Country Director Syria

We are currently recruiting a Country Director for Syria to successfully lead and adapt our operations into the new reality for Syria.

This role will initially be based in Amman, Jordan (with significant travel into Syria) by the end of 2025 it is expected for this role to be based in Syria 100% of the time

About the Opportunity

Relief International is a global humanitarian organization that partners with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disaster to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing.

Relief International has been operational in Syria since 2012, implementing programming focused on Health and Protection, with integrated services in WASH, Nutrition and Livelihoods through both direct implementation and with partners. With the change in governance inside Syria, Relief International is in the process of adapting the country program strategy and moving into new locations, including transitioning from a Hub-based management and implementation approach to moving the country mission inside Syria.

The Country Director for Syria will lead Relief International’s operations, guiding the adaptation of program strategies and ensuring effective implementation in Health, Protection, WASH, Nutrition, and Livelihoods. You will ensure safety and support the program’s growth in a complex environment.

Responsible for driving excellence and ensuring the implementation of RI’s mission in Syria. Highly visible both internally and externally, the Country Director will position RI as a leader in the development and humanitarian sector within the region.

RI’s new Country Director for Syria is a…

Strategic visionary. The Country Director will build on RI’s activities since 2012 and translate it into actionable programs for excellence in the new Syria. This involves considering the needs and capacities of the communities RI serves, the capabilities RI has and needs to develop, and the resources required for execution. You will be leading the change to ensure we have the team and partnerships to deliver these new requirements.

Resource mobilizer. Develop alliances with Partners, external donors, key stakeholders to ensure adequate funding and sustainable impact to the Syrian crisis. Contribute and advocate for policy change in line with program goals.

Quality operational program deliverer and Risk manager. Ensure high quality operational implementation including financial, risk management, addressing complex challenges in high-risk settings.

Team builder and talent developer. The Country Director will mentor, and build the capacity of team members in Syria, supporting and driving a culture of learning, knowledge sharing and talent development. Being a leader who inspire accountability for impactful results.

Your Responsibilities

This role includes the following responsibilities.

• Lead the strategic planning and operational execution of Relief International’s mission in Syria, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
  • Manage key relationships with government authorities, donors, and partners, representing Relief International at the central and governorate levels.
    • Oversee the implementation of high-quality programs, ensuring resource allocation, compliance, and timely spending.
      • Ensure staff safety and security, managing risks, and fostering a positive work environment.
        • Drive program growth, securing funding from new donors and building strong teams for sustained impact.

          About You

          You will bring the following experience and skills.

          • Substantial proven experience leading large-scale multi-sector programs in complex and challenging environments.
            • Strong expertise in managing change, including leading teams through transitions and adapting strategies to evolving contexts.
              • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.
                • Proven ability to manage and motivate diverse teams, fostering a culture of accountability, transparency, and high performance.
                  • Expertise in risk management, including ensuring staff safety and implementing security protocols in high-risk environments.