Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International is a global humanitarian organization that has been operational since 201

• The organization focuses on partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disaster to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Relief International implements programming in various sectors including Health, Protection, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Nutrition, and Livelihoods, both through direct implementation and partnerships. The organization operates in multiple countries, providing essential services to vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director for Syria will be responsible for leading Relief International’s operations within the country, guiding program strategies, and ensuring effective implementation across various sectors such as Health, Protection, WASH, Nutrition, and Livelihoods. This role requires a strategic visionary who can build on the organization's activities since 2012 and translate them into actionable programs that meet the needs of the communities served. The Country Director will also be tasked with ensuring safety and supporting program growth in a complex environment, while positioning Relief International as a leader in the humanitarian sector in the region. The role involves significant travel across Syria, highlighting the need for adaptability and a thorough understanding of the local context.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the Country Director include leading the strategic planning and operational execution of Relief International’s mission in Syria, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The Country Director will manage key relationships with government authorities, donors, and partners, representing Relief International at both central and governorate levels. They will oversee the implementation of high-quality programs, ensuring proper resource allocation, compliance, and timely spending. Additionally, the Country Director will ensure staff safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, manage risks, and foster a positive work environment. They will drive program growth by securing funding from new donors and building strong teams for sustained impact. The role also includes mentoring and developing team members, promoting a culture of learning and accountability.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess substantial proven experience in leading large-scale multi-sector programs in complex and challenging environments. Strong expertise in managing change, including leading teams through transitions and adapting strategies to evolving contexts, is essential. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills are required, along with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders. Proven ability to manage and motivate diverse teams while fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and high performance is crucial. Expertise in risk management, including ensuring staff safety and implementing security protocols in high-risk environments, is also necessary. Previous experience working in the Middle East and knowledge of sectors such as Health, Protection, WASH, and Livelihoods is desirable.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background required for the Country Director position is not explicitly stated, it is generally expected that candidates will have a relevant degree in fields such as international relations, public health, humanitarian studies, or a related discipline. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for leadership roles within humanitarian organizations.

Experience:
The position requires substantial proven experience in leading large-scale multi-sector programs, particularly in complex and challenging environments. Candidates should have a track record of managing change effectively, leading teams through transitions, and adapting strategies to meet evolving contexts. Experience in the humanitarian sector, particularly in the Middle East, is highly valued.

Languages:
While the job ad does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is typically required for international positions within humanitarian organizations. Knowledge of Arabic would be highly advantageous given the location and context of the role, as it would facilitate communication with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
This role is classified as requiring advanced pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check. Relief International is committed to building a representative, inclusive, and authentic workplace and encourages applications from candidates from minoritized backgrounds. The organization emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, expecting all staff and volunteers to uphold these values and behaviors as outlined in the Code of Conduct. Recruitment for all roles includes a criminal records self-declaration, references, and other pre-employment checks, which may include police and qualifications checks.