Head of Office (m/f/d), Sudan

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.

Head of Office (m/f/d), Sudan

GRC is currently seeking an experienced Head of Office (m/f/d) responsible for leading the GRC Country Office for Sudan including direct project management of emergency response projects.

GRC has a long-standing partnership with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS). At present, the primary focus of GRC lies in providing assistance to the SRCS in addressing the ongoing crisis and humanitarian needs resulting from the current conflict and adjusting the existing portfolio according to the changing needs, access and according to SRCS priorities. In consultation with SRCS and other partners, the Head of Office will advise on the best office set up and mode of cooperation. The GRC is committed to support the SRCS strategic priorities and jointly decide on long-term programmatic objectives. Institutional strengthening of the Sister National Society takes place along lines of CVA, WASH, readiness support as well as logistics and Movement contingency planning through joint programs, exchange of knowledge as well as technical and managerial support.

The Head of Office (HoO) will be based in Port Sudan, with possible relocation to Omdurman/Khartoum. He/she directly supervises the Finance Delegate, several permanent and short-term delegates. The position requires regular field visits depending on the situation in country. The HoO reports to the GRC Country Manager at GRC HQ in Berlin.

Starting date: 01.09.2026 (preferably)

Duration: 24 months (with possible extension)

Location: Port Sudan, possible relocation to Omdurman/Khartoum

Main duties & responsibilities:

• Represent the GRC at country level towards donors, embassies, other relevant international and national external aid agencies and the media.
• Engage in Humanitarian Diplomacy efforts in support of the Sudan crisis and facilitate the EU ECHO Sudan dialogue as a lead on behalf of EU Partners.
• Manage partnerships with the Sister National Society and Movement partners.
• Responsible for developing and implementing GRC’s country strategy, including financial forecasting and budgeting.
• Manage and adjust existing structures and procedures of the GRC Country Office in cooperation with SRCS, including finance, procurement, HR, security, inventories, fixed and financial assets following GRC guidelines and procedures and facilitate a flexible set-up between Port Sudan, Blue Nile, Omdurman.
• Support and advise SRCS in building and strengthening their capacities and programmes in line with jointly identified priority areas.
• Direct line-management of GRC delegates and supervision, guidance, and development of national and international staff.
• Security and safety management.
• Explore funding opportunities and support the preparation of successful concept notes and project proposals, incl. needs assessments.
• Analyze the humanitarian and political situation in country and able to advise GRC on humanitarian risks and trends.
• Oversee and support all GRC/SRCS projects to ensure high programme quality and secure full compliance with donor regulations and GRC policies, in close coordination with the finance and project delegates. This includes financial management and expenditure tracking, procurement processes, programme monitoring, narrative and financial reporting, etc.
• Ensure consistent communication and coordination between GRC country office and GRC HQ.
• Manage the implementation of projects as needed in close coordination with the SRCS HQ and the local SRCS branches, project team and volunteers by ensuring timely and effective implementation of activities according to approved budget and work plan thereby following donor and GRC requirements and regulations.

Required Competencies & Skills:

Technical experience:

• At least five years of senior leadership experience, including management of international teams and security management experience.
• At least five years of experience in the field of international cooperation and humanitarian aid, including technical expertise in WASH, Health, DRR, Food Security, Cash and Voucher Assistance; and a profound understanding of the Humanitarian landscape, tools and topics. Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement experience is a strong asset.
• Excellent programme coordination and project management skills, including (remote management), financial management, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and reporting, and thorough understanding of donor guidelines and regulations.
• Strong leadership skills, including strategic thinking, decision-making, presenting, and mediating conflict.
• Experience in working in Sudan or the Greater Horn of Africa region is an asset.
• Substantial experience in implementing donor-funded projects, experience with GFFO, BMZ, ECHO is a strong asset.

Personal skills:

• Excellent understanding of the Movement and full commitment to the Red Cross fundamental principles and Code of Conduct.
• Strong diplomatic skills and experience in representation and networking.
• Outstanding resilience and stress management skills.
• Proven record of capacity strengthening, team development and coaching.
• Experience in the development and implementation of policies in the fields of safety and security, PSEA, compliance and human resources development.
• Oral and written fluency in English, knowledge of Arabic and/or German is an advantage.
• 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 complete a thorough medical screening process 'working abroad under specific climate and health conditions'.
• Valid Driving Licence.

What we offer:

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 as well as accommodation. 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.

Kindly apply by submitting your application by using the GRC online application system until 30.06.2026 end of the day (23:59 CET).

Safeguarding Commitment:

The GRC is committed to safeguarding and to zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, and other types of misconduct. All staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct and to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of the people we serve and work with.

Safeguarding responsibilities are integrated into all roles, and all personnel are required to adhere to our rules of conduct and safeguarding policies.

Recruitment is subject to satisfactory reference and background checks. By submitting an application, candidates acknowledge and agree to these checks and consent to completing and signing a self-declaration where required.

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.

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.

Deutsches Rotes Kreuz e.V. - GeneralsekretariatCarstennstr. 58
12205 Berlin