An overview of the International Rescue Committee:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been working in Syria since 2012, delivering programs in protection, health, economic recovery, and early childhood development in Idlib, Aleppo, Raqqa, Hasakah, and Deir ez-Zor, with programs recently expanding to Hama, Rural Damascus, and Homs. With a team of over 700 staff, the IRC has successfully built strong trust and relationships with local communities, ensuring easy access and effective service delivery. The IRC plays a pivotal role among NGOs and donors, working with coordination committees in Syria, where it occupies influential positions and continuously adapts to the evolving context.
In response to recent developments and the arrival of the new government, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) deployed a team to Damascus in December 2024 to establish operations and actively participate in coordination committees for newly accessible areas across Syria—including parts of northeast and northwest Syria, as well as previously inaccessible areas in the south and center of the country. The organization is currently adapting its operations to expand service coverage and improve efficiency.
Job information:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a Receptionist to support its office in Damascus. The Receptionist will play a key role in ensuring a safe, organized, and welcoming office environment for both staff and visitors. Responsibilities include overseeing entry points, greeting and directing visitors, and coordinating ongoing communication with internal teams to ensure the smooth and safe operation of daily activities. This position combines administrative duties with security requirements, demanding strong communication skills, a high degree of professionalism and discipline, and a good understanding of the cultural and humanitarian context in which the IRC operates.
Main responsibilities:
- Receiving and welcoming visitors in a respectful and professional manner, and maintaining accurate and up-to-date visitor logs.
- Directing visitors to designated rooms or relevant staff as needed.
- Monitoring and securing all entrances and exits of the building, and ensuring that doors and windows are properly closed at the end of the workday, in accordance with approved safety procedures.
- Conducting scheduled or random periodic patrols inside and around the committee office to ensure public safety and security.
- Maintaining the security of the office, staff, visitors, and equipment by adhering to safety protocols and using emergency equipment correctly.
- Report immediately to the direct supervisor any unusual activities or incidents, such as damage to equipment or property, theft, the presence of unauthorized persons, or any other incidents, in accordance with the incident reporting mechanism followed by the International Rescue Committee.
- Maintain regular contact with the direct supervisor, as the receptionist is the point of contact for safety and security matters in the office to which he is assigned.
- Compliance with the International Rescue Committee’s protection policies and procedures, including mechanisms for reporting any protection or safety concerns.
- Performing any additional tasks assigned by the supervisor that contribute to supporting or enhancing the IRC’s programs, including tasks related to safety and security as part of the core role of the reception function.
Required experience, qualifications, and skills:
education:
Minimum requirement: Secondary education certificate (Baccalaureate or equivalent).
Practical experience:
- At least one year of experience as a receptionist, receptionist, or administrative role is preferred in international non-governmental organizations.
- At least one year of experience in security-related jobs.
Technical/Management Skills
- Basic computer skills, including MS Word, Excel, and email communication (an added advantage).
- Experience in managing visitor registration systems, whether manual or electronic.
- The ability to remain calm and act appropriately and effectively during emergencies such as fires, evacuations, and medical or security incidents.
- A high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to calm down and professionally handle tense situations.
Proven skills and competencies:
- Adherence to the mission, vision, and values ​​of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and its professional code of conduct, “The IRC Way”.
- Reliable skills in writing, presentation, and oral communication; the ability to convey information effectively, along with strong experience in delivering training and developing staff capabilities.
- Possessing a high professional sense of confidentiality and integrity, and the ability to handle complex situations tactfully and reach effective solutions.
- Excellent management and interpersonal skills, along with a strong ability to promote cohesive and harmonious teamwork in a multicultural environment.
- Proven ability to plan for the long term, prioritize tasks, and work under managerial and programming pressures, with attention to detail and professional patience.
- High level of cooperation and initiative; and the ability to build positive working relationships with senior management and all partners in order to enhance cooperation and productivity.
- Curiosity and a constant desire to learn and develop are essential.
- Analytical ability to find effective solutions to complex problems, while adhering to internal work rules and organizational policies.
Language/Travel
- Arabic: Required
- English language: This is an advantage
- Place of residence: Damascus
- Travel: None
Key working relationships:
- Reporting to: Senior Director of Security, Safety and Humanitarian Access in Syria
- Key internal contacts: Operations and Programs team, including Logistics team and Admin.
- Key external contacts: IRC beneficiaries, visitors, and relevant stakeholders
Professional Standards: IRC staff must adhere to the values ​​and principles outlined in the IRC Way – Global Standards of Professional Conduct. These are integrity, service, accountability, and equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and implements policies to protect beneficiaries from exploitation and abuse, safeguard children, combat harassment in the workplace, uphold financial integrity, and prevent retaliation.
Local Candidates : We strongly encourage national or returning candidates to apply for this position. If you are a citizen of the country where this job is located and currently reside outside your home country, you may be eligible for an attractive resettlement package. Eligibility is determined based on the International Rescue Committee’s (IRC) operational needs and the specific job requirements. The IRC seeks to attract, motivate, and retain qualified national staff in its programs.
Accountability to clients: IRC staff must commit to contributing to the sustainability and development of client response (CR) mechanisms, and to maintaining a culture of prioritizing the needs of our clients and affected communities by systematically listening to their perspectives and using their feedback to inform program decisions and give them greater influence over program design and implementation.
How to apply
Progress:
Those interested can apply via the following link: Click here before the end of Monday, March 2, 2026.