Position: Project Manager Syria
Reporting Relationship: Country Head of Programmes
Location: Damascus, Syria
Deadline:
Starting date: 01/08/2026
Family Duty Station: NO
R&R: YES
Contract Type: Expatriate (International)
Working context
The presence of WeWorld in Syria dates back to 2011, with an emergency education intervention in favour of Iraqi refugees in Aleppo. Since 2014, WeWorld has been providing humanitarian assistance to the vulnerable Syrian population with interventions in different sectors such as Education in Emergency, WASH, and Livelihoods. WeWorld currently operates in 4 governorates in Syria: Aleppo, Deir Ez Zor, Ar-Raqqa, and Daraa. At present, the main donors are EU (ECHO), Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Syria Humanitarian Funds (SHF), ChildFund Alliance and other United Nations Agencies.
Job description
WeWorld is recruiting a Project Manager who will be primarily involved in the management of emergency projects and will support the mission with other assignments depending on necessity.
He/She will report to the Country Head of Programmes and work in coordination with Local Field Teams, Head of Departments, and Area Managers.
Main tasks and responsibilities:
Operations Management:
* Ensure effective coordination, timely and quality planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities to meet deliverables in accordance with standards, timeline, and budget
* Coordinate the preparation, follow up, and update of comprehensive MEAL plan for the supervised projects, in cooperation with the MEAL Department, including resource needs analysis, covering the time frames of the project proposals
* Coordinate the development and follow-up on project procurement plans and financial forecasts
* Take responsibility of all aspects of finance, administrative, human resource and logistics management related to the assigned emergency projects, ensuring knowledge of and adherence to applicable operational systems, donor requirements and WeWorld country strategy
* Ensure budgets are spent according to donor proposals and regulations and within the appropriate timeframe, updating the HoP of the financial status of the projects
* Represent WeWorld in front of the donor of the assigned projects under responsibility
* Represent WeWorld at relevant meetings with partners and projects stakeholders, as applicable
* Collaborate with the organization's liaison focal points for all the necessary coordination and approvals required from the local authorities
Program Management:
* Assist the HoP with the identification and design of future projects
* Assist the HoP and the Grants officer in the development of project proposals upon request
* Assist the HoP on the development and implementation of the country's strategy
* Provide technical support to other Project Managers in the implementation of specific activities of sectoral expertise, where possible and needed
* Conduct technical needs assessments in coordination with the Program Manager
* Highlight and bring to the attention of HoP good practices and opportunities arising from the implementation of the supervised projects
Staff Management:
* Effectively coordinate and lead Area Project Coordinators for the implementation of project activities.
* Coordinate effectively with Head of Departments, Area, Security, and Support managers to ensure smooth implementation of the projects' activities and coordination of field work.
* Work closely with the HoP in establishing and maintaining collaborative and high performing team and a good working environment.
Quality and Reports Management:
* In collaboration with the MEAL Manager and the Local Field Teams, develop and implement constant monitoring systems to improve follow up, transparency and to ensure the best use of WeWorld assets and resources
* Make sure project activities and reports are delivered in time and with the best quality, in coordination with the Grants and Reporting Officer
* Support the preparation of briefing documents and agendas during internal and donor field visits and at other relevant projects' milestones
The duties and responsibilities set forth above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to perform additional duties requested by the Line Manager.
Provides a proper handover before the end of the assignment.
ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Qualifications and Knowledge:
* An advanced university degree or equivalent in the field of Social or Political Science, Development Studies, International relations, Project Management, and other relevant fields
* Fluent in written and spoken English
* Good computer and analytical skills are required
* Knowledge and proven experience in managing AICS or ECHO funded projects will be considered a strong asset
* Knowledge of other main donors' policies and procedures (UN Agencies, EU, ECHO) is preferable
Professional experience:
* At least 7 years of relevant working experience in humanitarian or development settings
* At least 5 years of experience in Project Cycle Management
* Proven experience in project proposal writing
* Strong experience in the management of multi-sectoral projects in a protracted crisis
Skills and Abilities:
* Strong interpersonal relationships and demonstrated ability to leverage business networks and partnerships for continued growth
* Good communication and leadership skills
* Ability to perform under stress conditions
* Proven ability to manage, monitor, and motivate field staff remotely
* Capacity to work autonomously and in problem prevention/resolution
* Ability to think strategically and conceptually and to translate these into concrete results
* Ability to identify, initiate, and maintain good relationships with partner organizations, donors, and national authorities, including building professional relationships with senior decision-makers and influencers/leaders
* Proven organizational skills and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks while fostering quality, team spirit and positive working relationships with colleagues
* Integrity in line with the Humanitarian Principles and ethical standards
* Strong commitment to WeWorld Mission
* Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability
DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS:
* Previous experience in the Middle East and Syria in specific or in the Syrian crisis context
* Previous Experience in multi-sectoral integrated programs
* Previous experience and overall understanding of Education, WASH, and Protection interventions
* Proven experience in the management of Education, WASH, Agriculture or Livelihood projects is highly preferred
* Knowledge of Arabic and/or Italian is an asset
WHAT WE OFFER:
Type of contract: a first 6 (six) months contract subject to verification (achievement of specific objectives); a second collaboration contract of 6 (six) months renewable, following the positive evaluation of the first period of collaboration and depending on available funding
Economic conditions: to be defined according to WeWorld Expatriates Compensation Policy: Base Salary (seniority/role held) + Contributions (role complex and hardship based on place of work)
Accomodation: WeWorld Guest House
Annual leave: 2,5 days/month (working days)
R&R: 5 days each 12 weeks - allowance of 1.000€ is provided
Flight ticket: one return flight every 12 months of contract
Health insurance: covered
How to apply:
Please send Cover Letter and CV at: https://weworld.intervieweb.it/jobs/project-manager-syria-707538/it/
The recruitment process may be closed early if a suitable candidate is found. Due to the large number of applications, we apologise in advance and will only respond to those profiles deemed suitable for the role.