The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.

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.

Regional Representative for Africa (m/f/d)

The GRC is currently seeking a Regional Representative for Africa (m/f/d) to lead regional coordination, foster strategic partnerships, and steer the development of regional programmes in Africa. The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya and reporting to the Head of Unit Africa at GRC’s headquarters.

Starting date: 01.10.2026

Duration: 12 months (with possibility of extension)

Location: Nairobi, Kenya (with regular travel to project regions)

Main duties & responsibilities:

• Represent the GRC in relevant regional coordination and strategic fora, and strengthen GRC’s visibility and positioning in the region
• Manage the Nairobi regional office’ operational and technical resources;
• Further develop relationships with strategic partners (IGAD/ICPAC, UN agencies, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), and others) and contribute to GRC's regional programmatic strategy, including peer-to-peer learning across delegations and national societies
• Further develop a multi-country disaster response and recovery mechanism in the IGAD region with national societies and ICRC, for submission to KfW
• Coordinate concept development with GRC HQ's Africa Unit and Heads of Office, and align measures with Sister National Societies, ICRC, IFRC and other stakeholders
• Steer regional initiatives and support country offices/partners on governance and management issues
• Strengthen GRC's partnerships with various stakeholders across the Africa region, e.g. through proactive participation in the EU ECHO coordination processes
• Further develop and facilitate technical capacity pools (IM, AA/DRR, WaSH, CVA, Logistics) across Africa and support emergency operations and coordination
• Support funding diversification and project formulation (BMZ, German FFO, ECHO, The International Climate Initiative (IKI))

Required Competencies & Skills:

• Minimum of 5 years field-based professional experience in implementation and coordination of humanitarian aid
• Proven experience in working with local partners in humanitarian/development contexts; Red cross / Red Crescent experience is a strong asset;
• Proven expertise in DRR, AA and DRM especially pre-arranged financing mechanisms and risk financing solutions,
• Knowledge of and experience in working within the RCRC movement response and coordination mechanisms and the operationalization of the Seville 2.0 agreement
• Experience in external representation, stakeholder engagement, and establishing, maintaining, and strengthening strategic partnerships experience in setting up and operationalizing regional/multi-country approaches
• Experience in handling complex files with multiple stakeholders
• Oral and written fluency in English; French and/or Portuguese is an asset;
• 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 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 individual Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.

Kindly apply by submitting your application via the GRC online application system until 13.09.2026 end of the day (23:59 CET).

The GRC is committed to safeguarding and to a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), 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 provide the requested information and to undergo the relevant checks.

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.

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