Local Economic Development Advisor

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.

Your tasks

• Provide technical advise on establishing and implementing data-driven decision-making in public authorities for economic and industry development, fiscal policy development, labour market interventions and similar public activities (collection, processing, analysis of economic data, reporting, dashboards).
• Initiate innovative formats, design, facilitate and institutionalize public-private dialogue formats (roundtables, sectoral for a etc.), including systematic stakeholder follow-up and feedback management.
• Support partners in developing data-driven action plans and subnational economic strategies in a participatory manner, including prioritized measures and monitoring indicators.
• Design, advise and overlook capacity development measures, i.e. needs-based trainings/coaching or mentoring (i.e. on data literacy, process standardization).
• Mainstream integrity, transparency and anti-corruption in processes (feedback and oversight mechanisms, documented procedures).
• Closely coordinate with the responsible colleagues on work plans, reporting, risk/context monitoring and close coordination with partners and further GIZ teams in the wider Syria portfolio.

Your profile

• University degree (Master’s level) in Economic Development, Public Policy or Administration, Statistics or Data Analysis, Economic Geography or a related field.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in local economic development (e.g. municipalities, governorate administrations, service directorates), evidence based, data – driven economic planning, action plan development and service delivery, incl. data analyses
• Working experience of 2 years in designing and facilitating public-private dialogues;
• At least 3 years working experience in capacity development and integrity mainstreaming in public institutions, i.e. tainings developement (ToT).
• Proven experience in data analyses, strong analytical skills (advanced spreadsheets, digital applications, AI), facilitation and mediation skills.
• Strong context- and conflict sensitivity, political sensitivity and analytical thinking, consulting, communication and cooperation skills as well as intercultural competence.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively in a complex working environment, are essential.
• High motivation, reliability, and the ability to work in politically sensitive and rapidly changing contexts while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and adherence to communication standards are expected.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic, knowledge of German is an asset.

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.