Duty Station: Damascus
With travel to: Within Syria and occasionally to Beirut.
Time allocation: Full time (38h/wk). Starting as soon as possible after 1 July 2026.
Overview
Caritas Austria leads the DG ECHO‑funded Cash Assistance in Re‑emerging Markets in Syria (CARMA) consortium, comprised of three Syrian partners and three international partners. The consortium implements multipurpose cash assistance, protection‑focused case management, and owner‑led shelter repair support across several governorates.
Role: Chief of Party (National Position)
Provide overall strategic leadership and operational management of the CARMA Consortium. Chair the Steering Committee, serve as primary focal point for donor relations, ensure programme quality, compliance with donor requirements, effective coordination, and achievement of objectives.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Coordination
* Provide overall direction and leadership for consortium‑wide project implementation
* Chair consortium coordination meetings and ensure effective inter‑agency collaboration
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with DG ECHO and other external stakeholders
* Represent the consortium in humanitarian coordination forums
* Promote trust and transparency in exchanges with consortium partners at all levels, in line with the Caritas Internationalis Partnership Principles
Programme Management
* Oversee project planning, implementation and reporting across all consortium partners
* Ensure timely delivery of outputs and outcomes according to work plan
* Monitor program quality and adherence to humanitarian principles and standards
* Lead the response to emerging and evolving humanitarian needs
* Report progress to CAUT’s Vienna‑based Project Team
* Contribute to developing project proposals
Financial and Operational Oversight
* Monitor the overall project budget (~4.2 M Euro)
* Ensure compliance with DG ECHO regulations, consortium agreements, and CAUT organisational policies
* Conduct regular risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies
Donor Relations and Reporting
* Serve as primary liaison with DG ECHO’s mission in Damascus
* Lead preparation and submission of narrative and financial reports
* Coordinate monitoring visits, audits, and donor evaluations
Capacity Building and Compliance
* Strengthen partner capacity in programme management, referral mechanisms, feedback and complaints handling, and accountability to affected populations
* Ensure compliance with safeguarding and code of conduct requirements
* Promote local leadership and meaningful participation of local actors in line with CAUT’s 2025‑2030 International Programme strategy
Fundraising and Communication
* Contribute to fundraising and communication efforts on behalf of the Consortium and/or CAUT
Qualifications and Experience
* Minimum 5 years of progressive experience in humanitarian programme management, with at least 3 years in senior project leadership roles
* Demonstrated experience managing multi‑partner consortia
* Proven track record with DG ECHO‑funded projects
* Substantial experience working in Syria
* Experience coordinating with UN agencies, donors, and government authorities
* University degree in a relevant field
Technical Competencies
* Strong knowledge of humanitarian principles
* Excellent financial management and budget oversight skills
* Experience contributing to the development of proposals
* Proficiency in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL)
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, PSEA, and duty of care requirements
* Expertise in multipurpose cash assistance or protection is an advantage
Skills
* Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and interpersonal skills
* Outstanding written and verbal communication abilities
* Ability to work effectively under pressure in challenging security environments
* Fluency in English and Arabic
* Proficiency with MS Office
Competencies
* Strategic thinking and decision‑making
* Collaborative leadership and team management
* Cultural sensitivity and contextual awareness
* Problem‑solving and adaptability
* Integrity and commitment to humanitarian values
* Resilience and stress management
Offer
* Contract: 1‑year national contract, with possibility of extension depending on funding
* Competitive salary
* Benefits including contribution to health insurance and 27 days of annual leave
* Security: CAUT’s security protocols enforced; staff must comply with all security measures
* Travel: frequent travel to field locations
Equal Employment Opportunity
Caritas Austria is committed to equal employment opportunities. We encourage anyone who fulfils the above criteria to apply – irrespective of age, gender, religious, sexual, or ethnic affiliation. Within Caritas Austria there is no space for exploitation, abuse, discrimination, or corruption. Caritas Austria is a member of the interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. The successful candidate will be required to sign and adhere to Caritas Austria’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy.
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