Advisor Private Sector Cooperation for Employment

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Position description

Assignment period: 01.08.2026 – 31.07.2027
Location: Damascus
Type of contract: National contract based on Syrian labour law
Type of employment: Fulltime

Job description

GIZ has been operating in Syria since 1976. It has thus established valuable contacts in civil society and garnered experience that is now crucial for supporting the country. From 2013 onwards, it worked without government involvement with the assistance of local non-governmental organisations. Despite the difficult conditions, GIZ has consistently contributed to improving people’s living conditions.

In view of the developments since December 2024, which have led Syria into a decisive phase of transformation, GIZ plans to reopen its Country Office in Damascus in 2026. It is currently implementing projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office (FFO), with co-financing from the European Union and other donors. From 2026, the portfolio is planned to be expanded by several new projects.

The “Syria TVET and Employment Promotion Project” (STEP) aims to strengthen the employment prospects of Syrians in close cooperation with the private sector. This includes policy advice on the realignment of vocational training and employment strategies at national level, technical and organizational advice for vocational schools and training centers and cooperating companies. Furthermore, the STEP project focuses on the development of inclusive and efficient labor market services based on partnerships with local and foreign companies for rapid labour market integration.

Your tasks

• Designing and overlooking conflict-sensitive, inclusive and gender-sensitive employment promotion measures with the local private sector
• Setting up concrete co-implemented projects with local Syrian companies across all geographies of Syria
• Overseeing development partnerships with the local private sector, incl. providing information and advice to companies, coordinating a call for proposal and overseeing the co-implementation of employment-oriented partnerships with GIZ
• Liaising with chambers of industry, associations and individual companies in different governorates
• Liaising with private sector networks and initiatives in Syria
• Overlooking and providing quality assurance of in-company trainings
• Coordinating with other development or humanitarian actors providing short-term qualification measures
• Closely consulting and coordinating with relevant Syrian public institutions
• Where appropriate and reasonable, performing additional tasks upon request of the management

Qualifications

• University degree (at least Bachelor’s degree) in economics, business administration, or a related field
• At least 5 years of experience in designing and/or implementing employment promotion measures
• At least 3 years of experience of working with relevant governmental bodies in Syria
• Solid knowledge and network of private sector structures in Syria
• At least 3 years of professional experience in designing conflict-sensitive, inclusive and gender-sensitive employment promotion measures
• Familiarity with social cohesion approaches
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic, knowledge of German is an asset

Application instructions

The following minimum requirements for applications need to be fulfilled:

1. Only application documents in English will be accepted. Documents in Arabic cannot be considered during the selection process.
2. Mandatory documents are CV and application letter in English stating your qualifications and previous professional experiences.

The deadline for application is 31.05.2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

GIZ is committed to diversity and gender balance. It is encouraging persons with disabilities to apply for the position.

Please submit your application indicating in the subject line the respective title of the position.

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