There are two positions that interest me under exactly the same supervisor. I have already contacted him through telephone and he told me that my qualifications make me a better candidate for the "lower" one. However, I must apply for the one with the most requirements because it was proposed to me by the job center (living in Germany, I may lose my unemployment benefits if I do not comply). The deadline is the same for both positions.
Is it ok to apply for both positions, given that my applications will reach the same person at the same time? Clearly I will try to personalize them for each position and also indicate (by including a serial number) that I was forced to apply for the higher one. But still, does it sound desperate?