Syria Program Lead

About the role

The Syria Program Lead will provide strategic leadership for CIVIC’s Syria programme and drive the establishment of a formal country office. Reporting to the Global Director of Programs, the role combines programme development, stakeholder engagement and operational set‑up in a high‑risk environment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the start‑up and registration of CIVIC’s country office in Syria, ensuring compliance with donor, organisational and Syrian regulations.
• Develop, implement and regularly update the Syria strategic plan, identifying opportunities for sustainable programme growth.
• Recruit, onboard and manage a local team, fostering professional development and appropriate staffing structures.
• Maintain regular, constructive engagement with Syrian ministries (MOFA, MOSA, MOI) and governorate‑level authorities.
• Build and sustain relationships with civil‑society partners, international actors, donors and other key stakeholders.
• Coordinate fundraising activities in collaboration with national, regional and headquarters teams.
• Oversee programme delivery, monitoring, reporting and compliance with CIVIC policies and donor requirements.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in programme leadership within humanitarian or conflict‑affected contexts.
• Proven track record of establishing country offices or similar operational structures.
• Strong understanding of Syrian political and regulatory environment.
• Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills with government and civil‑society actors.
• Ability to travel frequently on short notice (up to 30% travel).

Required skills

• Strategic planning and programme design.
• Donor fundraising and grant management.
• Team recruitment, supervision and capacity building.
• Compliance and risk management.