Medair Syria implements emergency response humanitarian assistance across multiple sectors, including MPCA, Health, Nutrition and WASH, supporting crisis-affected populations with life-saving and early recovery assistance in a complex and evolving humanitarian environment.
Role summary: Working at country level, the Deputy Country Director (DCD) provides strategic, operational and managerial leadership to ensure effective programme implementation and support function performance. The role supports country strategy development, oversees programme coordination, strengthens systems and compliance, and deputizes for the Country Director when required. The DCD plays a key role in donor engagement, external representation and cross-team collaboration.
Location and contract: Based in Damascus, Syria. Start date January 2027. Full-time, 24 months (subject to funding). ROC (Relief & Recovery Orientation Course) required.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure coordinated, high-quality programme implementation underpinned by effective support services; oversee cross-departmental planning and operational coherence; contribute to country strategy and proposal development, reporting and partnership management; deputize for the Country Director as required.
- Support the Country Director in external engagement with authorities, partners, sector working groups/clusters and donors; participate actively in coordination fora.
- Maintain oversight of spending and grant management; ensure appropriate compliance and controls to mitigate risks of fraud or disallowances.
- Line-manage senior staff; promote a supportive, accountable and inclusive work environment, including communication, performance management and capacity building.
- Manage security in the Country Director's absence; support Project Coordinators in updating security plans and protocols; manage incidents and support staff preparedness.
Qualifications and experience:
- University degree in Management, Development Studies, Business Administration, Public Health or a relevant technical field.
- At least two years of post-qualification management experience in humanitarian or development programmes.
- Experience of team leadership and security management.
- Proven experience working with donors, government officials and humanitarian coordination structures; understanding of CHS, Sphere and humanitarian standards and principles.
- Strong competencies in budgeting, financial oversight, proposal development, compliance, risk management and external engagement.
Behavioural skills: self-motivated, accountable, relational leadership able to build trust and collaboration; strong analytical, planning and problem-solving skills; adaptable, culturally sensitive, with coaching and mentoring skills; able to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
Team spiritual life: Medair is a Christian faith-based organisation; the role involves contributing to team devotion, prayer and a faith-based team environment aligned with Medair's Christian identity.
Application deadline: November 5, 2026
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, go to this vacancy on the Medair jobs page (https://www.medair.org/jobs/all/) and use the Apply link. Please do not make multiple applications. Email applications will not be reviewed. Only English-language applications/CVs will be reviewed.
https://intranet.medair.org/HR%20back-office/Contacts/newSubscription/603003/l01/originalApplicationPosition=Deputy%20Country%20Director%20Syria