Location: Damascus, Syria
Employment Type: Full-time
Management Level: Senior Management Team (SMT)
Reports to: Executive Director
Application Deadline: 22 May 2026
About SYCAC
SYCAC is a non-governmental and non-profit civil society organization established in Türkiye in 2012. The organization works to support conflict-affected and displaced communities through peacebuilding, social cohesion, empowerment of marginalized groups, and strengthening the capacities of local actors and community initiatives, contributing to the promotion of democracy and human rights values.
Objective of the Position
SYCAC is seeking an External Relations & Partnerships Manager to lead the organization’s efforts in partnership development, donor engagement, external representation, and government liaison, contributing to strengthening SYCAC’s strategic positioning and expanding opportunities for funding and collaboration.
The position serves as SYCAC’s primary focal point with donors, UN agencies, INGOs, and government stakeholders in Damascus, within a dynamic and complex coordination environment that requires strong relationship-building, representation, and strategic communication skills.
Scope of Work
The External Relations & Partnerships Manager will lead and coordinate the following areas:
Partnership Development & Donor Engagement
• Build and manage relationships with donors, UN agencies, and international organizations
• Track funding priorities, partnership opportunities, and donor trends
• Represent SYCAC in coordination meetings and bilateral engagements
• Support proposal and concept note development processes
• Produce regular updates on funding and partnership opportunities
Coordination & External Representation
• Represent SYCAC in humanitarian and development coordination platforms
• Participate in cluster meetings, forums, and relevant networks
• Strengthen SYCAC’s visibility within the humanitarian and development community
• Build strategic relationships with local and international stakeholders
Advocacy & Strategic Communication
• Support the development and implementation of SYCAC’s advocacy strategies
• Represent the organization in policy discussions and advocacy forums
• Contribute to the development of advocacy materials and position papers
• Ensure alignment between external messaging and organizational priorities
Government Relations & Institutional Coordination
• Coordinate with relevant ministries and government entities
• Follow up on approvals, permits, and regulatory procedures
• Represent SYCAC in relevant technical meetings when required
• Monitor regulatory developments affecting organizational operations
Key Responsibilities Partnership & Relationship Management
• Develop long-term strategic partnerships with donors and stakeholders
• Explore new collaboration and funding opportunities
• Maintain effective communication with external actors
Internal Coordination
• Coordinate closely with the Executive Director and relevant departments
• Provide regular updates on coordination and donor landscape developments
• Support alignment between external engagement efforts and organizational priorities
Reporting & Follow-up
• Prepare monthly external relations and partnerships reports
• Track funding and partnership opportunities
• Produce periodic briefs on developments, risks, and opportunities
Required Qualifications
Education
• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science, Development Studies, Humanitarian Affairs, or a related field
• Master’s degree is considered an advantage
Experience
• Minimum 7 years of experience in external relations, partnerships, donor engagement, or resource mobilization within the humanitarian or development sector
• Demonstrated experience working with institutional donors, UN agencies, and INGOs
• Experience in representation and coordination within humanitarian coordination mechanisms and clusters
• Strong understanding of the Syrian context and Damascus-based coordination environment
• Experience in government liaison with Syrian authorities is considered an asset
Technical Skills
• Strong understanding of humanitarian coordination systems and donor landscapes
• Knowledge of proposal development and partnership management processes
• Excellent communication, networking, and negotiation skills
• Ability to produce high-quality reports and strategic materials
Languages
• Fluency in Arabic is required
• Strong proficiency in English is required
How to apply
Application Requirements
Interested candidates are requested to complete the application form attached to the announcement and submit the following documents:
• Updated CV
• Cover Letter
• Signed ToR
Application Process
• SYCAC is committed to equal opportunity and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates.
• Selection will be based on merit, qualifications, and competencies.
• SYCAC is committed to providing a safe environment free from harassment, exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.
• Selected candidates will undergo background and reference checks.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Due to the importance of the position, SYCAC reserves the right to begin the recruitment process before the application deadline.
• Interested candidates may please fill the application at the following link: Apply now