The Desk Officer position is a fixed-term, full-time opportunity designed as an 8-month short-term cover within a global humanitarian organisation. Based in Dublin, the role may require travel to various programme countries. Reporting directly to the Regional Director, the Desk Officer acts as a central coordination point between headquarters and country teams, ensuring alignment, efficiency, and high-quality programme delivery.
The organisation, established in 1968, is dedicated to eliminating extreme poverty and reducing suffering in the world’s most vulnerable communities. Its mission is driven by a commitment to reaching those furthest behind first, supported by a strong values-based culture that prioritises equality, inclusion, and impact.
Role Purpose
The Desk Officer serves as the primary liaison for assigned countries, providing strategic advice, operational support, and coordination across departments. The role ensures that country programmes are effectively designed, implemented, monitored, and evaluated while maintaining strong engagement with the Grant Management System (GMS) and ensuring data integrity.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Support
- Supports the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of country programmes
- Reviews and provides feedback on project documents within the GMS, including proposals and reports
- Ensures quality and consistency in programme documentation and reporting
- Facilitates staff training, workshops, and organisational learning initiatives
- Contributes to the development and review of country strategic plans
- Coordinates with internal departments such as finance, HR, logistics, and IT to resolve field queries
Funding and Grant Management
- Contributes to strengthening the organisation’s global funding portfolio
- Reviews and finalises donor proposals and reports to meet high-quality standards
- Advises country teams on funding strategies and identifies funding opportunities
- Collaborates with funding specialists to support grant applications
- Maintains accurate grant records and reporting schedules within the GMS
- Represents the organisation in engagements with donors and funding partners
Financial Oversight
- Assists in financial management and budget oversight for assigned countries
- Ensures accuracy of budgets, financial reports, and revisions
- Supports the preparation and review of proposal budgets
- Works closely with finance teams to maintain up-to-date financial data in the GMS
- Ensures compliance with organisational policies and procedures
Human Resources Support
- Participates in recruitment processes, including shortlisting and interviews
- Supports selection and onboarding of international staff
- Assists with pre-departure briefings and induction processes
- Promotes best practices in health, safety, and staff welfare
Organisational Learning and Collaboration
- Contributes to internal and cross-organisational working groups
- Supports policy development and knowledge-sharing initiatives
- Promotes continuous learning and improvement across programmes
Additional Duties
- Provides briefings on programme updates and country contexts
- Generates reports to support decision-making by senior leadership
- Supports advocacy, communications, and development education initiatives
- Oversees consultant selection, vetting, and contracting processes
- Ensures staff and visitors are informed of security protocols and organisational policies
- Upholds organisational values, including safeguarding, equality, and inclusion
- Participates in emergency response efforts when required
Role Requirements
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Minimum of three years’ experience in an NGO or similar organisation in a humanitarian or development context
- Degree-level education, preferably in a related field
- Strong written and spoken English proficiency
- Demonstrated experience in proposal development and donor reporting
- Solid understanding of donor requirements and compliance
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills
- Strong financial literacy and analytical ability
Desirable Skills
- Previous experience in a similar coordination or desk role
- Experience in recruitment processes
- Proficiency in French (written and spoken)
Core Competencies
Candidates are expected to demonstrate strength in the following areas:
- Managing oneself effectively in a dynamic environment
- Strategic planning and decision-making
- Leadership and personal accountability
- Creativity and innovation in problem-solving
- Communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders
- Influencing, advocacy, and networking skills
- Delivering measurable results
- Adaptability and managing change
Organisational Values and Commitment
The organisation is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where all individuals are respected and empowered. It actively promotes diversity and prohibits discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, disability, beliefs, or socio-economic background.
All staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and adhere to the organisation’s Code of Conduct, including policies on safeguarding, child protection, and anti-trafficking. Employees are required to maintain professionalism and accountability in all aspects of their work.
Application and Additional Information
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply with a CV and cover letter before the closing date of 9 April 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and positions may be filled prior to the deadline.
The recruitment process includes strict safeguarding and vetting procedures, including background checks where applicable. The organisation also ensures compliance with data protection regulations and handles all personal data with confidentiality and care.
This role presents an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to global humanitarian efforts while working within a collaborative, mission-driven environment focused on creating lasting impact.
Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization hiring for the position. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.