Position: Country Representative Syria
Reporting Relationship: Head of Regional Unit Middle East
Location: Damascus, Syria
Deadline: 12/02/2025
Starting date: ASAP
Family Duty Station: NO
R&R: YES
Contract Type: Expatriate (International)
Working context:
WeWorld supports people in overcoming emergencies, and it strives to guarantee that everyone can have a decent and dignified life as well as opportunities and a better future. WeWorld is an independent Italian organization that has been working in international cooperation and humanitarian aid for 50 years. WeWorld is present in Syria since 2011, with an emergency education intervention in favour of Iraqi refugees in Aleppo. The programme aimed at improving the quality and the accessibility of educational services for students, with special needs in 12 primary schools in Aleppo. Since 2014, WeWorld has been providing humanitarian assistance to the Syrian population and IDPs with interventions in different sectors such as Education in Emergency and Wash. Currently, the main donors are the EU (ECHO), countries’ agencies (AICS), the United Nations (UN-OCHA), and other INGOs (Plan International)
Purpose of the Role
The Country Representative directs organizational programmes at the country level ensuring quality of the activities, from development through execution, included budget management and Human Resources Management (International and National Staff). Identifies programming opportunities and areas where the organization can demonstrate its value and relevance. The Country Representative develops relations with and represents the organization to donors, local and national governments, organizational partners, to maintain positive organizational profile, and is also responsible for the security management in the country.
Main tasks and responsibilities
Programme Management and Development
- Oversee the registration of WeWorld in Syria according to the National Legal requirements
- Lead the development and implementation of high-quality country strategic plan relevant to the local context and the organizational priorities
- Lead and oversee the grants acquisition of new projects in the country, ensuring a long-term portfolio and achievement of annual targets
- Lead, guide and supervise the Programs manager on performance and quality control, planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Programs to ensure the effective and efficient execution of deliverables, in compliance with WeWorld standards
- Lead and oversee the preparation and implementation of Programs documents (including SOPs, policy briefs, Programs plans and Risk Assessments)
- Oversee the financial and logistic sustainability of programs and operations through effective and efficient resources development effort, outstanding financial ratios, effective budget administration and procurement management (i.e. management and maintenance of project assets and regular inventories)
- Assist the HQ to maintain public/media/donor relations to actively engage their interest/support in promoting and communicating WeWorld achievements, competencies and interest at global level
Representation and advocacy
- Represent WeWorld in the Country in various fora on programmatic and technical issues, strategic meetings, conferences, forums and other public events and contribute towards consolidating and raising the profile of the organization
- Engage and liaise with relevant national-level stakeholders (government representatives, donors, CSO, multilateral organizations, communities)
- Identify, engage and strengthen strategic in-country partners engaged in Education, child protection, Wash integrated responses, in line with WeWorld Country Strategic Plan and Regional Strategies, to grow the pipeline of opportunities in Syria through a participatory process
- Identify additional areas of synergy and cooperation with donors, other NGOs, UN agencies and relevant institutions
- Promote WeWorld’s organizational identity and capacity towards all stakeholders and partners in Syria and ensure WeWorld remains relevant to the changing needs of disadvantaged people in the country
- Establish priorities, in consultation with the Head of Regional Unit, for targeted investments in growth and innovation, contribute to the identification and implementation of innovation and continuous improvement, in support of organizational excellence and world-class performance
- Coordinate with HQ, maintaining frequent contact with the Desk Officer, partners and leaders of the project as well as relevant donors, in order to keep a regular update on the implementation of the project and to develop strategic planning
Human Resources
- Identify and plan Human Resources needs (International and National)
- Timely inform HR HQ about both the present and the future International HR Needs (Annual and 3M updates) in order to facilitate a punctual recruitment process and deployment of the necessary workforce
- Direct and manage staff in the country, ensuring development of appropriate capabilities and competencies according to the strategic and operational needs of Programs/Projects
- Ensure transparent, equal and inclusive management and training of Human Resources in accordance with Policies and Procedures, and all regulatory requirements (WeWorld, host country legislation and donor’s policy)
- Foster an inclusive and diverse work environment, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed
Security Management
- Update the country security strategy based on HQ and country information
- Identify risks and threats and develop systems of early warning flags
- Coordinate in the design, testing and communications of appropriate security and safety plans and programmes
- Develop and document emergency preparedness and disaster evacuation plans and programmes
The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties.
Job specifications
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications and Knowledge
- An advanced university degree or equivalent in the field of Social or Political Science, Development Studies, International relations, Project Management, Human rights
- Good knowledge of main international donors’ policies and procedures
- Good knowledge of MS Office
- Fluent in English both written and verbal
Professional experience
- Minimum 5 years’ relevant working experience in related fields
- Working experience with international NGOs in management of international cooperation projects funded by institutional, private donors
- Proven experience in Project Cycle Management
- Sound project development and proposal writing experience
- Experience in Security Management
Skills and Abilities
- Strong flexibility and capacity to adapt behavior to the needs of the situation
- Capacity to work autonomously and in problems prevention/resolution
- Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
- Ability to identify, initiate and maintain good relationships with partner organizations, donors and national authorities including building professional relationships with senior decision-makers and influencers / leaders
- Good communication, negotiation skills and sensitivity in dealing with local institutions on critical issues
- Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability
- Strong commitment to the Mission of WeWorld, genuine interest for international cooperation development topics
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS
- Experience in Education, Protection or WASH
- Previous work experience in the area
- Knowledge of Italian and/or Arabic
What we offer
Type of contract: a first 6 (six) months contract subject to verification (achievement of specific objectives); a second collaboration contract of 6 (six) months renewable, following the positive evaluation of the first period of collaboration
Economic conditions: to be defined according to WeWorld Expatriates Compensation Policy: Base Salary (seniority/role held) + Contributions (role complex and hardship based on place of work)
Accomodation: WeWorld Guest House
Annual leave: 2,5 days/month (working days)
R&R: 5 days each 12 weeks – Daily Allowance covers costs of expenses for food and accommodation
Flight ticket: one return flight every 12 months of contract
Health insurance: covered
The recruitment process may be closed early if a suitable candidate is found. Due to the large number of applications, we apologise in advance and will only respond to those profiles deemed suitable for the role.
How to apply
How to apply
Send CV and Cover Letter to: https://weworld.intervieweb.it/jobs/country-representative-syria-590878/en/