Country Operations & Program Coordinator – Syria

Type: Remote consultancy position with frequent travel to and inside Syria

Reports to:ASB Headquarters in Cologne, Germany

Location:Locally-Based Remote Position (this position requires ideally to be based in Syria or Turkiye, working remotely without a dedicated office space)

Duration:12-months consultancy contract (with potential extension)

Starting date: April 1, 2025

Salary: ASB offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience

Objective:

Under the supervision of the Desk Manager (based in HQ) the Country Operations & Program Coordinator Syria will be in charge of the supervision of partner projects, ensuring effective project and grants management, strategic partnership development, quality assurance, compliance, fundraising, and represents ASB in clusters and networks. The position will serve as ASB’s key representative in Syria, strategically preparing for developing ASBs presence in the country, either through establishment of an ASB country office or a structured, sustainable presence in Syria.

Key responsibilities include:

• Act as a primary liaison of ASB HQ in Syria, closely coordinating with national authorities, partners and technical teams ensuring coherent program strategies in the Syria response.
• Lead ASB’s strategic process in coordination with ASB HQ to register and establish an operational presence in Damascus, Syria.
• Ensure the implementation of needs and risk assessments informing strategy development and presence in the country.
• Oversee and ensure the effective implementation, compliance, and quality delivery of ASB project activities in Syria, including partner organizations, with timely reporting to ASB HQ and donors, regular monitoring, and suggest corrective action when needed.
• Proactively pursue fundraising opportunities, proposal writing, and strategic donor engagement.
• Responsible for all operational processes in country, including Finance, HR, Admin, Logistics, IT and security.
• Supervise the recruitment of consultants, legal advisors and other support staff , in close coordination with ASB HQ
• Conduct partner capacity assessments, support capacity-building initiatives, and ensure effective partnerships.
• Represent ASB in humanitarian clusters, coordination platforms, and liaise strategically with national and local stakeholders, partners and authorities.

Profile and Qualifications:

• Higher Education degree in Project Management, Humanitarian Studies, International Relations, or general field of study.
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in the humanitarian sector.
• Sound applied understanding of a rights-based humanitarian approach grounded in principled humanitarian standards.
• Proven strategic thinker, capable of identifying risks and opportunities for ASB’s presence and programs in Syria.
• Excellent communicator and active listener, capable of fostering effective partnerships and collaborative networks as well as representing ASB strategically.
• Demonstrated expertise in humanitarian project and grants management, fundraising, compliance, and quality assurance.
• Substantial experience in safety, security and risk management, particularly in complex and volatile context.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability of systematically assessing partner capacities, needs and facilitating their growth.
• Previous experience in NGO registration processes is beneficial but not a requirement.
• Familiarity with coordination mechanisms including humanitarian clusters and stakeholder forums.
• Flexibility for frequent (overland travel) into Syria, ensuring effective engagement and follow-up with partners.
• Proficiency in English and Arabic