Legal Advisor for Investment Environment and Rule of Law

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 organizations. 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 reopens its Country Office in Damascus in 2026. It is currently implementing 14 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 project “Strengthening the Rule of Law in Syria,” funded by the BMZ, aims to reinforce and sustainably anchor the principles of the rule of law within the Syrian justice system. The project supports the professionalisation of judicial institutions by assisting training institutes and courts in improving their institutional structures, technical competencies as well as transparency and efficiency. At the same time, access to justice for the population is being expanded, including through local legal counselling services as well as information and awareness raising campaigns. In addition, the project promotes independent civil society reporting that monitors compliance with international human rights standards and helps bring relevant developments to public attention and provide actionable recommendations to the Syrian government on its’ obligation under International Human Rights Law.

Your tasks

• Provide technical advice and legal expertise on the intersection of economic governance and the rule of law, focusing on creating a predictable legal environment for private sector investment.
• Support institutional stakeholders and legislative bodies, including the Ministry of Justice and parliamentary committees, in evaluating and updating legal frameworks that impact commercial activity.
• Develop comprehensive training concepts and curricula for lawyers, judges, and legal practitioners on modern investment laws, commercial regulations, and corporate legal protections.
• Promote the integration of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, providing technical guidance on the framework and implementation of commercial mediation and arbitration.
• Advise on legal and regulatory reforms aimed at strengthening contract enforcement, protecting property rights, and lowering legal barriers for businesses.
• Guide dialogue and knowledge exchange between state justice institutions, legislative actors, and legal syndicates regarding investment security and economic legal certainty.
• Facilitate technical workshops, strategic roundtables, and policy discussions on economic law, procedures and regulatory compliance for institutional and legal actors.
• Manage external consultants, academic legal experts, and specialized research institutions delivering technical inputs on commercial law reform.

Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)

• Advanced University degree (Master’s or higher) in Law, Commercial Law, Economic Law, International Arbitration, or an equivalent legal discipline.
• Profound, verified technical background in economic and commercial law, with deep expertise in investment regulations, corporate frameworks, contract enforcement, and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive professional experience directly managing or advising on rule of law initiatives, economic governance, justice sector reform, or private sector legal development within international cooperation contexts.
• Proven professional track record as a practicing lawyer, corporate legal counsel, or judicial actor, ensuring deep operational insight into commercial litigation, investment law application, and the practical handling of business disputes.
• Demonstrated experience in technical legal drafting, policy analysis, or the design of specialized training curricula on commercial and investment law for high-level legal professionals.
• Profound context knowledge of the Syrian legal framework, civil law traditions, public administrative structures, and transitional economic challenges in Syria or the wider Middle East region, allowing for culturally sensitive implementation.
• Proven intercultural, social, and operational capabilities, including outstanding interpersonal skills for stakeholder management, rigorous analytical focus on technical drafting details, strong resilience and flexibility under pressure, and the stamina to reliably advance long-term institutional reforms.
• Native or professional fluency in Arabic and full professional proficiency in English; knowledge of German is an asset.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication, adaptability in fragile contexts, and strong diplomatic skills.

كيفية التقديم

Additional information

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 23.09.2026. 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 to [email protected] indicating in the subject line the respective title of the position.