Grade: NOB

Vacancy no.: BEY/DC/2025/28
Publication date: 11 December 2025
Application deadline (midnight local time): 08 January 2026

Job ID: 13438
Department: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut
Organization Unit: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut
Location: Damascus
Contract type: Fixed Term

Contract duration: Until 31 December 2027

Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.

In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the above-mentioned vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their application online by the above date.

The following are eligible to apply:

• ILO Internal candidates in accordance with paragraphs 31 and 32 of Annex I of the Staff Regulations.
• External candidates*

*The recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria.

The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to [email protected].

Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.

*Conditions of employment for external candidates: In conformity with existing ILO practice, the appointment of an external candidate will normally be made at the first step of this grade. The entry level salary for this position is 25511 (USD) yearly.

Introduction

The International Labour Organization (ILO) plays a key role in advancing decent work solutions for displaced and returning populations across Syria and neighbouring countries. It supports coherence on labour mobility and skills recognition at the regional level, expands access to decent work in host countries, and contributes to sustainable returns and socio-economic recovery in Syria. Guided by Recommendation No. 205, the ILO applies a comprehensive approach that bridges humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding efforts through the HDP Nexus.

Under this framework, the ILO will implement the Return and Rebuild project with UNHCR and UNICEF as part of the PROSPECTS Partnership. The ILO will focus on strengthening labour market governance, expanding access to market-relevant skills, and supporting inclusive economic recovery in both host and return settings. Key interventions include rehabilitating TVET centres, expanding modular and work-based training, promoting Recognition of Prior Learning, and supporting MSMEs through diagnostics, business development services, and measures to enhance productivity and formalisation. These efforts aim to address skills shortages, informality, and weakened productive capacity that constrain reintegration and local recovery.

Against this backdrop, the objective of the Senior National Project Coordinator position is to lead ILO’s interventions under PROSPECTS in the area of enterprise development and financial inclusion in the targeted governorates. This will be achieved through supporting partnerships with line ministries, employer organizations, Banks/MFIs, BDS providers and assessing their capacities and enhancing existing financial service delivery within the targeted regions and closely coordinating with implementing partners to ensure timely achievement of results. The position will be based in the ILO office in Damascus, Syria.

Reporting lines:

The Senior National Project Coordinator will report to Syria Country Coordinator as first line Manager and to the PROSPECTS Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Specialist as Matrix Manager. The incumbent will work under the overall guidance of the Regional PROSPECTS/DS Chief Technical Adviser (CTA).

Description of Duties

1. Lead the financial inclusion and entrepreneurship component timely implementation, monitoring and evaluation through provision of technical and administrative support to the project manager in line with the ILO policy, rules and regulations and according to the final project document and work plan.
2. Maintain close coordination with partner UN agencies, I/NGOs, Banks, chambers and MFIs, implementing partners and BDS providers to inform project annual work plans activities, especially for implementation of ongoing contracts and agreements with different partners.
3. Identify problems, propose solutions and actions and follow-up with relevant departments at headquarters and regional office, line ministries, BDS providers, Bank/ICBG, employers, constituents and other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.
4. Monitor the progress of project activities by reviewing, verifying and analysing workplans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities.
5. Organize seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings. Undertake missions to project sites independently or accompanying others to monitor project implementation.
6. Maintain close cooperation and coordination with government, employers” and workers” organizations in the planning and implementation of activities under the project as well as with ILO’s financial inclusion and enterprise regional specialists and provide relevant information on project matters.
7. Provide technical support to national partners, chambers and line ministries on topics related to SME development and access to finance.
9. Periodically report, monitor and facilitate the evaluation of related project’s components according to the project’s document and work plan. Prepare and review required technical progress reports and ad hoc reports on the status of project planning and implementation for submission to the ILO and the donor.
10. Ensure high-level communications to increase project’s visibility at the national and international levels, leading in the preparation of briefs, background information, factsheets, official correspondence, statements and speeches.
11. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Prospects manager or the Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship specialist.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, finance, business administration, development studies or a relevant field, and strong knowledge on development issues namely financial sector development particularly in Syria.

Experience

At least three years of professional experience in Syria in implementation of economic development related project particularly within the financial sector and entrepreneurship support. Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies, employers’ organizations and private financial sector players, UN and other international organizations would be an asset.

Technical requirements:

Very good knowledge of the development field with particular focus on financial sector and SME development and good knowledge of local economic development, livelihoods support, financial inclusion and literacy as well as BDS provision. Knowledge of ILO enterprise development work/social finance is an asset.

Languages

Excellent command of Arabic and English (written and spoken) language is needed.

Competencies

• Good knowledge about economic development particularly understanding the context and challenges of financial sector in Syria.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain systems within project operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical co-operation projects of international organizations.
• Ability to understand and effectively work with Government, employers’ organizations, banking sector, and other UN agencies.
• Very good organizational skills.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal, to successfully advocate for and mobilize action to promote SME development and access to finance.
• Clear commitment to mainstream gender into project activities.
• Ability to lead and work in a team and good interpersonal relations.
• Ability to train and guide personnel on technical matters namely implementing partner staff.
• Ability to work under time pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work in diversified environments.
• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non-discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
• Well established networks within Syria namely within the target governorates.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.

Recruitment process

Please note that all candidates must complete an on-line application form. To apply, please visit the ILO Jobs website. The system provides instructions for online application procedures.

Fraud warning

The ILO does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process whether at the application, interview, processing or training stage. Messages originating from a non ILO e-mail account – @ilo.org – should be disregarded. In addition, the ILO does not require or need to know any information relating to the bank account details of applicants.