Job description

GIZ has been operating in Syria since 1976. It has thus established valuable contacts in civil society and garnered experience that is now crucial for supporting the country. From 2013 onwards, it worked without government involvement with the assistance of local non-governmental organisations. Despite the difficult conditions, GIZ has consistently contributed to improving people’s living conditions.

In view of the developments since December 2024, which have led Syria into a decisive phase of transformation, GIZ plans to reopen its Country Office in Damascus in 2026. It is currently implementing projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office (FFO), with co-financing from the European Union and other donors. From 2026, the portfolio is planned to be expanded by several new projects.

The Climate-resilient Water Management Project aims to strengthen institutional capacities and advance regulatory reform within the water sector by promoting modern, transparent, and accountable systems for water governance and resource management. Building on the technical and strategic capacities of Syrian authorities, the project seeks to support the sustainable management of the country’s water resources through the implementation of evidence-based and innovative solutions. The intervention aims to improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of water service delivery systems across Syria. In parallel, the project focuses on improving the efficient use and reuse of water resources, as well as increasing the utilisation of alternative water sources to enhance long-term water security.

Your tasks

Assuming overall responsibility for the successful implementation of the Climate-resilient Water Management Project in close cooperation with the BMZ and relevant Syrian partners on national and subnational level
Overseeing the technical, financial, and administrative management of the project, including responsibility for budget control, financial planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation in line with GIZ and donor requirements
Steering the implementation of activities across the governance, operationalisation, and service delivery on national and subnational level, with a particular focus on water and resource management
Leading national and international project staff in accordance with GIZ’s leadership principles, ensuring a respectful, inclusive and performance-oriented work culture
Ensuring effective coordination and cooperation with Syrian governmental institutions, including governorates and municipalities, as well as relevant water sector authorities and related water and sanitation utilities, as well as with national and international private sector actors
Fostering strong coordination with relevant actors in the water and sanitation sector in Syria, including the WASH Sector Advisory Group, to ensure complementarity and leverage synergies
Ensuring that all project activities are implemented in a conflict-sensitive manner and consistently integrate gender equality, inclusion – particularly of women, youth, and persons with disabilities – as well as social cohesion considerations
Overseeing the development and implementation of results-based monitoring systems, including the tracking of progress against indicators, and ensuring timely, high-quality reporting to commissioning parties and partners
Representing GIZ vis-à-vis governmental counterparts, donors, international organisations, and other stakeholders engaged in the water and sanitation sector as well as water resource management
Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)

University degree in civil engineering, economics, public administrations, or another field relevant to the management of national water and sanitation provision, operationalisation of large- and medium-scale public service provision
At least 10 years of professional experience in international development cooperation, focusing on programmes related to water and sanitation, water resource management and/or operationalisation of public water systems, or water governance in fragile or conflict-affected settings.
At least 5 years of leadership and management experience, including responsibility for technical, financial, and administrative implementation, budget control, financial planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation
Experience in designing and implementing programmes in public service delivery
Demonstrated expertise in working with public institutions at national and sub-national levels, particularly in the water and sanitation sector, local governance, service delivery, and institutional capacity development
Extensive professional network in Syria spanning governmental institutions, the private sector, and civil society actors
Strong experience in socio-economic development, including private sector promotion in the water sector
High-level interpersonal skills with a strong focus on gender competency
Excellent leadership skills and proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, foster collaboration, and engage effectively with political partners, the private sector and international stakeholders
Strategic and political thinking, analytical capacity, resilience, and adaptability in complex environments
Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic, knowledge of German is an asset

The following minimum requirements for applications need to be fulfilled:

Only application documents in English will be accepted. Documents in Arabic cannot be considered during the selection process.
Mandatory documents are CV and application letter in English stating your qualifications and previous professional experiences.