Job location: Damascus, Syria
Starting date: asap
Vacancy closing date: 13 June 2026
Duration position:1 yr, with possible extension
Working hours: Fulltime (40 hours per week)
ZOA has provided emergency relief to Syrians in Syria and neighbouring countries since 2014. After ZOA's registration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in 2018, ZOA established an office in Damascus in 2019 and in Aleppo in 2021. Since then, ZOA has been working with crisis affected communities across Livelihoods and Agriculture, WASH, Education and Shelter/NFI sectors. ZOA implements directly, as well as through local and national partners. ZOA seeks to reach the most vulnerable groups- women, children, elderly, female headed households, persons with disabilities and internally displaced persons.
ZOA is looking for a
Manager of Operations
(Damascus, Syria)
Your challenge
The Manager of Operations (MoO) is responsible for effective and efficient management and control of all operational processes in the country organization. This includes Finance, Admin/liaison, IT, Logistics and Security.
Key responsibilities
Operations & Compliance
As Manager of Operations, you are responsible for ensuring that all operational systems and processes within the country programme function effectively, efficiently, and in full compliance with ZOA policies and donor requirements. You maintain and continuously improve country-specific procedures and manuals across finance, logistics, procurement, IT, and administration, ensuring alignment with ZOA’s global quality management framework. In addition, you oversee liaison activities with national authorities, including visa processes and approvals for staff and project implementation.
Finance
You are accountable for the overall financial management of the country programme, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality financial reporting. You contribute to the development of the country strategy and annual planning, including budgeting processes, and monitor financial compliance with internal and external requirements. You oversee audits, manage financial risks, and ensure that appropriate corrective actions are taken where needed.
IT, Logistics & Procurement
In relation to IT, logistics, and procurement, you ensure that policies and procedures are implemented effectively and that systems, assets, and infrastructure are secure, functional, and fit for purpose. Initiate streamlining of the procurement practices in ZOA Syria. You monitor performance and compliance, ensuring that procurement and logistics processes support programme delivery efficiently.
Security
You also play a key role in supporting the Country Director in maintaining a strong security framework. This includes ensuring adherence to security policies, supporting the development and updating of local security plans, and ensuring that staff are properly trained and briefed on security procedures. You contribute to incident follow-up and coordination with relevant stakeholders where required.
Leadership & Coordination
As part of your leadership responsibilities, you are a member of the Country Management Team and Local Crisis Team, providing strategic input and operational guidance. You lead and develop the teams under your supervision, ensure effective performance management, and contribute to strengthening the operational capacity of both staff and partners.
What we offer
- A key leadership role within an international NGO with global impact.
- The opportunity to work in a mission-driven and faith-based organization.
- A one-year appointment starting asap, with possibility of extension.
- A dynamic working environment and motivated teams in Damascus and Aleppo.
- Close collaboration within an international team.
- Good benefits and remuneration which suit the NGO sector, including R&R provisions.
What you bring
You are a strategic and values-driven leader with strong organizational sensitivity. You combine vision with execution and inspire people to perform and grow. You are able to operate effectively in a complex and sometimes insecure environment.
Identity
You are a values-driven leader who embodies ZOA’s mission and actively empowers others. You are comfortable contributing to faith-based team practices, such as prayer and reflection.
Experience & Knowledge
- A completed and relevant (Finance, Auditing or similar) university degree.
- At least 5 years of extensive experience in a senior operations role in a humanitarian or development setting.
- Strong operational capacity, particularly in logistics and procurement, and financial management expertise.
- Proven experience in integrated management (programmes, finance anderations).
- Excellent written and spoken English, Arabic speaking is an asset.
Competencies
- Result-oriented;
- Knows how to prioritize;
- Accurate;
- Decisive;
- Intercultural awareness;
- Effective and clear communication;
- Analytical;
- Problem solver
Do you need more information?
If you have questions about this vacancy, you can contact Sandra Vogd, HR Business Partner, email zoa.vacancies@zoa.ngo
Interested and do you want to apply?
ZOA operates with an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified women and men, people of all nationalities, and cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.
CV’s of no more than 5 pages in length are appreciated. Candidates will be selected on a rolling basis.
Only selected candidates will be contacted and invited to participate in the process of recruitment. An assessment may be part of the recruitment procedure. Documents that do not match the profile above will not be considered. In case of similar outcomes a priority status for internal candidates applies.
Please note that ZOA carries out background and reference checks (including COTER: check your name on counter-terrorism lists) for all candidates as part of the recruitment process. As ZOA participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme, all reference checks include a written questionnaire: the “Statement of Conduct”, which will be sent to past employers regarding Misconduct (such as sexual exploitation, abuse or harassment).