Caritas Europa
Caritas Europa is a Catholic network of 49 member organisations in 46 European countries working with people of all faiths to end poverty and to promote the dignity of all. Located in Brussels, the Caritas Europa secretariat currently employs 21 staff.
Part of Caritas Internationalis, Caritas Europa is one of the seven regions of this global confederation encompassing 160+ national members.
Caritas Europa’s core mission consists in advocating for the policy demands of its member organisations to be reflected at the European policy level. The network invests heavily in capacity building and institutional development. Caritas Europa also plays a coordinating role in the event of a large-scale emergency in Europe, ensuring cross-border alignment and the efficient mobilisation of its members’ resources.
Secretary General
The day-to-day management of Caritas Europa is carried out by the Secretary General and their team. The role and responsibilities of the Secretary General are set out in Caritas Europa’s Statutes, Internal Rules and Secretary General Regulations. The Secretary General of Caritas Europa also serves as the Regional Coordinator for Europe within Caritas Internationalis.
Experience
1. A minimum of five years' professional experience in a chief executive or senior management role in a relevant organisational setting.
2. Proven experience in project management and advocacy.
3. Demonstrated commitment to working within the Church and with people experiencing poverty, marginalisation or vulnerability.
Knowledge
1. An understanding of Caritas, or a comparable organisation, is desirable, including a commitment to local leadership and grassroots participation, to the building of learning networks and to the promotion of social innovation, and a commitment to supporting youth engagement and leadership.
2. A good understanding of the Catholic Church and its diversity in Europe, and a commitment to its values. A commitment to fostering, strengthening and safeguarding the Catholic identity of Caritas and the principles of Catholic social teaching upon which the work of Caritas is based.
3. A vision for Europe and a positive attitude towards building the common good in Europe in a global context, based on peace, justice and solidarity. This entails, among other things:
a. A strong understanding of the European social, political and economic environment and of European civil society, together with the ability to closely monitor developments, communications and information within these environments and institutions.
b. A strong understanding of the structures and roles of European institutions (in particular the EU and the Council of Europe). Experience in advocacy towards the EU institutions is a strong asset. Knowledge of international institutions (UN, OECD, WTO, etc.) and how they work and interact would be advantageous.
c. A good understanding of European history and the history of the European Union, particularly its fundamental values and principles, their application in the present day, and of the promotion of peace and solidarity.
4. Expertise and experience in applying quality management approaches and methodologies.
5. Financial management competencies. Experience in managing organisational budgets and financial management. Successful fundraising experience. Experience in EU funding and grant management is an asset.
6. IT literacy and an understanding of AI and its role in society, including its ethical implications.
7. Fluency in English is essential; a strong command of French and/or Dutch is highly desirable; proficiency in or knowledge of other European languages, notably Italian, will be considered an asset.
8. Completed university-level education, or equivalent qualifications gained through professional experience. Additional education or training in one or more of the following fields will be an asset: NGO or business management, Catholic social teaching, human resources management, change management, communication, project management, administrative management, hospitality management, humanitarian action, international cooperation, or similar areas.
Competencies
1. Ethical leadership: Sound judgement and gravitas. Commitment to leading by example, demonstrating integrity, accountability, good governance, transparency, environmental stewardship and respect for the Catholic Church, embracing and living by its values.
2. Outcome-orientation: Strategic vision and the ability to manage change. Planning, implementation and evaluation. Flexibility to adapt to emerging challenges. Solution-oriented. Commitment to learning.
3. People-orientation: Excellent listening skills, team-building abilities, people management and multicultural team management skills, and the capacity to build institutional partnerships based on respect and trust.
4. Excellent communication and representation competencies when engaging with internal and external audiences (including member organisations, policymakers, the media, Church structures, funding partners and donors). A deep understanding of advocacy and fundraising.
5. Strong organisational skills, combined with an open-minded and flexible attitude.
6. Good analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to read “the signs of the times”.
7. Openness to dialogue, fresh ideas, negotiation and conflict resolution.
8. A multicultural and international mindset.
Compensation Package
The compensation package for this role is aligned with the ecclesial and not-for-profit sector. It follows the framework established by the Inter-Diocesan Centre of the Belgian Bishops’ Conference and is determined according to the candidate’s overall years of relevant professional experience.
The package includes additional benefits beyond the legally required minimum in Belgium, including holiday and thirteenth-month pay, hospitalisation and pension insurance, as well as meal vouchers and a contribution to public transportation costs.
Starting Date
The new Secretary General will be formally elected by the Caritas Europa Regional Conference in May 2027. The future incumbent will start after this date, at a time to be mutually agreed upon.
Applications
This international search is being led by Blue Danube Executive Search & Leadership Development (www.danubesearch.com).
Please submit your application, including a CV and motivation letter, preferably as a single PDF document, by 23:59 on Thursday, 19 November, via e-mail to:
Blue Danube Executive Search & Leadership Development
Kohlmarkt 8-10, 1010 Vienna, Austria
Attention: George Sanne & Simon Galbraith
[email protected]
We thank all candidates who express interest in this opportunity. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further discussions.
Caritas Europa is committed to diversity, equal opportunities, and non-discrimination. Caritas Europa encourages applications from all backgrounds and communities. Compliance with safeguarding policies is expected of all staff.
Please refrain from including a photo in your application. Caritas Europa and Blue Danube Executive Search reserve the right to extend the application deadline.