Economic Recovery and Development (ERD)
IRC has over 10 years of experience in Syria implementing cash, agriculture, and livelihoods programming, and was one of the first organizations to use cash transfers, supporting vulnerable communities with MPCT since 2014 in the northwest and 2015 in the northeast.
Job overview:
The Agriculture Technical Senior Manager will provide strategic and technical leadership for the design, implementation, and oversight of agricultural programs within IRCโs Economic Recovery and Development portfolio. This role ensures technical excellence in agricultural interventions and climate resilience projects, as well as capacity building for IRC teams and partners. The Agriculture Technical Senior Manager is instrumental in scaling effective agricultural solutions that enhance food security and livelihoods for vulnerable populations and works closely with other departments on cross-thematic issues related to climate and agricultural livelihoods
Responsibilities:
Program Design & Implementation
Lead the development, planning, and implementation of agriculture programs aligned with IRC strategies and donor requirements. Ensure working with other sectors to develop and implement integrated programs on agriculture and climate Ensure integration of sustainable, climate-smart, and context-appropriate agricultural techniques into program design. Guide the application of modern farming methods, seed systems, irrigation, pest management, and post-harvest practices. Support development of value chains, market access, and linkages between farmers and buyers.Technical Leadership
Provide technical expertise and quality assurance across agricultural program components. Conduct needs assessments, agricultural feasibility studies, and market system analyses to inform program design. Ensure integration of cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, protection, and inclusion of marginalized groups.Coordination & Representation
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)
Oversee agriculture-specific monitoring and evaluation activities, including data collection and impact assessments. Utilize monitoring data for continuous program improvement. Ensure beneficiary feedback mechanisms are in place and effectively used.Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development
Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures, and communicate through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations. Conduct regular reflection or program review meetings with field-based staff to assess the level of achievement and draw on learning and data trends (including client feedback) to further inform Program design and management decisions Provide technical coaching, training, and mentorship to team members, ensuring clear communication of technical expectations and standards. Assess proficiencies and develop and lead a targeted learning and training strategy. Develop and implement remote technical capacity-building approaches to strengthen the skills and competencies of teams in Syria. Support the creation and delivery of measurable technical development plans, including on-the-job learning, knowledge exchange, and guidance on technical career growth. Identify technical capacity gaps within the team and collaborate with relevant stakeholders to address them effectively. Lead technical training and support to mainstream ERD standards across IRC and partner operations in SyriaJob Requirements:
Education:
Masterโs degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, or related field/ Bachelorโs degree/ or equivalent technical years of experience.Work Experience:
5-7 years of progressive experience managing agricultural programs in humanitarian or development settings, preferably in Syria or comparable contexts. Proven expertise in sustainable agriculture, climate-smart practices, and value chain development. Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and liaising with government, donors, and partners.Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
Strong technical knowledge of crop production, livestock, seed systems, irrigation, pest control, and post-harvest management. Leadership and people management skills. Excellent communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills. Analytical and problem-solving abilities. Proficiency in program monitoring and evaluation related to agriculture. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to evolving contexts.Language / Travel:
Fluency in English and Arabic required. Willingness to travel minimum 40% to program sites across Syria and possibly neighboring countries.Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: ERD Coordinator Position directly supervises: Field Agriculture Managers Indirect Reporting: N/A Key Internal Contacts: MEAL, Finance, Supply Chain, Protection, Livelihoods, Field Management Teams. Key External Contacts: Local government agriculture departments, donors, UN agencies, NGOs, community leaders, agricultural cooperatives, clusters, and technical working groups.