Head of Support Services (HoSS)

About the role

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) Syria is looking for a Head of Support Services (HoSS) to ensure effective, efficient Finance, Administration, HR, IT and Supply Chain services across Syria, in line with DRC procedures and guidelines. As a Senior Management Team member, the HoSS oversees programme support, sets and achieves annual support-function targets, develops country strategies and improves operational systems. The role is based in Damascus, Syria, with an expected start in January or February 2027.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the support service teams, including managers and area support teams, and oversee operational support and annual planning and review.
• Ensure rapid emergency response capacity, accurate administrative and legal systems, and build staff capacity through training and mentoring.
• Decentralize support functions and empower area teams, and lead workforce planning, organigram updates and transitions for office setup, relocation or closure.
• Coordinate support due diligence, monitoring and capacity building for local implementing partners, and promote a phased nationalization plan.
• Develop, review and roll out support policies and SOPs, and monitor compliance.
• Update the Country Master Budget, prepare project proposals, run monthly budget follow-ups and implement core cost projects.
• Support the Country Director and SMT on donor liaison, audits, risk management and the risk register.
• Use DRC Dynamics ERP, acting as a heavy user of Projects and Finance functions.

Required profile

• At least 10 years of management experience and at least 5 years in a similar role, preferably in an international NGO; previous Country Senior Management experience is essential.
• Experience in the Middle East and/or a fast-paced conflict setting is preferred.
• Proven leadership, people management and operational experience in finance, supply chain, HR and/or information management.
• Experience scaling up and down humanitarian operations and using ERP systems.
• Master's degree in finance, HR, economics, business administration or a related field; fluency in English, Arabic an advantage.

What we offer

• One-year contract, renewable based on performance and fund availability.
• Management-level salary (E level 1) on DRC's salary scale.

To apply, candidates must submit a cover letter and an updated CV (no more than four pages) in the same language as the vacancy, via the Talentech application form; applications close on 5 December 2026.