HEAD OF OFFICE (M/F/D), ETHIOPIA full-time NEW

The German Red Cross (GRC) assists people affected by disasters, crises and armed conflicts, and is a committed advocate for the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Our Mission: We provide needs-based, flexible, innovative and sustainable support to Sister National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the wider humanitarian community. We enable early and immediate life-saving assistance and implement anticipatory action and risk-reducing activities, particularly in the face of climate change and armed conflicts and their humanitarian consequences. As a partner, facilitator and convener of cooperation, we strive to fulfil commitments to localization, community participation, protection and inclusion, gender and diversity, accountability, and learning. Through these efforts, we aim to build resilient communities and ensure effective and inclusive humanitarian responses in an increasingly complex global landscape.

The GRC is currently seeking an experienced Head of Office (m/f/d) to lead its Country Office in Ethiopia.

The GRC has a long-standing partnership with the Ethiopian Red Crescent Society (ERCS). At present, the primary focus of GRC lies in providing assistance to the ERCS in addressing the ongoing crisis and humanitarian needs and adjusting the existing portfolio according to the changing needs and according to ERCS priorities The GRC is committed to support its Sister Society where possible and work with the ERCS team to jointly decide on long-term programmes which fall within ERCS strategic priorities through joint programs, exchange of knowledge as well as technical and managerial support.

The Head of Office (HoO) is located in Addis Abeba. He/she directly supervises the international GRC delegates and national staff and is responsible for the overall security management. The HoO reports to the country manager at GRC HQ in Berlin.

Starting date: 01.01.2027

Duration: 12 months (with possible extension)

Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with frequent visits to the project sites

Main duties & responsibilities:

Strategic leadership and representation: Lead the GRC Country Office and represent the GRC in Ethiopia vis-à-vis ERCS, the wider Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, government authorities, the German Embassy, donors, national and international humanitarian organisations and other relevant stakeholders. Maintain strong partnerships and networks and contribute to the positioning and visibility of the GRC in the country.
Support ERCS in building and strengthening their capacities and programmes in line with the ERCS National Society Development (NSD) strategy.
Partnership and Movement coordination: Ensure close coordination and cooperation with ERCS and support the implementation of the IFRC Ways of Working (WoW) localisation initiatives and other efforts to strengthen ERCS capacities. Represent the GRC in relevant Movement coordination platforms, including the MOC, CCT and technical working groups (TWGs), and foster synergies with Movement partners.
Country strategy and programme development: Further develop and adapt the GRC country strategy and operational portfolio in line with the evolving humanitarian context, needs assessments and ERCS priorities. Identify funding opportunities and lead or contribute to the development of concept notes and project proposals in coordination with ERCS, GRC Headquarters and Movement partners.
Financial and administrative management of the country office: Oversee the financial and administrative management of the Country Office, including budgeting, expenditure monitoring, procurement, human resources, inventories and the management of fixed and financial assets. Ensure that appropriate systems, structures and procedures are in place and implemented in accordance with GRC guidelines and applicable donor regulations, in close coordination with the finance and project delegates.
Direct line-management of GRC delegates and support of staff development and capacity building of national and international team.
Programme and project management: Oversee the implementation of GRC-supported programmes and ensure high-quality, timely and effective delivery in line with approved objectives, budgets and work plans. Monitor programme progress, assess results and risks, and ensure compliance with GRC policies and donor requirements, including those of BMZ, GFFO and ECHO. Ensure timely and accurate narrative and financial reporting. Where required, directly manage emergency response projects in close coordination with ERCS Headquarters, local ERCS branches, project teams and volunteers.
Context monitoring and analysis: Monitor and analyse relevant political, socio-economic, humanitarian and security developments, with a particular focus on humanitarian needs, disaster risks and their implications for GRC operations. effective information sharing with GRC Headquarters and external stakeholders.
Security management: Ensure that security policies, procedures and contingency plans are regularly reviewed, updated and followed by all staff. Coordinate security management with relevant Movement partners, and ensure compliance with applicable security arrangements, including the L2 agreement with the ICRC.
Leadership and capacity strengthening: Directly supervise and support international delegates and national staff, promoting professional development, team cohesion and a positive working environment. Support ERCS in strengthening its organisational capacities and programmes in line with its National Society Development (NSD) strategy.
Ensure communication, visibility and information sharing on GRC/ERCS programmes with all stakeholders, including project beneficiaries, partners, local authorities and donors.
Required Competencies & Skills:

Technical experience:

University degree in a relevant field.
At least five years of professional experience in international cooperation, including substantial experience in humanitarian crisis and/or development contexts.
Demonstrated experience in programme and project management, including budgeting, financial monitoring, programme quality assurance, monitoring and evaluation, and donor reporting.
Experience in staff management, team leadership and capacity strengthening. Previous experience leading a country office for a humanitarian organisation, managing international teams and overseeing security management is an asset.
Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas: WASH, shelter and non-food items (NFI), anticipatory action, cash and voucher assistance, health/pre-hospital emergency care (PHEC), food security or livelihoods.
Sound understanding of the humanitarian system, humanitarian coordination mechanisms and disaster management. Experience within the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a strong asset.
Substantial experience implementing donor-funded projects. Familiarity with BMZ, GFFO and ECHO funding requirements is a strong asset.
Proven experience in organisational development, capacity building and team coaching.
Experience working in the Greater Horn of Africa, particularly Ethiopia, is an asset.
Personal skills:

Excellent leadership, diplomatic, communication, negotiation and networking skills, with the ability to represent the organisation effectively and engage with diverse stakeholders.
Strategic thinking combined with a hands-on, pragmatic and solution-oriented approach.
Strong analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritise and make decisions in complex and rapidly changing environments.
Excellent intercultural sensitivity and the ability to work independently while fostering effective teamwork.
Resilience and strong stress-management skills, including the ability to work in insecure and conflict-affected environments.
Knowledge of policies and procedures relating to safety and security, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), compliance and human resources development.
Fluency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of Amharic and/or German is an advantage.
Excellent computer skills, including spreadsheets, word-processing software, databases and other relevant applications.
Readiness to travel to and work in remote areas is essential. Experience of living and working in insecure and conflict-affected environments is an asset.
Ability to work independently and as a team member;
Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles;
Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process ‘working abroad under specific climate and health conditions’;
Valid International Driving Permit (IDP).
What we offer you:

You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission. In addition to a full insurance package GRC is covering a home flight within a 12-months period of assignment. You will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.

How to apply
Kindly apply by submitting your application by using the GRC online application system until 15.11.2026.

Please note that due to the travel and visa regulations and the guidelines of our partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement certain vaccinations are required for this delegate position. Candidates on the short-list for this position will be asked to disclose their vaccination status.

HEAD OF OFFICE (M/F/D), ETHIOPIA

We point out that the selection and nomination processes for this international delegate position may demand that information concerning your person be shared with involved Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners (IFRC, ICRC, National Society). This may include transmission into countries that do not apply data protection standards comparable to those of the European Union.