Syria Country Director

Job Posting Organization:
Solidarités International (SI) is an international humanitarian aid association that has been operational for over 40 years. The organization is dedicated to providing assistance to populations affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters, focusing on meeting their basic needs for food, water, and shelter. SI is particularly committed to combating diseases linked to unsafe water, which is a leading cause of death globally. The organization operates in 26 countries and employs around 3,200 individuals, including expatriates, national staff, and volunteers. SI's interventions are characterized by professionalism and a commitment to respecting cultural norms, ensuring that aid is delivered effectively and sensitively.

Job Overview:
The Syria director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director is responsible for the overall management and smooth operation of the mission in Syria. This role involves overseeing and consolidating the mission strategy in alignment with the geopolitical and humanitarian context, ensuring its effective implementation. The Country Director monitors project progress to ensure compliance with the Solidarités International charter and internal procedures. Additionally, the position requires representing the organization at high levels with donors, media, international agencies, and regional platforms. The Country Director is tasked with mobilizing necessary resources for program effectiveness and supervising their administration. This role also includes coordinating teams, overseeing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security procedures, and managing incidents, serving as the direct liaison with Solidarités International’s headquarters. The initial priorities for the first two to three months include restructuring the mission, strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, and updating the country strategy for 2026-2028, alongside ensuring continuity in donor engagement and adapting to the evolving funding landscape.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Director's duties encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Ensuring the smooth running of the mission and overseeing the implementation of the mission strategy.
• Monitoring project progress and ensuring compliance with internal and contractual procedures.
• Representing the organization at high-level engagements with donors, media, and international agencies.
• Mobilizing material and financial resources necessary for effective program operation.
• Supervising the administration of resources and coordinating teams.
• Overseeing security procedures and managing incidents.
• Liaising directly with Solidarités International’s headquarters.
• Completing the restructuring of the mission and base-level reorganizations.
• Strengthening the organization's influence and building relationships with key stakeholders. 1
• Updating the country strategy and ensuring continuity in donor engagement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess specific skills and experience, including:

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar position and over 5 years of field experience.
• Proven skills in strategy development, representation, and donor engagement.
• Excellent management skills and internal communication abilities.
• Experience in Syria or other Middle Eastern countries is a strong asset.
• Familiarity with working with ECHO and BHA is advantageous.
• Experience in high-level partnership development is also beneficial.

Educational Background:
The position requires a strong educational background relevant to humanitarian aid and management. While specific degrees are not mentioned, candidates are expected to have qualifications that support their ability to manage complex humanitarian operations effectively.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have more than 3 years of experience in a similar leadership role and at least 5 years of experience in the field, demonstrating a solid understanding of humanitarian operations and the challenges faced in conflict-affected areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in Arabic is strongly recommended. Knowledge of French is considered a bonus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with a broader range of stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a salaried role with a starting salary of EUR 3,740 gross per month, which includes a base salary of EUR 3,400 plus a 10% annual leave allowance paid monthly. The organization also provides a monthly per diem, covers accommodation costs, and travel expenses between the expatriate's country of origin and the place of assignment. During the assignment, a system of alternation between work and time off is implemented, allowing for 7 working days off every two months, with a break allowance of USD 85

• Additionally, SI grants one extra rest day for each month worked. Expatriates benefit from a comprehensive insurance package covering healthcare expenses, including medical, surgical, dental, and repatriation costs, as well as essential vaccinations and antimalarial treatments. Living conditions in Damascus are generally good, although power supply can be unstable, and security must be closely monitored following regime changes.