Head of Project “Strengthening the Socioeconomic Resilience”

Assignment period: 01.09.2026 - 31.12.2026 (with a possibility of extension)

Location: Damascus

Type of contract: National contract based on Syrian labour law

Type of employment: Fulltime

Job description

GIZ has been operating in Syria since 1976. It has thus established valuable contacts in civil society and garnered experience that is now crucial for supporting the country. From 2013 onwards, it worked without government involvement with the assistance of local non-governmental organisations. Despite the difficult conditions, GIZ has consistently contributed to improving people’s living conditions.

In view of the developments since December 2024, which have led Syria into a decisive phase of transformation, GIZ plans to reopen its Country Office in Damascus in 2026. It is currently implementing projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office (FFO), with co-financing from the European Union and other donors. From 2026, the portfolio is planned to be expanded by several new projects.

The “Strengthening the Socioeconomic Resilience” in Syria (SERNOS) project aims at improving the socioeconomic conditions for vulnerable groups, such as internally displaced persons, returnees, host communities, women and youth. The project implements the approach of Transitional Development Assistance (TDA), supporting a structure-building environment for local economic growth and development. This is done by increasing income-generating opportunities, strengthening organisational and business capacities of micro and small enterprises and business associations, as well as supporting local actors to shape peaceful participation and decision-making processes. The project implements in partnership with civil society and non-governmental organisations in several governorates in Syria.

Your tasks

• Ensuring the successful implementation of the “Strengthening the Socioeconomic Resilience” in Syria (SERNOS) project in close coordination with BMZ and the Syrian partners

• Managing the project in technical, commercial, and administrative terms and ensuring budget control, financial planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation in line with GIZ and donor requirements

• Leading the national and international project team in accordance with GIZ’s leadership principles, ensuring a respectful, inclusive, and results-oriented leadership culture, team management, performance management and team development

• Fostering open, trusting, and professional cooperation with partner institutions, commissioning parties, civil society organisations, and international development partners to promote local economic recovery and social cohesion, and represent GIZ vis-à-vis relevant governmental and institutional counterparts

• Coordinating closely with other development and implementing partners, particularly those active in transitional development assistance and improvements of livelihoods, with the aim of strengthening strategic partnerships and leveraging synergies in the field of local economic recovery

• Identifying potential for cooperation with other projects and initiatives, and proactively contribute to portfolio development and strategic positioning of German engagement in the field of local economic recovery

• Steering the technical and operational implementation of the project’s defined areas of intervention while ensuring conflict sensitivity, gender mainstreaming, and inclusion are integrated throughout

• Ensuring effective results-based monitoring and evaluation, regularly tracking progress against agreed indicators, preparing progress reports for commissioning parties and partners, and deriving lessons and recommendations for adaptive project management

Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)

• University degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economy, social sciences, development studies, or a related field

• At least 10 years of professional experience in international development cooperation, including extensive experience managing livelihood, private sector development or early recovery projects in fragile or conflict-affected settings

• At least 5 years of leadership experience and managing teams

• Proven management experience, including responsibility for technical, financial, and administrative implementation, budget control, financial planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation, in accordance with GIZ or comparable donor procedures

• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, foster a respectful and inclusive working culture, and engage effectively with political partners, civil society, and donors

• Strong professional network in Syria within relevant civil society circles, and the ability to use this network strategically to advance project objectives

• Strategic and analytical thinking, resilience, adaptability to changing and challenging environments, and a strong commitment to gender equality, inclusion, human rights, and conflict sensitivity

• Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic, knowledge of German is an asset

How to apply

The following minimum requirements for applications need to be fulfilled:

• Only application documents in English will be accepted. Documents in Arabic cannot be considered during the selection process.

• Mandatory documents are CV and application letter in English stating your qualifications and previous professional experiences.

The deadline for application is 30.06.2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

GIZ is committed to diversity and gender balance. It is encouraging persons with disabilities to apply for the position.

Please submit your application to hr.syria@giz.de indicating in the subject line the respective title of the position.