an assigned portfolio of humanitarian programmes. This includes supporting the development of new projects, ensuring that programmes are properly planned and monitored, and checking that contractual and donor requirements are met.
Partnership work is another important part of the position. The Programme Manager will support programme staff in building constructive relationships with partner organisations and may take a more direct role with strategic partners.
Financial management is also central to the job. The post-holder will manage programme budgets and cash flow, monitor spending and income, oversee financial reporting and help identify funding opportunities. They will also work with relevant CAFOD teams on institutional donor funding and co-financing.
The role involves representing CAFOD with relevant stakeholders and maintaining communication with teams across the organisation. The Programme Manager will also oversee the use of programme systems, compliance with relevant requirements and the sharing of programme knowledge.
Security management is included within the responsibilities. Depending on delegation, the post-holder may support security planning, risk mapping, standard procedures and contingency arrangements.
As a people manager, the successful candidate will lead and support staff, establish clear objectives, conduct performance reviews and encourage professional development and collaborative working.
Eligibility & Qualifications
CAFOD is looking for someone with substantial experience and strong understanding of international development, humanitarian work, programme management and programme quality, particularly in complex crises.
The person specification highlights senior-level humanitarian experience and a successful record of delivering programmes in difficult operating environments. Experience with institutional funding and donor-funded projects is important, including familiarity with ECHO and the Start Fund.
Candidates should have experience with programme cycle management and understand how to develop and deliver programmes within an agreed framework. Financial management experience is also required.
Fluent English and French are required, both written and spoken.
The role also requires experience or knowledge in humanitarian areas including cash programming, protection, anticipatory action, humanitarian preparedness and response. Candidates should have expertise in at least one of these areas.
An understanding of Catholic identity is expected, while experience working with or within a faith-based organisation is considered an advantage.
Applicants must be willing to travel for around 12 weeks each year, including occasional short-notice travel to potentially high-risk areas.
Skills Needed
This is a role for someone who can combine strategic thinking with practical programme management. Strong leadership and people-management abilities are important because the position involves managing staff, including colleagues working at a distance.
The successful candidate should be able to work independently, manage competing priorities and communicate clearly with different audiences. Partnership skills are particularly relevant, as the role involves working with organisations and communities across different contexts.
Analytical ability, fundraising experience, financial awareness and effective use of ICT are also important. Candidates should be able to represent an organisation confidently while maintaining values-based relationships with partners and stakeholders.
Salary & Benefits
The advertised starting salary for the Programme Manager – Humanitarian position is $47,401 USD.
The contract is for one year, with the possibility of extension.
CAFOD also states that it is committed to a safe and inclusive workplace and will make reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment for candidates with disabilities or individual needs.
The role includes safeguarding responsibilities, and successful candidates will be subject to appropriate screening and reference checks.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in this position should review the official CAFOD vacancy carefully and submit their application through the employer’s official recruitment process.
Before applying, make sure your CV clearly demonstrates relevant senior humanitarian and programme management experience. Your application should also make it easy for the employer to identify your experience with donor-funded projects, partnerships, financial management and humanitarian programming.
Only use the official CAFOD recruitment website when submitting an application. Avoid relying on third-party vacancy pages for the application itself.
Tips Before Applying
Start by checking whether your professional experience matches the specific requirements rather than applying based only on the job title.
Pay particular attention to the requirements for English and French, senior humanitarian experience, institutional funding and experience in complex crisis environments.
Your CV should show measurable responsibility for programmes, budgets, teams and partnerships where relevant. Highlight experience with ECHO, the Start Fund or other institutional funding if you have it.
Also prepare for the practical demands of the position. The role involves regular travel and may require work in areas with potential security risks.
Finally, review your safeguarding responsibilities and make sure any required information and supporting documents are ready before submitting your application.
Conclusion
The CAFOD Programme Manager – Humanitarian role in Goma is suited to experienced professionals who can lead humanitarian programmes while managing partnerships, funding, people and operational requirements. Strong French and English communication skills, senior humanitarian experience and knowledge of relevant humanitarian approaches are central to the position.
Eligible candidates should review the full official vacancy carefully, assess their experience against the requirements and apply through CAFOD’s official recruitment process.