Country Representative Afghanistan Office (m/f/x) – Caritas Germany

Your tasks

  • You represent Caritas Germany in Afghanistan in all relevant matters, in close coordination with the Co‑Head of Office, the Country Desk Officer and the Head of Department.
  • You ensure sound management and maintain the operational and administrative functionality of the Country Office in line with Caritas Germany standards.
  • You lead, support, and develop local staff, including recruitment, hiring, human resource planning and team‑oriented leadership.
  • You are responsible for budget planning and monitoring, as well as for compliance with administrative standards in project and office management.
  • In coordination with the Co‑Head of Office (Programmes), you oversee the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of projects, particularly in the fields of emergency aid, rehabilitation, and reconstruction.
  • You support and accompany local partner organisations in organisational development, project planning, proposal development and accurate reporting.
  • You ensure coordination of humanitarian assistance supported by Caritas Germany and work closely with the international Caritas network as well as national and international stakeholders (including the UN, EU, German authorities and NGOs).
  • You contribute to the development of medium‑ and long‑term country strategies and identify opportunities for cooperation and funding.
  • You monitor political, social and security‑related developments and derive context‑sensitive recommendations for action.
  • You ensure the development and implementation of local security plans and accompany advisory missions as well as visits by Caritas Germany HQ staff.
  • You guarantee regular, transparent reporting to the headquarters of Caritas Germany.

Your profile

  • You hold a relevant university degree, e.g. in Business Administration, Humanitarian Assistance, Social Sciences, or Regional Studies.
  • You have several years of professional experience in international humanitarian aid and/or development cooperation, ideally in leadership roles.
  • Ideally, you have prior knowledge of Afghanistan or Central Asia.
  • You possess strong expertise in project and programme management, including the administration of donor funded projects.
  • You have experience working with local partner organisations as well as in advisory and capacity building processes.
  • You demonstrate strong leadership, organisational, and communication skills and work confidently in intercultural teams.
  • You act in a conflict sensitive and do no harm oriented manner and are reflective in politically complex contexts.
  • You are fluent in English for professional negotiations; knowledge of German, Persian (Dari), Pashto, or additional languages is an asset.
  • You work in a structured, resilient, and responsible manner.
  • You are a citizen of an EU member state or Switzerland.

Please note: This duty station is not suitable for families with children.

In addition to regular leave, a rest and recuperation (R&R) arrangement applies: After every 8 weeks at the duty station, one week of R&R is granted, up to four times per year.

Your work with AGIAMONDO and Caritas Germany

Responsible and challenging

Since 2001, Caritas Germany has maintained a registered Country Office in Kabul, employing approximately 25 national staff members and operating under a co‑leadership structure with a focus on programme implementation. The office is fully equipped and complies with applicable security regulations; accommodation and catering are provided within the existing guesthouse facilities. Since the Taliban assumed power, the security situation for international staff in Kabul has shown a tendency towards stabilisation. At the same time, monitoring and control of NGOs have increased, making strict adherence to security regulations essential. Basic medical care provided by international organisations is available.

Caritas Germany works closely in Afghanistan with local partner organisations as well as with the international Caritas network. Cooperation is based on partnership‑driven, needs‑based approaches, with a strong focus on resilience, local ownership, and sustainable structures. Together, projects are implemented in the areas of emergency relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and rural development, with the aim of securing livelihoods, improving food security and health, and strengthening resilience, disaster preparedness, and disaster response.As Head of the Country Office Afghanistan, you assume overall responsibility for the operational, administrative, and programmatic work of Caritas Germany in the country. You ensure the office’s ability to act, strengthen partner structures, and represent Caritas Germany in a politically and security‑dynamic context.