Position Overview:

The Public Relations Manager is responsible for establishing, nurturing, and expanding IDA's relationships with Syrian government ministries and their affiliated directorates in all governorates. The role is based in Damascus and focuses on facilitating institutional communication, securing operational approvals and permissions, and representing IDA in official government-level engagements as directed by the Country Director.

Specific responsibilities:

These responsibilities will be the same for all positions with the same title.

1. Government Liaison & Relationship Management
Build and maintain strategic, trust-based relationships with officials across the Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (MoSAL), and the Ministry of Sports and Youth.
Establish and sustain regular communication channels with ministry focal points and directorate heads in Damascus and other governorates.
Coordinate with ministry-affiliated directorates in all Syrian governorates to ensure alignment of IDA's activities with local government priorities.
Monitor and respond to changes in government policies, structures, or priorities that may affect IDA's programs.
2. Approvals, Permissions & Compliance
Lead all formal processes for obtaining required approvals, licenses, and operational permissions from relevant government authorities.
Prepare, submit, and follow up on official correspondence, requests, and documentation submitted to ministries and directorates.
Maintain a tracking system for all pending and granted government approvals, ensuring timely renewals and compliance.
Coordinate with legal and program teams to ensure all IDA activities are in full compliance with Syrian regulatory requirements.
3. Partnership Development & Collaboration
Identify and pursue new opportunities for collaboration between IDA and government ministries in areas such as health services, labor, social protection, and youth development.
Support the development of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and formal partnership agreements with government entities.
Facilitate joint planning sessions, coordination meetings, and working groups between IDA program teams and government counterparts.
4. Representation & Official Engagements
Represent IDA in official government meetings, forums, and events when assigned by the Country Director.
Prepare briefing notes, talking points, and presentations for IDA leadership prior to high-level government meetings.
Maintain a professional, consistent, and positive public image of IDA in all interactions with government stakeholders.
5. Reporting & Information Management
Provide regular written reports to the Country Director on the status of government relations, pending approvals, and emerging opportunities or risks.
Document meeting minutes, action items, and follow-up commitments from government engagements.
Maintain an up-to-date stakeholder database covering key government contacts across all relevant ministries and directorates.
Competencies

Competencies are important in order for the employee and the organization to deliver desired results. They are relevant for all staff and are divided into the following two categories:

1. Professional competencies

These are skills, knowledge, and experience that are important for effective performance.

Generic professional competencies for this position:

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Political Science, International Relations, Communication, Law, or a related field. A Master's degree is an advantage.
At least 6 years of relevant experience in resource mobilization, grants management, communications, advocacy or strategic planning in humanitarian or development organizations. Knowledge of health and protection sector resilience-related processes and of the health sector more generally is strongly preferred, but not an asset;
Excellent leadership and team management capabilities;
Proven access to a global network of donors and partners and leverage to build new networks and mobilize financing, short and long-term;
Exceptional competencies in writing, communication, and facilitation;
Experience working within a humanitarian context; previous experience working in the Syria regional response preferred;
Previous experience working in complex and volatile contexts;
Documented results related to the position’s responsibilities;
Good IT skills, including Excel and Word.
Context/specific skills, knowledge and experience:

Knowledge of the context across Syria;

Good standing and reputation in the community;

Experience of working with local partners;

Experience of conducting assessments and monitoring activities;

Exceptional strategic planning and problem-solving skills;

Advanced representation and negotiation skills with experience in high-level coordination;

Strong analytical skills and ability to identify opportunities and risks;

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, in English (Arabic is a strong advantage);

Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply

2. Behavioral competencies

These are personal qualities that influence how successful people are in their job, the following are essential for this position:

Planning and delivering results

Communicating with impact and respect

Please send your resume/CV