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.
The contract period is one year, renewable contingent upon funding and performance.
*Please note: Hiring for this position is contingent upon final funding approval. Contracting is subject to confirmation of project award and scope.
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
The Manager, Grants and Compliance will play a critical role in ensuring effective grant management and organizational compliance across all donor-funded programs. This position supports the organization in maintaining high standards of donor accountability, internal controls, and risk mitigation while contributing to strong program performance. The role involves close collaboration with program, finance, operations, and HQ teams, as well as external partners and donors.
Key Responsibilities:
Grant Management
- Oversee the full lifecycle of grants, from proposal development through to close-out.
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of donor reports and compliance with reporting requirements.
- Review budgets and monitor spending to ensure alignment with donor terms and conditions.
- Coordinate grant start-up and close-out processes across departments and partners.
- Capacity strengthening of consortium partners on grant and financial management.
Compliance and Risk Management
- Interpret and advise on donor regulations.
- Establish and maintain internal systems to ensure grant compliance and reduce financial and operational risks.
- Conduct internal spot checks and support external audits and donor reviews.
- Lead efforts to build a strong compliance culture across country offices and partner organizations.
Capacity Building
- Provide training and technical support to staff and partners on donor compliance, financial management, and reporting.
- Support the development and dissemination of compliance policies, procedures, and tools.
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 with a minimum of 9 years of experience in grants management and compliance or a related field.
- Regional experience in the MENA region is required.
Preferred Education and Experience
- In-depth knowledge of or experience in the Syrian context is strongly preferred.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
- This position is based 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 10%.
Supervisory and Budget Responsibility
- May manage one or more direct reports and/or consultants and/or manage one functional area.
How to apply
Posting closing date: 15 July 2025
Submit cover letter and resume via the following link: Manager, Grants and Compliance
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.