Country Program Director

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disaster. Established to save lives and promote long-term health and wellbeing, RI operates in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization employs over 4,500 staff and local volunteers, focusing on Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming. RI aims to create resilient communities by developing safe, inclusive, evidence-based, conflict-sensitive, and climate-smart local programming that reaches those in need.

Job Overview:
The Country Program Director will provide strategic, programmatic, and operational leadership for Relief International’s initiatives in Syria. This role involves ensuring that humanitarian and development activities are executed safely and effectively, adhering to RI’s standards and donor requirements. The position requires adaptability to a fragmented and dynamic context across NES, NWS, and Damascus, addressing operational strategies to meet fluctuating access and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security challenges. The Country Program Director will report to the Country Director and supervise Area Managers and Heads of Offices, fostering collaboration and accountability while representing RI with key stakeholders and driving program performance across all operational hubs. Approximately 20% of the role will involve travel to Damascus, with regular field visits to maintain oversight and strategic alignment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Program Director will oversee multiple field offices in a politically complex and volatile environment, ensuring compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements. Responsibilities include providing support and supervision to Area Managers, ensuring high-quality program implementation, and applying monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) systems effectively. The role also involves coordinating with department heads in Damascus to ensure compliance in supply chain, finance, HR, and administration, while identifying and mitigating risks related to access and security. The Director will manage and mentor Area Managers, contribute to strategic decision-making as part of the Senior Management Team, and facilitate communication between the Country Office and field teams to maintain consistent standards and approaches.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess advanced degrees in International Development, Humanitarian Studies, Management, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian or development programming is required, with at least 5 years in senior field leadership roles. A proven track record in overseeing complex, multi-sector programs in conflict or post-conflict environments is essential. Strong knowledge of humanitarian operational systems, experience in fragile and politically complex settings, and excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills are also required. Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, along with the ability to travel frequently and spend extended periods in challenging field environments.

Educational Background:
The position requires advanced degrees in relevant fields such as International Development, Humanitarian Studies, or Management. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered acceptable in lieu of formal education. The educational background should provide a strong foundation for understanding the complexities of humanitarian work and program management.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian or development programming, with a significant portion of that time spent in senior leadership roles within field operations. Experience in managing complex programs in conflict or post-conflict environments is crucial, as is familiarity with the operational challenges faced in such settings. The ideal candidate will have a history of working in high-risk areas, particularly in the Middle East, and will demonstrate a strong ability to navigate the complexities of humanitarian work.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in Arabic is considered a plus and may enhance the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the context of the role. Knowledge of additional languages may also be beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position involves a significant amount of travel, with approximately 60% of the time spent in-country, particularly in field locations across Syria. The role is classified as requiring advanced pre-employment checks, including criminal records self-declaration and references. Relief International emphasizes a commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from candidates with lived experience in the contexts where they operate. The organization values integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability, and expects all staff to uphold these values in their conduct.