National Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) Specialist IOM

NORCAP works to improve aid to better protect and empower people affected by crisis and climate change. We do this by providing expertise and solutions to humanitarian, development and peacebuilding partners, because we believe working together is the best way to reduce needs, risks and vulnerability over time. We seek and promote more effective ways of working at the global level and in the field. NORCAP’s aim is not only to reduce needs, but also to create choice and opportunity for vulnerable people.
NORCAP works with and through our partners to improve aid in two complementary ways:

• We provide targeted expertise to strengthen our partners’ response.
• We collaborate with partners to develop solutions to un-met gaps and challenges.

This role is central to NORCAP’s commitment to strengthening accountability, participation, and community-centred approaches across humanitarian and development responses.

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is scaling up its operations across Syria in response to evolving humanitarian and recovery needs. With a unique opportunity to integrate Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) across humanitarian, development, and nexus programming from the outset, IOM is seeking dedicated expertise to strengthen both organisational and interagency AAP systems, processes, and coordination.

The Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) Specialist will support IOM Syria and its partners to strengthen accountability, participation, feedback mechanisms, and community engagement across the response. The successful candidate will help establish sustainable systems and practices that embed AAP throughout programme design, implementation, monitoring, and coordination structures, while supporting capacity development across the mission and wider response.

The position is based in Damascus, Syria until end of year with possible extension. Open for Syrian nationals only.

Role and Responsibilities
As the AAP Specialist, you will take on the following responsibilities:

• Develop and institutionalise mission-wide AAP systems, procedures, and operational guidance to support consistent, high-quality programming.
• Embed AAP principles and practices across humanitarian, development, and nexus programming to ensure meaningful participation and accountability.
• Co-chair the national AAP Working Group and strengthen collaboration among United Nations agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, local authorities, and community-based actors.
• Promote collective approaches and best practices that strengthen accountability and community engagement across the wider Syria response.
• Support the design, development, and implementation of a sustainable, data-driven collective complaints and feedback mechanism (CFM).
• Analyse feedback, perception, and referral data to inform programme quality, decision-making, and accountability outcomes.
• Build the capacity of IOM personnel and partners through mentoring, training, and technical support on AAP approaches and tools.
• Contribute to succession planning by strengthening national capacity and supporting the development of sustainable AAP leadership and systems within IOM Syria.

Qualifications and Experience

To excel in this role, candidates should possess the following qualifications and skills:

• Advanced university degree in social sciences, international development, humanitarian affairs, public policy, community engagement, communications, or another relevant field.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) frameworks, community engagement approaches, and feedback mechanisms in humanitarian and/or development settings.
• Strong understanding of interagency coordination processes and experience working collaboratively with United Nations agencies, non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, and government counterparts.
• Experience establishing or strengthening complaints and feedback mechanisms, data-driven accountability systems, and organisational change processes.
• Excellent facilitation, stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, communication, and relationship-management skills.
• Professional fluency in English is required and Arabic. Please read the attached terms of reference for more details before applying.
• Syrian citizenship is a requirement for this role.

Competencies

The main competencies of a NORCAP expert for this assignment are:

• Building Working Relationships
• Planning and Organising
• Coping with change
• Communicating with Impact

What We Offer

In recognition of your expertise and contributions, we provide the following benefits and opportunities:

• Rewarding work for a renowned global organisation
• Access to a network of humanitarian, peace, and development professionals
• A dedicated Staff Care Unit
• Eligible for consideration for NORCAP membership and future assignments, subject to a successful performance review.

Our Values & Commitment

NORCAP is part of the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

All NRC employees are expected to act in accordance with the organisation’s values.
Being dedicated, innovative, inclusive, and accountable are behaviours and beliefs that guide how we work and how we build relationships. We are committed to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, empowered, supported, and a genuine sense of belonging.

NORCAP values diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. We believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our ability to respond effectively to the needs of people affected by crisis.

NRC has a zero-tolerance stance toward any form of exploitation or abuse, including sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH), and we do not tolerate inaction when concerns arise.

All offers are subject to reference and background checks conducted in line with our safeguarding standards, and NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.

How to Apply

Based on what you have read so far, do you think you could be a good fit? If so, please follow these steps and apply!

• When submitting your application, kindly register in English your full employment history and education. Please include your full name as written in your passport. Uploaded CVs alone will not be reviewed.
• NORCAP reserves the right to conduct a full background check on shortlisted candidates.
• Approved Health Certificate will be required prior to contract commencement and assignment.
• Feedback will be given to all applicants within four weeks after the closing of this advertisement.

Apply before 16th August 2026

We look forward to receiving your application!