Head of Component TVET and Employment Promotion

Assignment period: 01.05.2026 - 30.04.2027
Location: Damascus
Type of contract: National contract based on Syrian labour law
Type of employment: Fulltime

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 ten projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office, 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 organisational advice for vocational schools and training centres and cooperating companies. Furthermore, the STEP project focuses on the development of inclusive and efficient labour market services based on partnerships with local and foreign companies for rapid labour market integration.

Your tasks

Policy advice to the main political counterparts of the project, namely the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour, Ministry of Industry and Economy and other relevant public institutions in the field of TVET and employment
Disciplinary lead of up to 8 national and international staff and responsible for team management, performance management and team development in accordance with GIZ’s leadership principles, ensuring a respectful, inclusive, and results-oriented leadership culture
Advise on interlinkages in the Syrian TVET and labour market system and on reforms aiming at inclusive and sustainable employment promotion
Identify meaningful entry points and interventions on TVET and employment promotion in line with the project logic and its expected results
Advise on mechanisms to link up vocational schools with the private sector
Overlook project partnerships and being able to communicate them to partners and donors
Represent the project in thematically relevant meetings with implementing partners
Bring in expertise on good practices related to labour market oriented TVET and employment promotion
Support to project management in reporting, communication and representation duties
Where appropriate and reasonable, performing additional tasks upon request of the management
Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)

University Degree (Master’s level) in Economics, Social Studies, Educational Management or alike
At least 12 years of relevant work experience in the sector of TVET and employment promotion
At least 5 years of leadership experience and managing teams
Strong knowledge of the Syrian TVET system, its governance and stakeholders
Strong knowledge of labour market integration measures
5 years of work experience with Syrian public institutions
Strong analytical and facilitation skills
High cultural, context and conflict sensitivity
Awareness for the topic of discrimination and marginalization
Hands-on mentality
Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic, knowledge of German is an asset
How to apply
The following minimum requirements for applications need to be fulfilled:

Only application documents in English will be accepted. Documents in Arabic cannot be considered during the selection process.
Mandatory documents are CV and application letter in English stating your qualifications and previous professional experiences.
The deadline for application is 31.01.2026. 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