General Description of the Program:
GOAL has been working in Syria since 2013, responding to the acute needs of conflict-affected communities. GOAL is working in Idleb Governate, Aleppo and in Damascus both through direct implementation and through partners, delivering food, non-food programming to highly vulnerable populations, and provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) through support to Water units, as well as emergency support to recently displaced households, Nutrition and shelter.
Overview of the role:
The overall responsibility for this role is to maintain an effective, efficient, compliant, safe and secure operating environment in which GOAL’s team in Damascus can provide support to the broader program implementation in the region. This role is responsible for the smooth running of the Damascus office.
The Office Manager will act as initial contact point for our stakeholders in Damascus and will lead on all logistical needs to facilitate an effective, safe and secure working environment in our Damascus office.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Office Management and Staff Support
Oversee and facilitate the functioning of the GOAL Office in Damascus:
- Line manages the support system functions within the Damascus office, liaise with technical line managers as needed to ensure that systems staff in Damascus have adequate support and guidance.
- Support the induction of new staff in the Damascus office, including but not limited to providing a workspace and relevant equipment.
- Oversee the smooth functioning of the office, including organizing trips to meetings and airport transport for the team, ensure office and kitchen supplies are stocked, and facilitating basic day-to-day office running etc.
- Meet reporting requirements for in-country and head office requirements.
Administration and Damascus Focal Point
- Ensure that international employees and visitors receive support for visa and permit applications and securing accommodation, including attending the relevant government authorities’ offices to obtain relevant documentation for staff.
- Oversee the administrative functions of GOAL Damascus.
- Support other departments in GOAL in any meeting with stakeholders with the related departments once it requested
- Coordinate and manage the submission of GOAL’s legal documentation with the relevant authorities.
Human Resources:
- In collaboration with the HR Coordinator, coordinate recruitment for national staff as required in the Damascus office.
- In collaboration with the HR Coordinator, facilitate a comprehensive induction programme for new staff in the Damascus office.
- Work with the HR Coordinator and the Compliance team to ensure complete participation and tracking of policy training and implementation.
- In collaboration with the HR Coordinator, Act as focal point for GOAL’s online training platform and promote usage in Damascus office.
Finance:
- Follow up with suppliers and service providers for timely invoice and payment submissions.
- Verify invoices and prepare payment request forms for vendors and service providers.
- Working closely with the Finance department on submitting the monthly cash projection
- In coordination with Finance Director, complete monthly closing cash journals for both SYR and USD and cash count and send to finance office
- Liaise with the Finance Department to ensure timely payment of both office and staff accommodation as well as other payments, as necessary.
Logistics:
- Manage all GOAL premises in Damascus and ensure adequate office and residential premises are in place.
- Act as key focal point for landlords and ensure lease agreements are maintained, payments, including utility payments, are made, etc.
- Ensure the timely repair and maintenance of all Damascus premises, and ensure all work is carried out to a high standard.
- Support the relocation of premises as needed.
- Develop checklists for cleaning staff and ensure an appropriate level of cleanliness is maintained at all times in all premises.
- Ensure the regular delivery of drinking water.
- Manage assets based in Damascus, ensure staff sign for assets, complete regular asset checks and support the team to maintain the asset register.
Procurement
- In collaboration with Supply chain advisor, Initiate systems procurements as needed in collaboration/cooperation with the procurement team; guesthouse and office-related supplies, furniture and hardware as needed.
- In collaboration with Supply chain advisor, Ensure that all procurement is carried out in a timely manner and in accordance with GOALs procurement manual.
- In collaboration with Supply chain advisor, Follow up procurement charts and authorization table accordingly.
Reporting & Meetings:
- Provide weekly reports to the Systems Director, copying the Technical Coordinators on issues pertaining to systems functions.
- Provide weekly reports to the Finance team on all issues pertaining to Finance.
Other:
Any other tasks that may be assigned by the Systems Director.
Required Experience, Qualifications and Skills:
- Degree in Business Administration, Human Resources, Finance, and/or other relevant disciplines.
- Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in Logistics, Procurement, Finance, Admin, Law or any other operational field as a Line Manager.
- At least 5 years’ work experience in I/NGOs.
- Good knowledge of Syrian labor laws, foreign affairs and immigration laws or any other legal field.
- Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships across teams.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.
- Commitment to workplace diversity, inclusion, and safeguarding practices.
- Proactive problem-solving skills and adaptability to respond to needs during emergencies.
- Fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken) is required for effective communication with stakeholders Donors, and team members.
How to apply
Interested? Then apply for this position via clicking on the “apply now” button and fill out the application form. All applicants must send an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Must be in English or Arabic. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Application deadline is 15th October 2025 COB.