Country Director Syria

Strategic Leadership

Provide overall strategic leadership and direction for Help's Syria program. Lead the implementation and regular review of the country strategy in close coordination with HQ. Drive the continued development and implementation of Help's localization approach across all program and operational areas. Identify strategic opportunities for program growth, innovation, and organizational development. Foster a culture of accountability, integrity, collaboration, and continuous learning and improvement, encouraging open feedback and a constructive approach to learning from mistakes. Ensure alignment between country operations and Help's global strategy, policies, and humanitarian principles.

Representation, External Relations & Fundraising

Represent Help towards national and local authorities, donors, embassies, UN agencies, international and local NGOs, humanitarian coordination mechanisms, and other relevant stakeholders. Build and maintain strategic relationships that strengthen Help's visibility, credibility, and operational access. Lead donor engagement and identify new funding opportunities. Oversee development of high-quality project concepts and funding proposals with partners, the country team, and HQ. Promote Help's mission, values, and strategic priorities in all external engagements.

Localisation & Partnership Management

Lead the implementation and continuous development of Help's localization strategy in Syria. Foster equitable, transparent, and long-term partnerships with Syrian civil society organizations. Oversee partner identification, assessment, due diligence and capacity sharing. Promote mutual accountability, shared ownership, and organizational learning. Support partners in strengthening organizational systems, program quality, and compliance capacities.

Programme Leadership & Quality Assurance

Provide strategic oversight of all program activities implemented through local partners. Ensure timely, high-quality, and accountable program implementation. Oversee program planning, MEAL, procurement, financial management, visibility, and reporting. Promote evidence-based decision-making and adaptive management.

People Leadership & Country Office Management

Develop, empower, and support the professional growth of the country team, fostering individual development, ownership, and high performance. Ensure effective communication and collaboration between departments, partners, regional structures, and HQ. Promote staff development and ensure performance management. Ensure effective operational management of the country team.

Financial, Compliance & Risk Management

Provide overall leadership and accountability for country budgeting, financial planning, resource allocation, and financial performance. Ensure compliance with donor regulations, organizational policies, and legal requirements. Promote effective internal controls and proactive risk management. Ensure the effective implementation of safeguarding, PSEAH, and CFR mechanisms as well as anti-fraud and anti-corruption measures throughout the country program.

Safety & Security

Ensure development, implementation, and regular review of security management systems. Promote informed operational decision-making based on evolving security developments. Safeguard the security and mental and physical well-being of staff, partner staff, and organizational assets.

Workload and Place

Workload: 100%. Place: Damascus, Syria (with frequent travel within Syria).

Contract Duration

Initially one year with the possibility of extension.

Reporting Line

HQ Programme Coordinator – Middle East & South-Central Asia.

Your Qualification

Formation / Diplômes

Master's degree in International Humanitarian Action, Development Studies, International Relations, Political Science, or another relevant field. Additional technical qualifications are considered an asset.

Expérience

Minimum ten years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian or development cooperation. At least seven years in a senior country leadership position within an international NGO. Proven experience of working through local implementing partners and leading localization processes. Experience managing multidisciplinary and multicultural teams. Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with headquarters, regional support functions, and diverse international stakeholders in a complex organizational environment. Strong experience in donor relations and fundraising. Proven track record of developing successful project proposals for institutional donors (e.g. GFFO, BMZ, EU, KfW, UN agencies, or similar).

Personal Competencies

Strategic leadership and vision. Integrity and sound judgement.

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Excellent communication, representation, and diplomatic skills. Strong people leadership and team development skills. Cultural sensitivity. Decision-making and problem-solving. Ability to work in complex humanitarian environments. Commitment to accountability, ethical leadership, and continuous learning.

Language Skills

Excellent written and spoken Arabic (mandatory). Excellent written and spoken English (mandatory).

What We Offer

A senior leadership position within an international humanitarian organization. The opportunity to shape Help's localization approach in Syria. A collaborative international working environment. Professional development opportunities. A competitive salary package in accordance with organizational policies.

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