Chef de Mission Grands Lacs

Chef de Mission Grands Lacs Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) Position Type: Fixed-term contract, 12 months (renewable) Start Date: As soon as possible About the Role The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue is seeking an experienced leader to serve as Chef de Mission Grands Lacs, overseeing strategic direction and operational coherence across HD's conflict prevention, management, and resolution initiatives in the Great Lakes region. Reporting to the Regional Director, you will provide high-level supervision of multi-year peace processes facilitated through both official channels (Track I) and civil society-led national peace initiatives (Track II). This position requires frequent travel across the region approximately monthly, including to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and periodic trips to Europe or North America. Key Responsibilities Stakeholder Engagement and Representation: Serve as HD's primary representative to regional mediators, donors, and peace actors, cultivating and maintaining multi-stakeholder professional networks across the Great Lakes. Strategic Leadership and Programme Management: Design, pilot, and monitor HD's conflict resolution support initiatives, manage multi-million euro budgets, and develop regional resource mobilization strategy. Risk Management and Security: Establish and adapt security protocols, secure necessary operational clearances, anticipate contextual shifts through contingency planning. Team Leadership and Coordination: Supervise project team members (1 Programme Assistant, 1 Programme Officer, consultants) and coordinate part-time thematic experts. What We're Looking For Master's degree (or equivalent) in social sciences, international law, political science, or related field addressing conflict management and peace-building Minimum 10 years of demonstrated professional experience in conflict mediation, with prior experience as country or regional director (European contract management experience is advantageous) Deep knowledge of Great Lakes political and security dynamics, with capacity to develop innovative approaches for complex, evolving peace processes Strong analytical capabilities and strategic mindset, capable of designing innovative solutions while identifying and mitigating risks Complete professional fluency in English and French (written and spoken) Natural inclination toward collaborative teamwork with sound judgment and ability to work both autonomously and interdependently Proven commitment to confidentiality and adherence to HD's professional and ethical standards About You You demonstrate exceptional ability to navigate intercultural interactions, bring substantive professional experience working in Africa, and operate effectively within politically sensitive contexts and armed conflict settings. You embody a collegial spirit, demonstrate flexibility and independence, and are ready to integrate into a cohesive, dynamic team. HD operates extensive peace and conflict programmes across francophone Africa, with over 80 staff of diverse backgrounds based in Bamako, Niamey, Ouagadougou, Dakar, Bangui, and N'Djamena, supported by regional direction and coordination from Geneva. Application Instructions To apply, submit a complete application comprising a CV (maximum 2 pages) and cover letter to HRAfricaFR@hdcentre.org by 15 October 2026. Please include the position title in your email subject line. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted to proceed in the recruitment process. The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit www.hdcentre.org