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 “Syria TVET and Employment Promotion Project” (STEP) aims to strengthen the employment prospects of Syrians in close cooperation with the private sector. This includes policy advice on the realignment of vocational training and employment strategies at national level, technical and organizational advice for vocational schools and training centers and cooperating companies. Furthermore, the STEP project focuses on the development of inclusive and efficient labor market services based on partnerships with local and foreign companies for rapid labour market integration.

Your tasks

Designing and overlooking conflict-sensitive, inclusive and gender-sensitive employment promotion measures with the local private sector
Setting up concrete co-implemented projects with local Syrian companies across all geographies of Syria
Overseeing development partnerships with the local private sector, incl. providing information and advice to companies, coordinating a call for proposal and overseeing the co-implementation of employment-oriented partnerships with GIZ
Liaising with chambers of industry, associations and individual companies in different governorates
Liaising with private sector networks and initiatives in Syria
Overlooking and providing quality assurance of in-company trainings
Coordinating with other development or humanitarian actors providing short-term qualification measures
Closely consulting and coordinating with relevant Syrian public institutions
Where appropriate and reasonable, performing additional tasks upon request of the management
Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)

University degree (at least Bachelor’s degree) in economics, business administration, or a related field
At least 5 years of experience in designing and/or implementing employment promotion measures
At least 3 years of experience of working with relevant governmental bodies in Syria
Solid knowledge and network of private sector structures in Syria
At least 3 years of professional experience in designing conflict-sensitive, inclusive and gender-sensitive employment promotion measures
Familiarity with social cohesion approaches
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.