COUNTRY DIRECTOR - TURKEY

Job Description

CARE Türkiye is seeking an entrepreneurial and visionary Country Director (CD) to steer transformative growth across Türkiye.

The CD will operate from Gaziantep or Ankara with travel to Istanbul, aligning with key government bodies and private sector partners.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Partnership & Business Development

• Lead fundraising diversification: Turkish private sector, CSR, foundations, and innovative financing (impact bonds, blended finance).
• Ensure financial sustainability for a 3–5 year strategy in Türkiye.
• Position CARE as preferred implementing partner with Turkish ministries, municipalities, and business entities.
• Negotiate shared-value partnerships with corporations and social enterprises.
• Advocate at national and international forums, championing CARE Türkiye’s role in humanitarian innovation and effectiveness.

2. Organizational Leadership & Country Strategy

• Deliver visionary leadership aligned with CARE International standards.
• Lead preparation for nationalization and membership in the CARE International Confederation.
• Build robust organizational systems, policies, and governance to meet global standards.
• Foster innovation, local leadership, and inclusion across all operations.
• Develop CARE Türkiye into a regional knowledge hub and thought leader.

3. Program Management & Quality Assurance

• Oversee high-quality program delivery across Türkiye, including rehabilitation, cash assistance, protection, and multi-sectoral response
• Lead ongoing programs post-earthquake while preparing for long-term recovery and impact.
• Integrate CARE’s signature approaches: gender equality, systems thinking, emergency preparedness, and locally led development.
• Manage monitoring, evaluation, and risk systems to safeguard quality and conformity.

4. Operational & Financial Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight to finance, HR, operations, compliance, and liaison teams, in coordination with CARE region and CARE USA.
• Build a high-performing, diverse team skilled in social innovation, technology, and private sector engagement.
• Promote a positive workplace culture aligned with CARE’s values and code of conduct, with zero tolerance for abuse or discrimination.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in International Development, Business Administration, Public Policy, International Relations, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• 10–15 years of progressive leadership in international development, humanitarian action, or social enterprise, including at least 5 years in senior management
• Strong track record in business development, fundraising, and partnership building—including private-sector engagement
• Experience in organizational development, strategic planning, and change management within multicultural environments
• Proven experience working in Turkey or similar emerging market contexts, with deep awareness of local business, political, and social dynamics
• Strong commitment to gender equality and inclusive development, with relevant programmatic experience
• Entrepreneurial mindset, capable of identifying opportunities, managing risks, and driving innovation
• Excellent financial management and business planning skills
• Fluency in English (speaking, reading, and writing)
• Experience managing diverse teams and fostering inclusive workplace culture

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (MBA, PhD) in entrepreneurship, social enterprise, or international development
• Professional certification (e.g. in project management, business development, or nonprofit management)
• Experience in organizational transformation, nationalization, or confederation membership preparations
• Track record in private-sector engagement, corporate partnerships, or social enterprise development
• Knowledge of innovative finance (e.g. blended finance, impact bonds)
• Familiarity with CARE International’s global programs, approaches, and institutional framework
• Experience working with Turkish government agencies and civil society
• Fluency in Turkish and/or Arabic

CARE strongly encourages applications from qualified nationals. International candidates will only be considered if a suitable national candidate cannot be identified.

About the Organization

There are individuals who may use CARE’s name and trademark in emails and on websites in an attempt to solicit fees from interested job-seekers. Some examples of these fees are placement fees or immigration processing fees. CARE does not use recruiting or placement agencies that charge candidates an up-front fee of any kind. Occasionally, CARE does employ recruiting or placement agencies to help us identify candidates for specific employment within CARE. If you’re contacted by a legitimate recruiting or placement agency, there should be no charge to you. If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud from someone purporting to be CARE, please contact us at legal@care.org. Please do not email legal@care.org to apply for this position. Instead, click "apply now" below in order to submit your interest.

CARE is an Equal Opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under applicable law.

Starting salaries are based on internal equity, candidate experience, and the cost of labor where the job is based. Salaries listed only apply to jobs based in the US.