BACKGROUND

Over the past 80 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 22 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC also helps refugees resettle in the US and become self-sufficient. The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC Deutschland

IRC Deutschland is combining a country program implementing integration projects for refugees and other vulnerable populations in Germany, with representational functions of IRC's global work vis-à-vis the German government and other German and European stakeholders and raising funds for project work worldwide. Established in 2016, IRC Deutschland now employs a dynamic team of approx. 180 staff from its office in Berlin and across Germany. IRC also has European offices in Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland and UK.

Your tasks

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Senior Director External Engagement`s primary responsibilities will be to deliver IRC's fundraising and advocacy objectives in Germany in FY26. The scope of these objectives will include public and private fundraising, and advocacy for our clients in Germany and across our countries of operation.

They will co-manage IRC Deutschland with the Senior Director Governance & Operations whose scope of responsibility will include Governance, Finance, Quality Assurance, People & Culture and Operations. They will jointly report to the SVP & COO.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. External Influence & Advocacy

• Represent IRC at institutional donor forums (German and EU levels)
• Lead engagements with Members of Parliament and ministries
• Host visits from IRC international Country Directors and the Global Senior Leadership Team
• Travel to priority contexts to support funding objectives
• Maintain relationships with key private donors
• Act as spokesperson for IRC in the German media (panels, podcasts, interviews, op-eds)

2. Global Representation and Events

• Represent IRC Deutschland at key international events and summits (e.g. MSC, HSC, …), as relevant
• Collaborate closely with IRC's global technical leadership to identify relevant themes and expert speakers for high-level events and conferences in Germany

3. New Business Development

• Lead and expand strategic partnerships with peer organisations
• Prospect and build pipeline of new private sector donors
• Identify and pursue institutional funding opportunities (e.g. KfW, GIZ, IKI)
• Ensure IRC Deutschland has sufficient resources to follow-through with any prospect donors identified

4. Representation in German Civil Society and build Strategic Alliances

• Represent IRC in key civil society forums and networks (e.g. Centre for Humanitarian Action, VENRO)
• Build new alliances and consortia

5. Special Project: Strategic Positioning in Germany

• Deliver the Strategic Priorities defined in IRC DE's market strategy as they relate to fundraising and advocacy goals for 2026.

Your profile

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Skills, Knowledge and Qualifications and Experience

• Extensive experience as a senior leader in an international humanitarian context, ideally in a matrixed structure.
• Extensive experience in External Relations, with strong knowledge especially in fundraising and advocacy.
• Strategic mindset, with proven ability to develop and implement cross-functional strategic objectives.
• Excellent understanding of political contexts, global conflicts and crisis, and IRC`s work.
• Experience in developing and maintaining networks as well as engaging professional relationships.
• Strong representation and communication skills and ability to adapt to different audiences.
• Intuition and tact when collaborating with global stakeholders and teams.
• Strong ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities.
• Ability to work to timelines and adapt and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to travel internationally, including to volatile areas.
• Business fluency in both English and German.

We offer

Sector: Administrative/General Office

Employment Category: Fixed Term

Employment Type: Full-Time

Open to Expatriates: Yes

Location: Berlin, Germany

Work Arrangement: Hybrid

Job Description

Position: Senior Director External Engagement

Reports to: Madlin Sadler, SVP & COO

Location: Berlin

Grade: 3B

Contract: 10 months - Nov. 1 ^ st2025 to Aug 31 ^ st2026

Hours: 40 hours per week