Director of the Syria NGO Forum

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is an international non-profit organization that operates in over 40 countries, dedicated to alleviating suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Founded in 1979, Mercy Corps has grown to employ thousands of staff worldwide, working in diverse environments to provide humanitarian assistance and development support. The organization is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within its teams, believing that a better world is possible through collective efforts and diverse perspectives.

Job Overview:
The Director of the Syria NGO Forum is a pivotal role that involves leading the Secretariat and serving as the primary external representative for the Forum. This position is crucial for ensuring that the Forum meets its core mandate, which includes coordination, representation, advocacy, knowledge exchange, and localization. The Director will work closely with elected Chamber Steering Committees, the Forum Board, and member organizations, while also collaborating with key stakeholders such as UN agencies, donors, and local authorities. The role requires strategic alignment and operational efficiency, ensuring that all governance and workstream platforms engage inclusively and effectively. The Director will also be responsible for representing the Forum in high-level coordination structures and donor forums, facilitating engagement with national and international stakeholders, and driving joint policy and advocacy initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Representation & Coordination: Act as the spokesperson for the Syria NGO Forum, representing it in high-level coordination structures, donor forums, and UN-led mechanisms. Facilitate regular engagement with national and international stakeholders, including government officials, to ensure visibility and credibility for the Forum.
• Strategic Leadership & Governance: Lead the strategic planning and execution of the Forum’s workplan, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in governance processes. Provide oversight to technical workstreams and thematic groups.
• Advocacy & Policy Influence: Drive joint policy and advocacy initiatives on key humanitarian and development issues, supporting the development of joint positioning papers and public statements.
• Organizational & Secretariat Management: Provide managerial and strategic supervision to the Secretariat team, ensuring effective operations and compliance with administrative procedures.
• Localization & Inclusion: Promote equitable participation of NNGOs, INGOs, and local actors, leading initiatives that enhance national NGO leadership and support localized decision-making.
• Supervisory Responsibility: Oversee the Secretariat team and consultants, ensuring accountability to the Syria NGO Forum Board and adherence to performance review processes.

Required Qualifications:

• Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international development, humanitarian affairs, political science, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of senior country or regional experience in humanitarian coordination, policy, or NGO leadership roles.
• Strong experience in conflict or post-conflict contexts, preferably in the Syria response or Middle East region.
• Proven ability to lead multi-stakeholder platforms or consortium-based coordination initiatives.
• Excellent understanding of humanitarian architecture, coordination mechanisms, and donor dynamics.
• Strong communication and representation skills, including media engagement and public speaking.
• Fluency in English is required; Arabic is strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree, such as a Master’s degree or its equivalent, in fields relevant to international development, humanitarian affairs, political science, or similar disciplines. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and the political landscape in which the Syria NGO Forum operates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of senior-level experience in humanitarian coordination, policy development, or leadership roles within NGOs, particularly in country or regional offices. Candidates should have a strong track record of working in conflict or post-conflict environments, ideally with experience in the Syria response or the broader Middle East region. This experience is critical for navigating the complexities of the role and effectively leading the Forum's initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Proficiency in Arabic is strongly preferred, as it enhances communication with local partners and stakeholders in Syria, facilitating better engagement and understanding of the local context.

Additional Notes:
This position is expected to be full-time and may involve significant travel within Syria and potentially to other countries for coordination and representation purposes. The Director will be accountable to the Syria NGO Forum Board, which consists of elected representatives from both INGO and NNGO Chambers. The role is subject to an annual performance review process that includes feedback from Forum members, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement in leadership and management.