JOB DESCRIPTION

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.

About the Syria NGO Forum

The Syria NGO Forum is a unified coordination platform for international and national NGOs delivering humanitarian and development assistance inside Syria. It was established in response to the evolving political and operational landscape, aiming to bring coherence and collective voice to a historically fragmented response. The Forum facilitates coordination, advocacy, and joint positioning, grounded in principled, inclusive, and locally led action.

With an innovative dual-chamber governance model—comprising equal representation from INGOs and NNGOs—the Forum serves as a neutral, non-operational platform, championing needs-based assistance and long-term resilience for communities across Syria.

General Position Summary

The Director of the Syria NGO Forum leads the Secretariat and is the primary external representative of the Forum’s collective positions. The Director will ensure the Forum delivers on its core mandate—coordination, representation, advocacy, knowledge exchange, and localization—by working under the supervision of elected Chamber Steering Committees, the Forum Board, member organizations, and in close collaboration with key stakeholders including UN agencies, donors, and authorities.

The Director ensures strategic alignment, operational efficiency, and inclusive engagement across all governance and workstream platforms.

Essential Job Responsibilities

Representation & Coordination

Represent the Syria NGO Forum externally in high-level coordination structures, donor forums, and UN-led mechanisms.

Hold meetings with Government officials and represent the members where possible. Collate feedback from members and present to officials.

Act as spokesperson and lead coordination focal point for the Forum, ensuring visibility and credibility for the forum.

Facilitate regular engagement with national and international stakeholders across the humanitarian-development nexus.

Strengthen collaboration with local civil society networks, UN, Authorities, and other response actors.

Strategic Leadership & Governance

Lead strategic planning and execution of the Forum’s workplan under the supervision of the Forum Board.

Facilitate governance processes, including General Assembly and Chamber Assemblies, ensuring transparency and inclusivity.

Provide strategic oversight to technical workstreams and thematic groups, ensuring alignment with Forum priorities.

Oversee annual review and performance management processes for the Secretariat.

Advocacy & Policy Influence

Drive joint policy and advocacy initiatives on key humanitarian and development issues together with the Policy and Advocacy Manager.

Support development and endorsement of joint positioning papers, policy briefs, and public statements.

Engage with media and public platforms as required, in consultation with the Forum Board.

Organizational & Secretariat Management

Provide managerial and strategic supervision to the Secretariat team.

Ensure effective Secretariat operations, including meeting facilitation, membership services, documentation, and communications.

Liaise with Host Agencies to ensure compliance with administrative, financial, and HR procedures.

Lead the preparation and implementation of budgets, donor proposals, and reporting, in consultation with the Board.

Localization & Inclusion

Promote equitable participation of NNGOs, INGOs, and local actors across all structures of the Forum.

Lead initiatives that enhance national NGO leadership and support localized capacity-sharing and decision-making.

Ensure that Forum activities reflect diversity, inclusivity, and the humanitarian principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality, and independence.

Supervisory Responsibility

Secretariat team and consultants, as relevant

Accountability

The Director is accountable to the Syria NGO Forum Board, composed of elected representatives from INGO and NNGO Chambers. The role is subject to an annual performance review process that includes feedback from Forum members. The Director administratively reports to the Mercy Corps Syria Country Director

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

Advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international development, humanitarian affairs, political science, or related field.

At least 7 years of senior country or regional experience in humanitarian coordination, policy, or NGO director (country or regional office) leadership roles.

Strong experience working in conflict or post-conflict contexts, preferably in the Syria response or Middle East region.

Proven ability to lead multi-stakeholder platforms or consortium-based coordination initiatives.

Excellent understanding of humanitarian architecture, coordination mechanisms, and donor dynamics.

Strong communication and representation skills, including media engagement and public speaking.

Fluency in English required; Arabic strongly preferred.

Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Success Factors

The successful candidate will be an experienced, principled leader with strong coordination, diplomacy, and advocacy skills. They will be capable of navigating complex political and humanitarian environments, balancing diverse organizational interests, and fostering collaboration and trust among Forum members and external actors. A commitment to localization, neutrality, and impact-driven leadership is essential.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements