Head of Office, Syria

Job Summary:

You will manage and represent Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) activities in Syria operating through its operational office in Damascus to ensure implementation of high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. Out of the Damascus office, you will ensure the development and effective management of operational systems and resources and the delivery of high-quality programming in coordination with the CRS main office in Beirut, Lebanon. 

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Manage planning and implementation of all key activities in Syria ensuring alignment with Country Program (CP) and agency strategic programming and operational excellence priorities and standards.
• Approve expenses, monitor spending, and make budget adjustments in line with operational and programmatic needs and donor requirements.
• Proactively manage security and mitigate security risks in coordination with the Country Representative, Head of Operations, and Security Focal Point. Ensure a safe work and living environment through leading implementation of safety and security protocols and staff care and well-being best practices.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports. Monitor and assess performance to ensure adequate capacity. Contribute to staffing plans and recruitment process of senior staff.
• As the representative of CRS in Syria, and in coordination with the Country Representative, strengthen existing and develop new relationships with local partners, government and community organizations. 
• Proactively and effectively manage resources and promote stewardship, ensuring program and operations teams and partner staff have and optimize the appropriate human, financial, and material resources and tools. 
• Ensure high-quality project implementation, management, and compliance with programmatic standards, policies and procedures through project review systems and quality control (comprehensive M&E systems, budget review and analysis), and in coordination with the Head of Programming. Promote documentation of program reviews, success stories, and lessons learned
• Monitor day-to-day operations to ensure all operational services (HR, Finance, Supply Chain, Admin, ICT) are delivered with high quality in an efficient manner and adhere to policies. Manage risk and address challenges that affect the proper stewardship, optimal utilization and maintenance of program assets and resources (financial, human, and material).
• Create and maintain the proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for the sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to small deficiencies. Identify capacity strengthening needs for staff and partners and coordinate with CRS Syria/Lebanon program and operations teams to address capacity strengthening.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Team leadership abilities
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
• Able to live in an environment where everyday comforts may not be readily available.  

Required Languages – Working proficiency in English is a must. Arabic is a plus.

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 50%. Until the legal residency permit is issued, the position will be temporarily based in Beirut with regular travel to Syria. Ultimately this position will be based in Syria.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Syria Program Managers (x3), Admin Officer 

Key Working Relationships:

Internal

Head of Programming – dotted reported line with technical oversight on Program Quality; Head of Operations; Finance Manager; Risk and Compliance Manager; HR Officer; Syria Project Officers and Field Officers (next level supervisees).

External 

Local Church; Local partners; Coordination structures; Government; Peer agencies and Donor representatives.

Basic Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Business Administration, International Relations, or relevant field required. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in a non-profit, development, and/or humanitarian organization with progressive responsibilities and some project management experience. Experience with an international organization a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with projects funded by multiple public donors, including US donors. 
• Experience in stakeholder management and establishing and strengthening community partnerships.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
• Knowledge of procurement and general office administrative/management issues
• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information management systems.

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions. 
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan.  Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role.  CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world. 

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.