Democratic Republic of the Congo: General Manager

May 17, 2015 | Esco Kivu
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Established in 1970, Esco Kivu came out of the coffee exporting business and now strives to be the bridge between smallholder farmers and the export markets for good quality cocoa, cinchona, and vanilla from Eastern DRC. By working on an improvement of the quality and farm productivity, Esco contributes towards the development of a sustainable and reliable supply chain, which allows higher prices to be paid to farmers. Esco Kivu has pioneered cocoa production in Eastern Congo where many farmers are now growing organic and UTZ certified cocoa in a complex agro-forestry setting. Esco Kivu’s cocoa customers range from European importers to specialty chocolatiers making single origin chocolate. 

Description of the job:

The General Manager oversees the entire operations of the company in DR Congo. He/she is an experienced and strategic thinking person who manages the day to day operations, builds good working relationships both within and outside the company and steers the business in the right direction for the future. His/her activities will be guided by his/her sense of calling to DR Congo and his/her commitment to the values and ethics of the business.

Qualifications:

  • Experience of commercial business, preferably in trade
  • Good understanding of management accounting
  • Experience in tropical agriculture, preferably in tree crops
  • Experience of managing and motivating staff from top to bottom
  • Degree or diploma in a field related to the business
  • Ability to lead by example and influence others
  • Creative in finding sound business solutions
  • Able to work independently and in remote locations
  • Fluent in English and French; Swahili an advantage.
  • Minimum five years previous experience in Africa
  • Willing to embrace and promote the company’s Christian values
  • Able to handle the pressures of the local political situation

Spouse:

There may be opportunities for an accompanying spouse to teach in a bilingual English/French primary school or work in our company medical clinic or to take up another position within the business.  

Conditions:

  • Salary:  Negotiable and according to experience
  • Housing in Beni:   Provided for either single or family accommodation
  • Transport:  Company 4x4 provided
  • Health cover:     Provided, includes dependants
  • Flights: One economy return flight to origin country per year
  • Leave:  24 working days per year
  • Contract:   Minimum three years