About Company
Caritas Lubumbashi is a leading humanitarian and development organization dedicated to serving the most vulnerable populations in the Haut-Katanga Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As an integral part of the global Caritas confederation, we work tirelessly to promote human dignity, social justice, and sustainable development. Our programs encompass a wide range of initiatives, including emergency relief, food security, education, health, and crucially, community empowerment. We believe in fostering self-reliance and resilience within communities, enabling them to drive their own development agendas. For decades, Caritas Lubumbashi has been a beacon of hope, working hand-in-hand with local communities, governmental bodies, and international partners to create lasting positive change. Our commitment is rooted in compassion, integrity, and a profound respect for human rights, striving to build a future where every individual can thrive.
Job Description
Caritas Lubumbashi is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Community Development Officer to lead and support our local empowerment initiatives in Lubumbashi and surrounding areas within Haut-Katanga Province. This pivotal role is designed for an individual passionate about fostering sustainable change at the grassroots level, empowering communities to identify their needs, mobilize resources, and implement solutions that improve their quality of life. The Community Development Officer will be responsible for the full lifecycle of community projects, from initial needs assessment and stakeholder engagement to project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. You will work closely with community leaders, local authorities, and beneficiaries to build capacity, promote participation, and ensure the relevance and sustainability of our programs.
This role demands excellent interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of community dynamics in the Congolese context, and a commitment to Caritas’s mission and values. You will play a crucial part in translating our vision of self-reliant and thriving communities into tangible realities, directly impacting the lives of thousands. The successful candidate will navigate complex local environments, advocate for community needs, and ensure that all activities align with our strategic objectives and ethical guidelines. Your work will involve regular field visits to project sites, facilitating workshops, conducting training sessions, and promoting collaborative partnerships. Join our dedicated team and contribute to a legacy of empowerment and positive transformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, making a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need through sustainable community-led development.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct thorough community needs assessments and participatory rural appraisals (PRAs) to identify local priorities, challenges, and available resources.
- Design, plan, and lead the implementation of community development projects with a strong focus on local empowerment, self-reliance, and long-term sustainability.
- Facilitate engaging and effective training and capacity-building workshops for community members, local leaders, and project committees on various development topics.
- Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with community leaders, local authorities, partner organizations, and project beneficiaries.
- Monitor project activities rigorously against established targets and indicators, ensuring timely, efficient, and high-quality implementation.
- Prepare comprehensive progress reports, insightful case studies, and meticulous documentation for both internal reporting and external donor requirements.
- Manage project budgets responsibly, ensuring prudent financial management and strict adherence to Caritas Lubumbashi’s financial policies and donor compliance.
- Actively promote and integrate cross-cutting themes such as gender equality, environmental protection, human rights, and conflict resolution within all community initiatives.
- Represent Caritas Lubumbashi effectively at local coordination meetings, forums, and relevant stakeholder gatherings pertaining to community development.
- Identify, document, and share best practices and lessons learned from project implementation to foster continuous program improvement and organizational knowledge sharing.
Required Skills
- Proven experience in community mobilization, participatory project management, and social development.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to assess complex situations and propose effective, contextually appropriate solutions.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with a demonstrated ability to build rapport and trust with diverse stakeholders.
- Fluency in French and Swahili (both written and spoken) is essential for effective communication in the local context.
- Ability to work independently, demonstrate initiative, and function effectively as part of a team in challenging and dynamic field environments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting and administrative tasks.
- Demonstrated commitment to humanitarian principles, social justice, and the core values of Caritas.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Community Development, Rural Development, International Development, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of progressive experience in an NGO context, particularly working on community-based projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Experience in developing and utilizing monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks and various data collection tools.
- In-depth knowledge of local governance structures, traditional leadership systems, and socio-cultural dynamics in Haut-Katanga Province.
- Valid motorcycle driving license and proven ability to operate in remote areas.
Perks & Benefits
- A competitive salary package commensurate with experience and qualifications, reflecting the demanding nature of the role.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure your well-being.
- Generous annual leave allowance and observance of all national public holidays.
- Significant opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement within a global network.
- A supportive, collaborative, and mission-driven work environment where your contributions are valued.
- The profound satisfaction of contributing to meaningful work that directly transforms lives and empowers communities.
How to Apply
We invite qualified candidates who are passionate about community empowerment and align with Caritas Lubumbashi’s mission to submit their applications. Please click on the link below to apply for this impactful position.