Lead Global Change: Apply for CARE International’s Executive Director Role

February 5, 2025

6 minutes read

Join CARE International as Executive Director/Secretary-General – Lead Global Impact and Change

Are you a visionary leader passionate about tackling poverty, driving social justice, and championing gender equality? CARE International is looking for a dynamic and strategic Executive Director/Secretary-General (ED/SG) to spearhead our global efforts in empowering marginalized communities.

Lead Global Change: Apply for CARE International’s Executive Director Role

About CARE International

CARE International is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives, defeating poverty, and achieving social justice. With a presence in over 120 countries, CARE works to empower individuals and communities, particularly women and girls, by providing essential resources, advocating for rights, and facilitating sustainable development programs.

Our impact is vast:

53 million people reached directly through our programs.
1,450 projects implemented worldwide.
121 countries engaged in development and humanitarian efforts.

The Role: Executive Director/Secretary-General

The Executive Director/Secretary-General (ED/SG) of CARE International plays a pivotal role in guiding the organization towards achieving its ambitious mission. This dual-role position requires both strategic oversight and hands-on management of CARE International’s Secretariat and governance bodies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

Act as the chief facilitator of CARE International, ensuring alignment with our mission to fight poverty, promote social justice, and champion gender equality.
Provide strategic guidance to the Confederation’s leadership teams, influencing decision-making and policy development.
Oversee governance facilitation, ensuring that the CARE International Secretariat operates smoothly and in compliance with international regulations.
Serve as the Secretary-General for the Swiss and Belgium Associations of CARE International, supporting their governance bodies, including the Assembly and Executive Committee.
Represent CARE International at global forums, advocating for humanitarian aid, gender equity, and development initiatives.

Operational Management & Organizational Development

Lead the Secretariat’s day-to-day management, ensuring efficient operations, staff engagement, and performance monitoring.
Implement strategies to enhance collaboration and synergy among CARE’s member organizations across different regions.
Drive financial sustainability by overseeing funding strategies, donor engagement, and financial compliance.
Foster a culture of inclusivity, diversity, and transparency within CARE’s leadership structures.

Global Advocacy & External Relations

Represent CARE International at high-level discussions, international summits, and policy-making platforms.
Strengthen partnerships with governments, non-profits, private sector entities, and other stakeholders to amplify CARE’s global impact.
Elevate the organization’s advocacy efforts on critical issues such as gender equality, climate justice, and economic empowerment.

Crisis Response & Humanitarian Aid

Oversee CARE’s rapid response initiatives during global crises, ensuring timely and effective humanitarian aid.
Coordinate with international partners to enhance CARE’s emergency relief efforts in conflict zones, disaster-stricken regions, and vulnerable communities.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven track record in senior leadership roles, preferably within the non-profit, humanitarian, or international development sectors. The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

Extensive experience in leading international organizations or complex networks.
Strong governance expertise, with an ability to navigate diverse political, social, and economic landscapes.
Excellent communication and advocacy skills, capable of engaging with high-level stakeholders and policymakers.
Financial acumen, including experience in managing large-scale budgets, donor relations, and financial compliance.
A deep commitment to CARE’s mission, with a focus on gender equality, poverty alleviation, and social justice.

Location & Work Flexibility

The position is flexible with a preference for time zones between the Middle East and Western Europe. The selected candidate must be based in a CARE International registered office and have the legal right to work in their chosen location.

Why Join CARE International?

Global Impact – Lead an organization that directly improves the lives of millions worldwide.
Diverse & Inclusive Work Environment – Work with a passionate team committed to social justice and gender equality.
Competitive Compensation & Benefits – CARE International offers an attractive salary and benefits package.
Professional Growth Opportunities – Engage with international leaders, policymakers, and development experts.

About the Role

This full-time position (38 hours per week) is initially limited to one year, with the possibility of extension. The role includes regular communication with colleagues in various Oxfam country offices, travel to project locations for monitoring and training, and interaction with donors, partners, and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

As a Project Management / Roving Grants and Compliance Advisor, your main duties will include:

1. Project and Grant Compliance

Ensuring that all projects comply with donor guidelines by advising and supporting Oxfam offices worldwide.
Conducting regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure adherence to institutional funding requirements.
Reviewing project documents, financial reports, and supporting documents (such as contracts, framework agreements, and vouchers).
Preparing financial and narrative reports, ensuring alignment with donor expectations.
Providing expert advice on contract and grant regulations (BHO, ANBest / BNBest, UvGO, FöRiLi).
Supporting the audit process, both internally and externally.

2. Project Monitoring and Evaluation

Overseeing the financial flow of projects, ensuring that funds are used effectively and transparently.
Conducting on-site visits to project locations to assess progress and provide necessary training.
Coordinating technical and financial review of ongoing projects.
Supporting the development of project proposals for institutional donors.
Ensuring the maintenance of up-to-date project data in Excel and internal project management software.

3. Communication & Coordination

Acting as the primary contact between Oxfam and institutional donors such as GFFO (German Federal Foreign Office), BMZ (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit), and KfW (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau).
Facilitating communication between Oxfam’s HQ, country offices, donors, and partners.
Organizing training sessions and workshops on grant management and compliance for staff and stakeholders.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a dynamic and results-oriented individual with the following qualifications and skills:

Essential Qualifications:

Academic degree in business administration, project management, finance, development studies, or a related field.
Several years of experience in project implementation and financial management, preferably in humanitarian aid, development cooperation, or transitional assistance.
At least one year of international field experience, ideally outside of Europe.
Expertise in managing institutional funding and familiarity with donor regulations (GFFO, BMZ, GIZ).
Strong numerical skills with a keen eye for detail.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work across diverse cultural settings.
Proficiency in MS Office applications, especially Excel.
Fluent in English and very good oral and written German; French language skills are a plus.
Ability to travel regularly, including to remote areas.
A strong commitment to Oxfam’s mission and feminist principles.

What We Offer

Joining Oxfam means becoming part of a committed team of professionals dedicated to making a difference in the world. We offer:

A meaningful job in an international organization driving humanitarian aid and development cooperation.
Collaboration with highly skilled professionals in a global network.
Attractive salary package based on collective agreements.
30 days of annual leave for work-life balance.
Flexible and family-friendly working conditions.
Employer-funded pension scheme (9%) for long-term security.
Modern technical equipment to support your work efficiently.
Opportunities for career development through training and international exposure.
A vibrant office culture, centrally located with easy access to public transport.
Regular team events and networking opportunities.

Application Process

If you are ready to contribute your skills and expertise to a world-changing organization, we would love to hear from you!

📌 Apply Now! Send your CV, cover letter, and references in one PDF file via our online application form.

For inquiries, please contact Rascha Kor Ali, Interim Head of Grant Management Africa, at rkorali@oxfam.de.

🔔 Application Deadline: February 16, 2025

📅 Interviews are expected to take place in January 2025

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At Oxfam, we are committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from People of Colour, individuals with disabilities, and candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. Our team values gender equality, empowerment, and accountability, and we work according to feminist principles.

Oxfam also prioritizes the welfare and protection of children, teenagers, and adults, ensuring that all employees adhere to our strict Code of Conduct.

👉 Join us in making a difference – apply today!

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How to Apply

CARE International is partnering with Red Sea Executive Search for this appointment. For an informal chat prior to application, please contact Tim Wingrove or Irene Oduor via cisecretariat@redseasearch.com.

Application Deadline: 23 February 2025

To apply, submit your CV and a Cover Letter through Red Sea’s website.

At CARE International, we believe in diversity, equity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those who share our commitment to gender equality and social justice.

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