This position is based in Damascus and is an unaccompanied post. It is contingent upon donor funding. While on-the-ground operations are being finalized, the position will initially be remote.
Note: This position is an unaccompanied post and is contingent upon donor funding. Contracting is subject to confirmation of project award and scope.
The contract period is one year, renewable contingent upon funding and performance.
Search for Common Ground
In a world often divided, Search for Common Ground stands for the power of bringing diverse people together to find solutions. By meeting this moment with Search, you join a powerful global peace movement that believes in the profound impact of courageous multipartiality – that all voices should be heard and respected in shaping a better, more connected world, and a collaborative vision is essential for lasting peace.
Search for Common Ground adopts a dynamic approach by developing solutions tailored to the specific needs of communities. We engage with leaders and elected officials to advance dialogue and collaboration. We are community leaders. We are youth activists. We are women. We are Peacebuilders. We have been doing this work for over 40 years, and we have developed a deep understanding of what peace looks like, enabling us to quantify our impact and design more effective programming. Peace moves at the speed of trust, so we invest for the long haul. When we’re no longer needed, we leave, leaving behind people and institutions with the ability to manage future conflicts.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Country Director with a dotted line to Regional Finance Leadership and HQ Finance, the Director, Finance oversees all financial, administrative, and operational functions for the program. This includes strategic financial planning, budget development, and budget monitoring, as well as compliance with donor and institutional regulations, and timely financial reporting. The Director ensures robust internal controls, supports partner organizations through capacity-building initiatives and technical assistance, and oversees subawards, procurement, office operations, and logistics. S/he leads financial risk management, including sanctions compliance and vetting protocols, while fostering transparency and accountability in all financial transactions.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Strategy and Oversight
- Provide strategic leadership in designing, implementing, and monitoring finance systems to ensure programs are delivered within approved budgets and in alignment with Search’s strategic objectives and donor requirements.
- Lead the development and management of project budget, ensuring alignment with Search and donor policies; oversee forecasting to ensure adequate funds are available for programmatic and operational needs.
- Conduct regular pipeline and burn rate analyses, budget-to-actual comparisons, and expenditure audits; present clear financial insights to support internal decision-making and donor reporting.
- Identify financial risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure compliance with international sanctions, anti-terrorism vetting protocols, and regulatory frameworks.
- Facilitate ongoing capacity building for staff and partners through targeted training in financial systems, donor compliance, and policy implementation.
Compliance, Reporting, and Controls
- Ensure strict compliance with donor requirements, Search’s internal policies, and host country regulations by developing, implementing, and enforcing robust financial controls, systems, and procedures.
- Lead the timely preparation and submission of accurate, high-quality financial reports to donors, consortium partners, and Search region/headquarters.
- Review and approve financial reports and expenditures submitted by consortium members; conduct periodic spot checks to ensure compliance, accuracy, and accountability.
- Act as the primary custodian of all financial records and transactions, upholding confidentiality and data integrity at all times.
Partner Support and Capacity Building
- Provide financial guidance and training to consortium partners and sub-grantees to strengthen compliance, financial management capacity, and transparency.
- Lead the development and dissemination of standardized financial tools, templates, and guidelines to promote consistency and quality among implementing partners.
- Support the negotiation, budgeting, and monitoring of sub-agreements in coordination with Search’s grants and legal teams.
Operations, Procurement, and Administration
- Oversee office operations, procurement, and logistics in accordance with Search, donor, and national policies, ensuring effective systems are in place for inventory management, fleet oversight, and security.
- Ensure procurement processes are transparent and well-documented, including bid analysis, vendor due diligence, and contract management.
- Supervise administrative systems, including payroll, taxation, and insurance compliance, in close coordination with P&C and legal advisors.
Team Leadership and Coordination
- Build and supervise a high-performing finance and administration team, providing coaching, mentorship, and performance oversight to drive excellence.
- Foster synergy and collaboration across departments to ensure financial systems support effective program implementation.
- Serve as the focal point for financial coordination with Search headquarters, regional offices, and relevant government bodies.
Project Support and Compliance
- Support internal and external audits, donor assessments, and compliance reviews.
- Represent the finance function in relevant coordination meetings, donor engagements, and strategic planning discussions.
- Perform other related duties as required by the Country Director or Regional Finance leadership.
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate Search’s core competencies:
- Inspires and supports team development while resolving challenges within a clear strategic vision.
- Builds strong, collaborative relationships with partners and key stakeholders.
- Balances routine operations with continuous improvement and innovation.
- Adapts to changing contexts with creative, solution-oriented approaches.
- Promotes consistent standards across functions, fostering global collaboration.
- Models ethical behavior, reduces ambiguity, and sets a high standard for conduct.
- Navigates complexity with clear decision-making and adaptive leadership.
- Seeks creative, compliant solutions within complex, international frameworks.
- Coaches and mentors others, sharing knowledge to strengthen team capacity.
- Serves as a trusted expert, offering technical guidance and practical solutions.
- Leads collaborative problem-solving and innovation across the consortium.
- Engages teams in strategic discussions to support ongoing growth and development.
- Upholds and promotes safeguarding principles, demonstrating accountability and awareness in all actions.
Education and Experience
- BS/BA degree with a minimum of 13 years’ experience in Finance Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
- Regional experience in the MENA region is required.
Preferred Education and Experience
- Master’s level degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field preferred
- In-depth knowledge of or experience in the Syrian context is strongly preferred.
- Arabic language fluency is highly desirable.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
- This position is ultimately stationed in Syria, where security conditions are highly volatile and may pose significant risks, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols; ability to travel internationally at least 25%.
Supervisory and Budget Responsibility
- Manages multiple direct reports and/or consultants and/or manages multiple functional areas and associated budgets.
How to apply
Posting closing date: 15 July 2025.
Submit cover letter and resume via the following link: Director, Finance
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled before the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Search is an equal employment employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.