AI Illustration
The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) is calling for applications from seasoned humanitarian professionals for the position of Country Representative in Ethiopia, a role that blends strategic leadership with hands-on partnership development, humanitarian diplomacy, and operational oversight.
Based in Addis Ababa, the one-year renewable post offers the opportunity to shape a well-established country program and guide a long-term partnership in a rapidly evolving humanitarian context.
As global humanitarian challenges intensify—from climate-related crises to fragile governance systems Ethiopia remains a critical priority for international collaboration, innovation, and resilience-building.
NLRC, working in close partnership with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), continues to play a vital role in strengthening disaster preparedness, supporting emergency operations, and developing sustainable systems for long-term impact.
The Country Representative will serve at the helm of this mission, offering both vision and practical leadership.
Anchored in Partnership: A Core Responsibility
The appointed Country Representative will be the primary interface between NLRC and the Ethiopia Red Cross Society.
The role calls for someone with deep experience in managing high-level partnerships and navigating the complex ecosystem of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Beyond managing day-to-day collaboration, the representative will lead strategic planning and alignment with ERCS, co-developing the Country Operational Plan and shaping the next phase of their Partnership Agreement.
This agreement outlines shared priorities in areas such as National Society Development (NSD), financial sustainability, emergency response, disaster risk reduction, nature-based solutions, water management, and WASH.
Applicants should be able to confidently manage dialogue with senior ERCS leadership, coordinate joint planning, and ensure mutual accountability for project delivery and strategic milestones.
This includes guiding the development of ERCS’s broader national strategy and facilitating engagement in the One Movement Plan process.
Internal Leadership and Delegation Oversight
Reporting directly to NLRC’s Partnership and Portfolio Coordinator based in The Hague, the Country Representative will oversee the delegation’s entire in-country operation, ranging from HR and financial management to security oversight.
This includes supervision of a small but capable team of 2–4 international staff and 3–4 national staff members, in close cooperation with ERCS.
Key responsibilities include:
- Recruitment and performance management of international staff
- Ensuring strict compliance with financial procedures and budgetary control
- Overseeing the safety and security of all personnel and assets in line with the signed security agreement with the ICRC
- Acting as the lead representative in case of security incidents or emergency response requirements
Applicants must demonstrate prior experience in security risk management, preferably in fragile or high-risk operating environments.
Portfolio Development and Resource Mobilization
In addition to existing program coordination, the role includes portfolio growth and donor engagement.
The Country Representative will spearhead efforts to diversify funding sources and build new partnerships to expand the scope and scale of the NLRC’s impact in Ethiopia.
This includes:
- Leading the development of a resource mobilization strategy
- Mapping and engaging with institutional donors such as ECHO, EU, and national ministries
- Exploring new operational or technical collaborations with Red Cross Movement partners
- Ensuring quality, timely submission of donor reports and funding proposals
Candidates should bring strong proposal writing skills and experience in both bilateral and multilateral donor engagement.
Candidate Profile
NLRC is looking for a senior-level leader with a strong track record in international development or humanitarian programming. Candidates must have:
- A Master’s degree in Social Sciences, International Development, or a related field
- 8–10 years of experience in development or humanitarian work, including at least 5 years in management roles
- Previous field leadership experience outside one’s home country, preferably in Africa
- Proven capacity in capacity-building of national partners or civil society actors
- Familiarity with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and its auxiliary role
- Fluency in English, excellent written communication, and sound financial management skills
Additional qualifications in program design, monitoring and evaluation, and digital tools (such as Microsoft Office, Winpacs) are considered an advantage.
Terms and Application Process
The post is offered as a family posting, reflecting NLRC’s commitment to supporting international staff with dependents.
It includes a full-time appointment (40 hours per week) for an initial period of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal based on performance and funding.
Applicants must be eligible for international deployment and willing to undergo integrity screening, including reference checks and, where applicable, a Certificate of Good Conduct.
Applications must be submitted by 22 August 2025. Candidates are requested to submit a resume and cover letter in English, referencing Shelly Jonker, via the official NLRC recruitment portal:
👉 Apply Here
For further inquiries, interested candidates may contact Dorinde van Eck, Portfolio Officer at NLRC, via dvaneck@redcross.nl.
About the Netherlands Red Cross
The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) operates as part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, committed to helping people in times of crisis.
NLRC works globally with national societies to support emergency response, build resilience, and promote the humanitarian principles that guide the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
In Ethiopia, NLRC’s work is deeply anchored in local partnership and a shared commitment to strengthening the capacity and sustainability of the Ethiopian Red Cross.
This vacancy represents a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to that mission through leadership, innovation, and principled humanitarian action.
For more about NLRC’s international work, visit www.rodekruis.nl or follow NLRC across major social platforms.
