Programme Coordinator (m/f/d), Syria

The German Red Cross (GRC) is part of a worldwide community assisting victims of conflicts and disasters and people affected by social or health related crises. The Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement provides vulnerable people with assistance without discrimination and adheres to the seven Fundamental Principles of the Movement: Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity and Universality.

Our Mission:
We provide needs-based, flexible, innovative and sustainable support to Sister National Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the wider humanitarian community. We enable early and immediate life-saving assistance and implement anticipatory action and risk-reducing activities, particularly in the face of climate change and armed conflicts and their humanitarian consequences. As a partner, facilitator and convener of cooperation, we strive to fulfil commitments to localization, community participation, protection and inclusion, gender and diversity, accountability, and learning. Through these efforts, we aim to build resilient communities and ensure effective and inclusive humanitarian responses in an increasingly complex global landscape.

Programme Coordinator (m/f/d), Syria

The GRC is looking for an experienced Programme Coordinator (m/f/d) for Syria responsible for implementing the joint program of GRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). GRC supports SARC through programs, exchange of expert knowledge as well as technical and managerial support. Currently, the programmatic focus of GRC is on Health (Community based Health and First Aid and Reproductive, maternal, new-born and child health), humanitarian relief, (medical) logistics funded by the German Federal Foreign Office and ECHO. GRC has a longstanding cooperation with SARC and is present in country with two delegates, including a Head of Office and a Programme Coordinator as well as a local Logistics and a Finance Officer. The GRC office is within the premises of SARC HQ in Damascus.

The Programme Coordinator reports to and works under the supervision of the GRC Head of Office (HoO) in Damascus and will be part of an experienced team of national and international staff. This is an unaccompanied position.

Starting date: August 2026

Duration: 30.06.2028 (with possible extension)

Location: Damascus, Syria

Main duties & responsibilities:

• Manage financial, administrative, and operational aspects of all GRC-supported programs in Syria, in close coordination with HoO, regional structures and NHQ. This includes overseeing a multi-sectoral and multi-donor portfolios, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and internal policies, promoting quality, accountability, and sustainability of interventions, and strengthening synergies across different projects, programs, and partners in Syria.
• Explore funding opportunities and support the preparation of successful concept notes and project proposals.
• Support SARC in assuring that assigned projects are adequately planned, implemented and monitored, and contribute to the wider purpose of SARC’s sustainable capacity development.
• Facilitate communication and coordination between SARC, the GRC and other Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement partners, as well as liaising and maintaining a close working relationship with other relevant stakeholders e.g. INGOs, UN, GIZ etc.
• Supervise, coordinate, and provide quality support to GRC program staff in the country office.
• Support the GRC Head of Office in tasks related to the GRC operations, strategy, security and human resources management according to need.

Required Competencies & Skills:

• Minimum 3 years of proven experience in programme coordination and project management (including financial management; budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and quality assurance, reporting, etc.), with particular focus on community-based integrated programming.
• Technical background in the Health, Anticipatory Action, Disaster Risk Reduction, Crisis or Disaster Response is a strong asset.
• Proven expertise in capacity-building and organizational development, experience in working for the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement is a strong asset.
• Proven Experience in MEAL and reporting, beneficiary communication, complaint mechanisms, beneficiary selection.
• Willingness to work in a complex, insecure and dynamic environment and acceptance of the risks associated with this mission.
• Experience in working with different donors (preferably German Ministries, ECHO, etc.)
• Required oral and written fluency in English. Knowledge of German and/or Arabic is a strong asset
• Strategic thinking, hands-on mentality and in-depth understanding of the humanitarian system.
• Excellent communication, leadership skills and problem-solving skills as well as intercultural sensitivity, diplomacy and facilitation skills.
• Ability and agreement to adhere to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles;
• Ability to complete a thorough medical screening process 'working abroad under specific climate and health conditions';
• Valid International Driving Permit (IDP).

What we offer:

You will be part of a highly motivated professional and multicultural team. We offer you a compensation package according to the collective employment agreement of the GRC, an expatriation allowance during your mission as well as a personal allowance to cover your accommodation. In addition to a full insurance package, you will benefit from a comprehensive training package and receive briefings and coaching prior as well as during and after your mission. Medical check-ups and Psychosocial Support Service are included in your assignment.

Kindly apply by submitting your application by using the GRC online application system until July 12th, 2026 end of day (23:59 CET).

The GRC is committed to safeguarding and to a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (SEAH), and other types of misconduct. All staff are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct and to protect the rights, dignity, and well-being of the people we serve and work with. Safeguarding responsibilities are integrated into all roles, and all personnel are required to adhere to our rules of conduct and safeguarding policies.

Recruitment is subject to satisfactory reference and background checks. By submitting an application, candidates acknowledge and agree to provide the requested information and to undergo the relevant checks.

Please note that due to the travel and visa regulations and the guidelines of our partners in the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement certain vaccinations are required for this delegate position. Candidates on the short-list for this position will be asked to disclose their vaccination status.

We point out that the selection and nomination processes for this international delegate position may demand that information concerning your person be shared with involved Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners (IFRC, ICRC, National Society). This may include transmission into countries that do not apply data protection standards comparable to those of the European Union.

Deutsches Rotes Kreuz e.V. - GeneralsekretariatCarstennstr. 58
12205 Berlin