Assignment period: 01.05.2026 – 30.04.2027
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 organisations. 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.
The “Syria TVET and Employment Promotion Project” (STEP) aims to strengthen the employment prospects of Syrians in close cooperation with the private sector. This includes policy advice on the realignment of vocational training and employment strategies at national level, technical and organisational advice for vocational schools and training centres and cooperating companies. Furthermore, the STEP project focuses on the development of inclusive and efficient labour market services based on partnerships with local and foreign companies for rapid labour market integration.
Your tasks
- Designing and overlooking conflict-sensitive, inclusive and gender-sensitive short-term qualification measures
- Advising on curricula revision in line with private sector needs
- Liaising with the private sector for a smooth transition into employment
- Advising on and overlooking capacity development measures to trainers and instructors in vocational or industrial training centres
- Coordination with other development or humanitarian actors providing short-term qualification measures
- Close consultation and coordination with relevant Syrian public institutions on short-term qualification measures
- Close coordination with relevant partners on social cohesion measures
- Where appropriate and reasonable, performing additional tasks upon request of the management
Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)
- University degree (at least Bachelor’s degree) in social studies, economics, political sciences or comparable
- At least 5 years of experience in designing and/or implementing short-term qualification measures
- At least 3 years of experience of working with relevant governmental bodies or vocational or industrial training centres
- Solid knowledge of private sector structures and labour market dynamics in Syria
- At least 3 years of professional experience in designing conflict-sensitive, inclusive and gender-sensitive employment promotion measures
- Familiarity with social cohesion approaches
- Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic, knowledge of German is an asset
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 28.02.2026. 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.