Head of Region – Europe and Asia At Danish Red Cross

Make a Difference with the Danish Red Cross: Lead our engagement in Europe and Asia

Are you a high-performance humanitarian professional who can provide inclusive leadership to the Danish Red Cross’ strategic engagement in Europe and Asia?

The Danish Red Cross strives to make a difference for people living in fragile contexts and protracted crises, and for those facing disasters and armed conflicts. We reinforce local leadership, working in partnership with Red Cross and Red Crescent national societies and partners in Ukraine, Bangladesh, Nepal, Afghanistan, and Myanmar. We are seeking a visionary leader to join our team as the Head of Region, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping our mission and impacting lives through our regional and country teams.

About the Role

As Head of Region, you will lead our engagement in Asia and Europe, represent Danish Red Cross towards our regional partners, oversee the operations across the region, and line manage country managers in addition to the regional team in Copenhagen. You will be part of the international senior management team and your primary responsibilities will include:

Leadership and Strategic Direction (35%):

• Develop and take lead on regional strategic initiatives leveraging the strength of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement.
• Contribute to the International Departments Senior Management Team strategic work.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to Country Managers.
• Approve country strategies, ensuring synergy and alignment with organisational priorities.

Stakeholder Management and Business Development (35%):

• Build and maintain relationships with regional representations of Red Cross Red Crescent Movement Partners, donors, private sector partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Represent Danish Red Cross in multilateral coordination and advocacy efforts.
• Oversee business development, fundraising and resource mobilisation efforts.

HR and Security Management (15%):

• Manage Country Managers (4) and regional office staff (4).
• Ensure robust performance management and professional development for a high-performant team and their well-being.
• Oversee security protocols and risk mitigation strategies across the region.

Budget and Risk Management (15%):

• Oversee and approve country programme budgets, and their monitoring.
• Budget holder responsibility for regional office budget
• Support Country Managers in addressing complex compliance issues.
• Approve country level high risks, review, and escalate extreme risks.

Key Competencies

Management and Coordination:

• Minimum 10 years of experience in strategic leadership and team management.
• Proven ability to motivate and develop a team of experienced managers on a distance.
• Strong communication and media skills.
• Excellence in representation and coordination
• Experience in driving and supporting innovation, business development, and fundraising.

Partnership and Programme:

• Extensive experience in partnership and programme development.
• Excellence in shared leadership, joint programming, and co-creation.
• Proven track record in delivering results in development, emergency, and nexus interventions.
• Familiarity with the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is an asset.

Personal:

• Strong impact and process orientation.
• Inclusive management style, cultural sensitivity, and listening skills.
• High capacity for adaptive management.
• Exceptional interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Professional fluency in English.
• Willingness to work flexible hours and travel frequently.

Why Join Us?

Working with the Danish Red Cross offers a unique opportunity to be part of a globally recognized humanitarian organization. You will work alongside dedicated professionals and make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. We provide a supportive environment that encourages diversity, trust, accountability, and professional growth.

The Red Cross is the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. We help people on all sides of a conflict and in the remotest corners of the world, regardless of religion, race, or political views. The Red Cross is always present. We save lives every day, and we equip people with the tools they need to get through crises and disasters. We offer a meaningful work at a purpose-driven workplace with truly engaged colleagues. We focus on professional challenges, well-being, and flexibility in the organization of your work life.