Area Manager Syria*

The position is to be filled as soon as possible, with an initial contract duration of two years. There are very good prospects for an extension. Employment location will be Damascus, Syria.

The objective is to manage project implementation and provide strategic leadership and operational oversight to all Welthungerhilfe activities in specific areas of Operations in Syria. The aim is to ensure that all humanitarian and development projects are implemented in effective and high quality to the needs of affected communities, aligned with Welthungerhilfe strategy, standards and according to internal policies and donor requirements.

The Area Manager has financial responsibility and also leads the area-based project teams. This role will be responsible for collaborating with Welthungerhilfe country level technical leads and program development teams to develop project proposals and provide strategic inputs and information. The Area Manager has overall responsibility for the Welthungerhilfe staff security and plays a key part in coordination and representing Welthungerhilfe external stakeholders, including donors in the project areas.

Your responsibilities

Lead the planning, implementation, and oversight of complex humanitarian and development projects in designated regions, ensuring timely delivery within scope, budget, and quality standards.

Monitor the humanitarian context and lead assessments to inform proposals, strategy, and locally led emergency responses.

Manage project teams through recruitment, performance leadership, on-the-job capacity building, and staff development planning.

Ensure adaptive project management by integrating monitoring, evaluation, accountability, learning (MEAL), evidence, and community feedback.

Oversee compliance with donor regulations, national laws, and Welthungerhilfe’s policies, procedures, and quality standards.

Ensure safety and security of staff and assets, including up-to-date security protocols, risk analysis, and staff training.

Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, communities, NGOs, UN agencies, government institutions, and civil society actors.

Represent Welthungerhilfe in external networks, clusters, and forums in line with country strategy and thematic priorities.

Facilitate donor engagement through regular updates, coordination meetings, and field visits showcasing impact.

Strengthen partnerships for effective project delivery and support the localization agenda through capacity development.

Ensure meaningful community participation in planning, implementation, and evaluation of projects.

Coordinate closely with finance, HR, logistics, and operations teams to support smooth project implementation.

Collaborate with Welthungerhilfe teams in Türkiye and Lebanon to ensure alignment, knowledge sharing, and strategic coherence.

Contribute to country strategy development and participate in national management and coordination forums.

Your profile

A university degree in project management or a comparable level of qualification.

A minimum of 5 years of senior management experience in NGO project management, including project implementation with partners.

Experience in working with and developing the capacities of national and international implementing partners.

Expertise in at least one of the following sectors: food security, agriculture, livelihoods, social stability.

Previous experience working in Syria or within the Middle East is an advantage.

Experience in security/crisis management.

Experience with GIZ / BMZ/UN agencies/EU/ECHO donor regulations is an advantage.

You recognize the growing value of data in your field and are eager to build your awareness and skills to incorporate data-informed approaches into your work.

You should be ready to travel approximately 40% of the time to field locations across the country.

Readiness to receive necessary vaccinations for traveling to Welthungerhilfe's programme countries.

A very good command of both written and spoken English; German and/or Arabic language skills would be an asset.

What we offer

Fair Compensation: A fair and equal remuneration based on a transparent salary scale.

Commitment to Well-Being: We attach great importance to our duty of care with a focus on safety, security & health.

Modern & Agile Work Environment: Be part of a forward thinking organization that fully embraces digitalization and innovation across all areas.

Personal & Professional Growth: Access diverse learning and development opportunities to advance your career.

Team: Join our dedicated and diverse teams, where passion, expertise, and joy come together to create a better world.

In addition, Welthungerhilfe offers numerous other benefits, which you can find under Our benefits.

Please send your application via our online recruiting system by July 8, 2025. Your contact person is Nawid Ketabi. Welthungerhilfe is committed to fighting terrorism in all its activities. Accordingly, any applicant who is offered employment will be screened against lists of known and suspected terrorists.

• Welthungerhilfe values diversity and ensures an inclusive, non-discriminatory working environment. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community.