Role: Country Representative (national)
Country: Syria, Damascus
Starting date: 01/03/2025
Duration: 12 months (renewable)
Line managers: Regional Program Coordinator, Humanitarian Expert and Security Advisor
Supervision of: none
Description of the context:
VIS obtained registration with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) in November 2024, in response to a request from the Salesian Province for the Middle East – MOR to establish its operations in the country. The program aims to address the critical needs of the population, particularly in areas where Salesian interventions are limited due to operational constraints. VIS’s mission in Syria is to provide humanitarian support across multiple sectors, in line with its strategic focus on serving vulnerable communities and collaborating with key local and international stakeholders.
Responsibility ang goals:
The Country Representative will be responsible of supporting the operational launch of VIS mission in Syria by establishing a strategic and operational plan through designing a program; by setting up a VIS office, building partnerships, and ensuring effective security management.
Main tasks and duties:
- Serve as the local focal point and start the setup of VIS mission in Syria
- Conduct logistical and administrative steps to establish VIS office/guesthouse in Damascus, including opening a local bank account.
- In coordination with the Regional Program Coordinator and the Humanitarian Coordinator and Security Advisor:
a) establish a strategic and operational plan
b) conduct comprehensive needs assessments and aligning these assessments with donor strategies, potential partnerships, and governmental action plans to ensure synergy and effectiveness.
c)draft concept notes
d) Directly manage and oversee the implementation of the first projects launched in country, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, local context, SDB partner and donor procedures.
e) collect information for drafting the Syria Country Security Plan
f) monitor security developments and update risk assessments.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including SARC, the Italian Embassy, donors, local partners, and other NGOs.
- Represent VIS in cluster meetings and other coordination forums.
- Carrying out field assessments in key locations, including Aleppo, particularly within the Salesian Don Bosco (SDB) network.
c) Map potential partners outside the SDB network to broaden collaboration opportunities.
Requirements
Knowledge and competences:
- Bachelor’s degree in international Cooperation, Political Science, Economics or any other field related to Humanitarian and Development Work
- At least 5 years of experience in international cooperation, possibly in Syria.
- Preferable experience in launching NGO operations and/or the logistics sector.
- Preferable experience in the humanitarian field. Additional experience in the education sector, vocational training, or professional development is considered an asset.
- Proven experience with humanitarian coordination structures and security management.
- Language Native-level Arabic; excellent English written and spoken.
Psycho-attitudinal capacities:
- Strong networking and relationship-building capabilities
- Ability to work independently with remote supervision.
- Flexibility, organizational skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
How to apply
To apply, fill out the FORM specifying the role: 3158 Country Representative
CV, motivation letter and References (at least 2 contacts) are required.
Deadline for sending applications: 02/01/2025
Only those profiles that meet the requirements will be contacted.