VNG International implements projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since 2012 and was fully registered locally as a non-profit organization in 2016. Currently VNG International has three projects running in DRC, namely ESPER, TRIDE and WeAreAble. These projects focus on security governance, food security and inclusion of people with disabilities respectively. In DRC VNG International has 20 staff members whom are operating from 4 different offices located in Goma, Bukavu, Bunia and Uvira. In DRC, our work is mainly funded by the Great Lakes Programme of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Our staff:
Experts / Program Staff
Mrs. Nynke DOUMA
Country Representative / ESPER Chief of Party
Since two decades, Nynke Douma is specialized in governance, fragility/conflict, gender and peacebuilding dynamics in Eastern DR Congo. She has a lengthy career as consultant for international NGOs, performing evaluations, facilitation/training,research/analysis and project development/management. Nynke holds cum laude Master’s degrees in International Development Sociology (Wageningen University) and International Journalism (Cardiff University).
Mr. Thierry KAMBERE KATSONGO
ESPER Security Governance Coordinator / Security Governance & Political Engagement Expert
Thierry Kambere Katongo is a legal expert from the Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs, with 20 years of commitment to human rights, governance, and justice. He has worked both nationally and internationally in these areas, focusing on good governance and peaceful coexistence. His expertise spans working in complex environments to support communities facing governance challenges.
Mr. Loochi Muzaliwa
Program Director / Bukavu Focal Point / TRIDE Team Leader / Local Governance Expert
Loochi Muzaliwa is a lawyer with a Master’s degree (Bac+5) in Private and Judicial Law. He has over 20 years of experience in conflict transformation and human rights, working for international organizations and the United Nations. He has contributed to peace processes and stabilization programs in eastern DRC and teaches law at the university.
Mr. Albert Ilosyo Kitenge
We are Able Project Officer
Albert holds a Bachelor’s in Development Science and Technology with an orientation in Environmental Management. He has 10 years of experience with civil society organizations and 3 years in peacebuilding and local governance.
Mrs. Brigitte MUTAMBALA MAPENDO
Lobby & Advocacy Coordinator
Brigitte Mutambala brings a wealth of experience in advocacy and governance work in Eastern DR Congo. She works closely with local communities and authorities to promote governance reforms and social justice. Her role involves coordinating advocacy efforts across various governance projects.
Mr. Jean-Paul Soroba Banga
Ituri Focal Point / ESPER; Inclusive Local Security Governance Expert
Graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Management and Economics Sciences from the CEPROMAD University. He is a dynamic and ambitious person who has worked for more than 12 years in the humanitarian, stabilization, resettlement, peace building & consolidation and development sector.
Mr. Robert Wangachumo Dunia
Uvira Focal Point / ESPER & ESPASK Team Leader / Inclusive Local Security Governance Expert
Robert holds a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy with a socio-political orientation and has postgraduate training in post-crisis reconstruction and human rights. He has experience in conflict transformation, advocacy, inclusive governance, and project management with national and international organizations.
Mrs. Chantal RUGENERA KAMBIBI
Security Governance Advisor
Chantal Rugenera Kambibi holds a Bachelor’s in Law from the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN). She has worked in national political roles, including as Provincial Minister in North Kivu, and has been involved in stabilization and democratic dialogue since 2013. Her work includes advising on security governance and project support in Eastern DR Congo.
Mr. Marcel Sala Sikalumba
Inclusive Local Security Governance Expert
Marcel holds a degree in Applied Pedagogy, specializing in French, from the Institut Supérieur Pédagogique in Bukavu, DRC. Before joining VNG International, he worked as a school director and project coordinator with the diocese of Uvira and the Union des Groupes d’Etudes et d’Actions pour le Développement de Fizi-Itombwe (UGEAFI).
Mr. Adolphe NGONDO MATABARO
Program Officer & Security Governance Technical Advisor
Adolphe studied Social Sciences and holds a degree in Development Economics from the Catholic University of Graben in DR Congo. He has 12 years of experience in research and implementation of stabilization and peacebuilding programs.
Support
Mrs. Solange Nabintu Kahasha
Operations Director / TRIDE Financial Officer
Solange Nabintu Kahasha holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administrative Commercial Sciences, financial option. She has more than 10 years of experience in financial administration, accounting, human resources, budget monitoring, and financial reporting for emergency and development programs in the DRC.
Mrs. Arlette Santono Tanya
ESPER Financial Officer
Arlette Santono Tanya has over 15 years of experience in financial and logistics management, including budget preparation and internal audits for development and emergency projects. She holds a university degree in Business Management and Administration. Arlette focuses on peace as a means to achieve lasting development and stability.
Mr. Héritier Nahano Kalembire
ESPER Operational Support Officer
Héritier holds a degree in Financial Management from the Catholic University of Bukavu and has over three years of professional experience in accounting and finance. He is in charge of Administration, Finance, and Logistics for the ESPER program in the Uvira Field Office.
Mrs. Chantal Kahwa Miramago
Operational Support Officer
Chantal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management from the University of Bunia, specializing in Financial Management. She has experience in financial and accounting management, human resources, and logistics.
Mrs. Irène Ntambala Ntakwinja
ESPASK Operational Support Officer
Irène holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Economic Sciences from the Protestant University in Congo. She has experience in administration, human resources, finance, and logistics, working in both emergency and development programs in the DRC.
Mr. Faustin KOYA GILIKO
Driver
Faustin Koya Giliko supports the team by providing reliable transportation for project activities across DR Congo. He has been a trusted driver with several years of experience in safe driving and project logistics.
Mr. Darcin KABWANDA MUBEZA
Driver
Darcin provides transportation and logistical support for the team in DR Congo.
Mr. John Mushingire Buyonde
Driver
John provides transportation and logistical support for VNG International’s operations in the Uvira region.
Our contact details:
Address:
VNG International,
Cordaid Office, No.16, Avenue Karisimbi,
Quartier Les Volcans, Goma, North Kivu,
Democratic Republic of Congo
Telephone: +243 815 813 595
Fax: n/a
Email Address: Nynke.Douma@vng.nl
Visiting Address:
Cordaid Office, No.16, Avenue Karisimbi, Quartier Les Volcans, Goma, North Kivu
Other project offices are located at:
- Goma (TRIDE office): 7 Avenue des Orchidées, Quartier des Volcans, Goma, North Kivu
- Bunia: 147 Avenue Mbunya, Quartier Lumumba, Commune de Mbunya, Bunia, Ituri
- Bukavu: No 80 avenue du Gouverneur, Quartier Ndendere, Commune d’Ibanda, Bukavu, Sud Kivu
- Uvira: 120 Avenue Kivu, Quartier Nyamianda, Commune de Kalundu, Uvira, South Kivu