Consultant for administrative support to Cuso International’s National Office in the Democratic Republic of Congo

Location of Contract: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Duration of Contract: 40 days

ABOUT CUSO INTERNATIONAL

Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures.

Cuso presently supports programs implemented in Africa, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Find out more at www.cusointernational.org

Under the supervision of Cuso International’s Head of Programs, Africa,  the administrative support consultant will work within the Cuso International country team to advance the completion of key administrative files necessary for the operation of Cuso International in the DRC.

The consultant will be responsible for determining the necessary requirements and undertaking the relevant actions to ensure Cuso International is compliant with all applicable operational and legal requirements in the DRC. They will advance Cuso International’s interest in securing all available exemptions to operate as an international NGO in the DRC. They will participate in the negotiation, provide advice, monitor initiatives and ensure proper documentation and agreements are in place with competent services in the DRC. The consultant will also support fincial and operational compliance within the DRC office finance team and oversee the development of a comprehensive and verified inventory of service providers.

OVERALL OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTATION

The objective of this consultation is to negotiate and finalize the re-registration of Cuso as an INGO in the DRC. In addition, they will support financial and administrative operations in DRC – ensuring compliance and a high standard of implementation.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

Specifically, the consultancy will involve:

• Identifying the level of progress of the documents submitted, including the Framework for Collaboration with the Congolese government ;
• Identifying the relevant governmental services in charge of evaluating these files;
• Negotiating and obtaining the necessary signatures for the advancement of Cuso International’s registration documentation;
• Assist the Office in consolidating administrative files with a view to documenting the process for acquiring and facilitating future renewals of the Collaboration Framework or Headquarters Agreement.
• Support the finance and administrative department to establish and operationalize key systems for compliance and efficiency
• Oversee the setting up a directory of service providers according to current need.

EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

The expected deliverables of the contract are as follows:

• 1 Collaboration Framework is renewed, signed and finalized, including the following guidance:
  • 1 guidance document for obtaining the Inter-ministerial Order is made available to Cuso International;
  • 1 guidance document on obtaining the Headquarters Agreement is produced and made available to Cuso International;
• 1 Accord de Siege is drafted and submitted to the competent authority;
• 1 finalized and validated directory of Service Providers;
• 1 evaluation and capacity building report on the Cuso International DRC Finance department.

MISSION OF THE CONSULTANT

The mandate entrusted to the consultant will consist of:

• Negotiate with the competent public administrations the signing of the Collaboration Framework between Cuso International and the government of DRC;
• Identify bottlenecks that prevent the signing of this Collaboration Framework and inform Cuso International's administration;
• Propose feasible and effective solutions to address these bottlenecks in accordance with Cuso International's internal procedures;
• Follow each step of the file and update Cuso International on progress;
• Identify processes and compile files for securing an Accord de Siege that ensures tax advantages for Cuso International;
• Review and evaluate the Cuso International Finance and Administrative department and work with headquarters to address gaps;
• Support the office in the development of the expanded directory of service  providers through the drafting of terms of reference and the preparation of  a notice of expression of interest.

DURATION OF THE MISSION AND CONDUCT

To achieve these objectives, the consultant must possess good knowledge of the practices of the Congolese public administration's operating system. Knowledge of Cuso International's internal practices related to this mission.

The consultant's mission shall not exceed three months and will consist of ad hoc support, facilitation, guidance and review of documents prepared by Cuso International's staff.

PROFILE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF THE CONSULTANT

To carry out this mandate, the consultant must have:

• A qualification in business administration
• Experience in NGOs in Congo
• A similar experience with two organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo
• In-depth knowledge of public administration in the DRC.

COMPOSITION OF THE NOMINATION FILE AND SUBMISSION

Please click the "Apply for This Job" button to submit your application by December 21st, 2022. Expressions of interest should be sent in English. Your résumé and one-page cover letter should demonstrate how you meet all the essential and any desirable qualifications.

We thank you for your interest in Cuso International and our current opportunity. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.