Are you passionate about youth cooperation, regional development, and building strong partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for young people? The Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO) is looking for an experienced Head of Local Branch Office (HLBO) in North Macedonia to lead its operations in Skopje and strengthen youth cooperation, mobility, and exchange across the region.
This role is an opportunity to contribute to RYCO’s mission by leading local initiatives, building strategic partnerships, and supporting programs that promote reconciliation, intercultural understanding, and regional cooperation.
Position: Head of Local Branch Office in North Macedonia
Vacancy Ref: HR133
Type: 12 months, with the possibility of extension
Expected Start: January 2027
Location: Skopje, North Macedonia
Application Deadline: November 18, 2026
About the Role:
The Head of Local Branch Office (HLBO) will lead and represent RYCO in North Macedonia, overseeing the daily operations of the Local Branch Office and ensuring that its activities align with RYCO’s Strategic Plan.
The HLBO will be responsible for managing local programs, finances, and staff while developing and maintaining partnerships with institutions, civil society organizations, donors, and other relevant stakeholders.
The position also plays an important role in identifying opportunities for regional cooperation, proposing new initiatives, and strengthening connections between RYCO’s local branch offices to support youth mobility, exchange, and cooperation across the region.
The position reports directly to the Secretary General.
Main Responsibilities:
- Defining the Contracting Party operation and day-to-day operational management.
- Local branch finances management and planning;
- Responsible for LBO employees and ensuring realistic and clearly defined goals and objectives;
- Staffing plan, recruitment, and staff development;
- Ensuring results of the LBO which were previously defined with the Management Committee, SG/DSG and Head of Program;
- Ensuring continuous communication with supervisors regarding the status of programs implemented locally and revision of goals and expectations;
- Ensuring implementation of the operations in the local branch office according to the local legal and regulatory framework;
- Looking for synergies with other branch offices;
- Proposing regional initiatives which are aligned with RYCO’s Strategic Plan;
- Developing and maintaining local relationships with relevant stakeholders (partners, donors, the public, civil society, etc.);
- Using contacts in consultation with the Secretary General/line manager to establish cooperation.
The position may also involve additional activities beyond the responsibilities outlined above, as appropriate to the role.
What We’re Looking For:
We are looking for a professional with experience in youth cooperation, project management, and intercultural initiatives, combined with strong strategic thinking and a good understanding of the political and socio-economic dynamics of North Macedonia and the wider Western Balkans.
Candidates must hold North Macedonian citizenship and meet the following requirements:
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in humanities, social sciences, political sciences, management, or a related field.
- Professional Experience: At least three years of professional experience in youth policy, youth mobility programs, youth exchanges, or related programs within international, regional, governmental, or non-governmental organizations working in RYCO’s programmatic areas.
- Project Management: At least three years of experience managing projects focused on youth, intercultural learning, and reconciliation.
- Local Knowledge: A good understanding of the local political and socio-economic context, including regional cooperation dynamics.
- Intercultural Experience: Experience working in intercultural environments and the ability to collaborate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.
- Strategic Thinking: Strong conceptual and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify, gather, and analyze information from different sources.
- Technical and Language Skills: Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications and proficiency in English.
Additional assets include:
- Knowledge of other Western Balkans 6 languages;
- Previous experience or familiarity with UN agencies, EU-funded projects, and major donors;
- Knowledge of international standards, local policies, and laws relevant to RYCO’s programmatic areas;
- A driving license (B2), as specified in the Terms of Reference.
What We Offer:
- Impactful Work: Contribute to initiatives that promote youth cooperation, reconciliation, intercultural understanding, and mobility across the Western Balkans.
- Leadership Opportunity: Lead RYCO’s Local Branch Office in North Macedonia and contribute to the implementation of the organization’s strategic priorities.
- Regional Cooperation: Work closely with colleagues, institutions, civil society organizations, and partners from across the region.
- Strategic Engagement: Play an active role in developing partnerships, identifying new opportunities, and shaping initiatives that support young people and regional cooperation.
How to Apply:
To be considered for this position, please submit your application via Job Apply no later than November 18, 2026.
All applications MUST include:
- Application Form, completed in English;
- Europass CV, completed in English;
- Two written reference letters from previous employers, submitted in English;
- A scanned copy of your academic qualification;
- A scanned passport copy.
Additional documents may be required from shortlisted candidates. Only finalists will be contacted for the next recruitment stage. The successful candidate will also be required to submit a criminal record check before being offered a contract with RYCO.