Head of Operations Syria Damascus

**What we are looking for**

NRC Syria is in search of a **Head of Operations** to join the mission. The role holder will ensure ensure coherent, high-quality, and accountable implementation of NRC’s programmes. The role provides strategic and operational oversight across multiple Area Offices, supporting decentralized decision-making and works closely with the Country Director, Head of Programme, and Head of Support. The position holder takes the responsibility of running Syria Country operation programme, and programme implementation in Area offices assigned from the Country Director.

If you are a seasoned and experienced humanitarian leader with extensive experience particularly in large-scale, complex, or fast-evolving contexts this is the role for you!

**What you will do**

**The role will have the following specific responsibilities:**

- Establish/maintain Support/Programme/HAS coordination mechanism and procedures to ensure effective and efficient response.
- Develop guidance for scaling up the operational functions in alignment with the existent and projected scale up of funding.
- Lead, in conjunction with the CMG, on changes to the geographical scope of the country’s programmes, and implement any change management process required, including expansions and reductions of geographical coverage.
- In coordination with the Head of Programme, support Area Offices in strengthening PCM and programme implementation systems, conducting regular Grants Review Meetings at area level, supporting quality, timely implementation and ensuring regular monitoring is conducted at area level, as per monitoring plans.
- Ensure that the operational structures are fit for purpose, optimized and revised regularly to ensure financial viability based on the funding forecast.
- Accountable for oversight of area-level Master Budgets, ensuring alignment with programme priorities and effective budget monitoring and forecasting by relevant Budget Holders.
- Ensure that the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) supporting the implementation of the responses are relevant to the identified needs and review, if necessary, in line with the NRC procedures and global guidelines.
- Be responsible for the implementation of and adherence to NRC generic governing structures and systems in the area offices.
- In coordination with relevant AO and CO counterparts, lead to the continuous update of the Syria Emergency Response plan in line with the context analysis and changes in needs and strategy.
- Ensure that field-level feedback and operational risks are systematically captured, analysed, and escalated to inform national-level decision-making and strategic adjustments.
- In coordination with the HAS department, support AMs in navigating access challenges and operational dilemmas.
- Collaborate with regional and global teams to ensure cross-border initiatives (e.g., refugee response strategies) are aligned with NRC’s operational and strategic positioning in-country.
- Deputize for the Country Director upon delegation and as necessary.

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position.

**What you will bring**

- **Minimum 5 years of senior management experience** in humanitarian settings, with demonstrated ability to oversee multi-location operations.
- Demonstrated ability to **manage large and complex portfolios and support teams** working under pressure.
- Strong **knowledge and experience of NRC systems is an advantage**.
- Proven experience in **negotiating humanitarian access, managing emergency responses, and leading operations in security-sensitive or hard-to-reach areas**.
- Experience **engaging and negotiating with government actors, donors, coordination platforms, and implementing partners.**
- Previous experience in **managing financial systems, budget planning and monitoring, donor compliance, and financial reporting.**
- Solid understanding of the project cycle particularly needs assessment, design, planning, implementation, and monitoring, with a focus on adaptive and evidence-based approaches.
- Skilled in establishing and managing coordination mechanisms and balance programme and support functions.
- Knowledge of the **context in Syria and the Middle East**.
- Experience **working in recovery settings.**
- Experience with organizational development, governance and control mechanisms.
- **Fluent in English**, both verbal and written.
- Arabic is also an advantage in this role.

**What we offer:**

- Duty station: Damascus.
- Contract: Fixed Term -renewable based on performance and funding.
- Travel: 50% within NRC Syria.
- Salary/benefits: Grade 11 on NRC’s salary scale.
- NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.
- We think outside the box