Assignment period: 01.06.2026 – 31.05.2027
Location: Damascus
Type of contract: National contract based on Syrian labour law
Type of employment: Fulltime
GIZ has been operating in Syria since 1976. It has thus established valuable contacts in civil society and garnered experience that is now crucial for supporting the country. From 2013 onwards, it worked without government involvement with the assistance of local non-governmental organizations. Despite the difficult conditions, GIZ has consistently contributed to improving people’s living conditions.
In view of the developments since December 2024, which have led Syria into a decisive phase of transformation, GIZ plans to reopen its Country Office in Damascus in 2026. It is currently implementing ten projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office (FFO), with co-financing from the European Union and other donors. From 2026, the portfolio is planned to be expanded by several new projects.
As part of an EU and BMZ-funded project, the Team Europe Initiative (TEI) Technical Assistance (TA) Hub will support the Syrian government to enhance the capacities of national and subnational authorities and public institutions by strengthening their institutions, systems, and governance through coordinated, transparent, and demand-driven technical assistance by various European Agencies. The project will coordinate with and advice the Syrian Foreign Ministry as well as coordinate with the EU and the EU Delegation. Furthermore, the project foresees a Project Management unit which will steer and manage the demands as well as support the coordination with the other agencies.
Your tasks
- Providing strategic advice to the Syrian government agencies (esp. MoFAEX) on cooperation with the EU and existing instruments
- Offering advice to the MoFAEX on internal coordination mechanisms for identifying, selecting and transferring requests
- Advising the MoFAEX and other governmental partners on creating synergies and collaboration while using the EU’s Technical Assistance (TA) Hub
- Developing and implementing a high-visibility and communication strategy for EU-funded instruments (esp. the EU TA Hub) in Syria
- Preparing decision-making bases for the selection of suitable EU instruments (EU Toolbox) and discussion with the EU Delegation
- Mapping of the international donor landscape including analysis of synergies, overlaps and gaps
- Representing the TA Hub in international donor coordination formats
- Close operational coordination with the EU Delegation in Damascus and the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the TA Hub
- Negotiating with government agencies to develop, prioritise and sharpen Technical Assistance requests in cooperation with the PMU (scoping, ToR development, roadmaps)
- Where appropriate and reasonable, performing additional tasks upon request of the management
Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)
- Master’s degree in political science, international relations, public administration, law, development economics, or a related field
- At least 8 years of relevant experience in international cooperation
- At least 5 years in advising governments, donor coordination or EU-funded projects
- Proven work experience in fragile or post-conflict context in the Middle East and Syria
- Sound practice in cooperation with EU delegations/EU institutions and application of EU instruments (NDICI/Team Europe, TA instruments)
- High cultural, context and conflict sensitivity and awareness for the topic of discrimination
- Experience with risk, security and reputation management in high-risk contexts, confidence to work in high-level diplomatic settings and diplomatic tact
- Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic
Desirable qualifications (optional criteria)
- Experience in leading/coordinating multi-partner hubs or TA centers
- Knowledge of EU funding and reporting requirement
- Network of relevant international donors and Syrian institutions
How to apply
The following minimum requirements for applications need to be fulfilled:
- Only application documents in English will be accepted. Documents in Arabic cannot be considered during the selection process.
- Mandatory documents are CV and application letter in English stating your qualifications and previous professional experiences.
The deadline for application is 30.04.2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
GIZ is committed to diversity and gender balance. It is encouraging persons with disabilities to apply for the position.
Please submit your application to hr.syria@giz.de indicating in the subject line the respective title of the position.