CARE Germany is looking for a committed, solution-oriented and experienced professional to join the Country Office Management Team as Desk Officer for the Balkans and Libya portfolios. The position is based in CARE Germany’s office in Bonn and works closely with the respective Country Offices, CARE Germany teams and partners across the CARE Confederation. The position is initially offered as a fixed-term parental leave cover until 31 March 2028, with the possibility of an extension.
The Desk Officer provides strategic, operational and programmatic support to the Country Offices in the Balkans and Libya, ensuring effective portfolio management, quality implementation, compliance and risk management. The position serves as a key link between the Country Offices and CARE Germany, facilitating coordination with donors, internal departments and CARE International structures.
The role covers the full project and programme cycle, including contract and grant management, programme quality and oversight, portfolio development and resource mobilization. The Desk Officer supports the Country Offices in developing and implementing their strategies, facilitates access to technical expertise and promotes the exchange of knowledge and good practices across the CARE network.
We are seeking a collaborative and solution-oriented professional with strong programme management and coordination skills, who enjoys working across teams and cultures and can build constructive relationships with Country Office colleagues, donors and internal stakeholders. The position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to the strategic development and quality of CARE Germany’s engagement in the Balkans and Libya.
Desk Officer Country Office Management Balkans and Libya
Bonn, Hybrid
Full-time
Temporary
Objective
Your mission
- You provide leadership and guidance regarding sound communication and coordination between donors and Country Offices. You build and maintain strong working relationships with CARE Country Offices and facilitate the implementation of CARE’s locally-led approach and partnership framework.
- You ensure compliance with donor guidelines throughout project implementation by providing advice, training and ongoing support to CARE Country Offices and partner organisations within the portfolio, both virtually and in person. This includes – where needed - facilitating workshops on quality standards and donor requirements, in close collaboration with Technical Advisors and Financial Controlling.
- You regularly monitor project progress, both virtually and on site, at activity, indicator and impact level. This also includes supporting and accompanying project evaluations and ensuring learnings are fed back with relevant teams.
- You ensure Country Offices consistently apply CARE’s gender and other qualitative markers across new projects, facilitate the Project and Programme Information and Impact Reporting System (PIIRS) process, and contribute to qualitative discussions on programme quality and impact.
- You support and supervise high-quality narrative interim and final donor reports, coordinate non-cost extensions and/or modification requests, and provide informal updates to donors on project progress as required.
- You support Country Office’s strategy development and review processes in close cooperation with Country Office leadership.
- You support resource mobilisation and strategic portfolio development through donor engagement, identification of funding opportunities, facilitation of relevant expertise, and, where required, leadership of donor applications, in close collaboration with the Projekt Entwicklung und Donor Engagement (PEDE) and Marketing und Partnership (MAPA) teams.
- You work closely with Financial Controlling on financial monitoring, reporting and other project-related financial matters.
- You support internal and external communication and represent CARE in relevant networks, forums and committees with donors, peer organisations and other stakeholders.
- You support the Country Office risk management system by contributing to the development of administrative structures and programme support processes in cooperation with the CARE Germany Operations Team and in line with relevant CARE International and CARE Germany standards and guidelines, and proactively escalate identified compliance, reputational and other risks.
Your profile
- You bring a completed university degree in a relevant field, such as International Development or Humanitarian Aid, Political or Social Sciences, Geography or a related discipline.
- You bring at least 5-7 years of professional experience in development cooperation and/or humanitarian assistance, gained in Germany and internationally, preferably with an NGO and in programme-related roles. Experience with the Balkans and/ or Libya is an asset.
- You bring strong experience and sound knowledge in project cycle management, compliance and strategic programme stewardship.
- You have solid knowledge of one or more of the following donors: EU-INTPA, CERV, ECHO, BMZ and GIZ.
- You have excellent written and spoken German and English skills and communicate confidently with internal and external stakeholders, including donors and larger stakeholder groups.
- You are willing to take on a high level of responsibility and have the ability to navigate and adapt effectively to rapidly changing contexts.
- You have a positive, energetic, solution-oriented and strategic mindset, and create an approachable and trusting environment where colleagues and stakeholders feel comfortable turning to you.
- You are willing to travel regularly to the respective project regions.
- You have a strong affinity for digital tools and are confident and experienced in using Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint and digital Project Cycle Management databases and tools (NGO Online, PIIRs).
Why us?
As an international organisation, we are committed to fostering a diverse working environment based on equity, inclusion and mutual respect. We therefore welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of ethnic, social or national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation or marital status.
We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse and take a firm stance against any form of misconduct.
We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse and take a firm stance against any form of misconduct.
Our offer
- Family-friendly flexible working hours (flexitime and mobile work)
- 31 days of vacation, plus additional days off on December 24, December 31, and Rose Monday (Rosenmontag)
- Up to 20 days of workation per year
- Free Germany-wide public transport ticket (“Deutschlandticket”)
- Childcare subsidy for preschool-aged children
- Employer-supported savings benefits
- Additional company pension scheme (after 2 years of employment)
- 24/7 group accident insurance
- Coverage of relevant professional training and continuing education opportunities
- Sabbatical opportunities (after three years of employment)
- Fair and transparent salaries
- Various team events (summer party, company outing, Christmas party, etc.)
We are looking for a highly motivated and self-directed team member who identifies with CARE’s mission, goals and values. In return, we offer a diverse and rewarding workplace with a comprehensive range of employee benefits and the opportunity to work as part of a collegial, diverse and international team.
We're looking forward to receiving your application including your CV, a brief cover letter as well as your degree certificates and reference letters.
Your contact is Ditha Pahnke.
About us
About CARE Germany
Founded in 1980 and based in Bonn, CARE Germany is a member of the CARE International confederation—a global humanitarian network dedicated to fighting poverty and delivering life-saving aid in times of crisis. We work with communities to promote sustainable development, gender equality, and resilience, addressing the world’s most pressing challenges from climate change to conflict-driven displacement.
At CARE Germany, our staff are the cornerstone of our humanitarian efforts. Committed to the principles of CARE International and working tirelessly to uplift disadvantaged communities worldwide. Whether based in our headquarters or in our Country Offices in the Balkans, Ukraine, Iraq, or Libya, each team member plays a vital role in delivering aid, supporting long-term recovery, and advocating for those most in need. Regardless of their role, all staff contribute to a collective mission—one rooted in solidarity, compassion, and impactful action.
Founded in 1980 and based in Bonn, CARE Germany is a member of the CARE International confederation—a global humanitarian network dedicated to fighting poverty and delivering life-saving aid in times of crisis. We work with communities to promote sustainable development, gender equality, and resilience, addressing the world’s most pressing challenges from climate change to conflict-driven displacement.
At CARE Germany, our staff are the cornerstone of our humanitarian efforts. Committed to the principles of CARE International and working tirelessly to uplift disadvantaged communities worldwide. Whether based in our headquarters or in our Country Offices in the Balkans, Ukraine, Iraq, or Libya, each team member plays a vital role in delivering aid, supporting long-term recovery, and advocating for those most in need. Regardless of their role, all staff contribute to a collective mission—one rooted in solidarity, compassion, and impactful action.