Head of Finance

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.


Your tasks

• Responsible for cash and bank payment related matters; that includes organization of cash boxes, opening, closing and supply of bank accounts, management of letter of credits and keeping close contact to key account Managers at bank and finance unit at the Head Office
• Responsible for guiding and leading her/his staff, overseeing the onboarding and qualification of new staff and monitoring the quality and cost effectiveness of the services provided in accordance with GIZ’s leadership principles, ensuring a respectful, inclusive, and results-oriented leadership culture
• Monitor cash flow and cash flow needs in CO and projects and organize appropriate funds supply from HQ and funds transfers to Syrian bank accounts
• Responsible for the management of all incoming invoices, payment requests and other payment or accounting related documents; that includes quality check, invoice check, payment process, legal reporting requirements (withholding tax issues etc.), accounting, and archiving
• Check the quality of monthly journals and account balances before release to Country Director
• Ensure to maintain all related systems and monitoring sheets according to GIZ rules and requirements
• Continually revise and improve accounting and payment procedures in GIZ Syria
• Organize the inventory management of Country Office
• Set up and maintain cost sharing keys for cost distributions to the projects
• Regularly liaise with and report all problems related to financial administration and compliance, without delay, to the superior
• Carry out the annual staff assessment and development talks to her/his staff members
• Manage and continuously improve the overall travel management, supporting the introduction of new travel applications and tools and being part of the overall qualification process to all GIZ Syria staff
• Monitor the travel application and settlement procedures and identifying critical cases for follow-up
• Ensure an adequate internal control system is in place (separation of functions, cross-check principle, observation of the Code of Conduct and of procurement rules) together with the responsible line manager(s)

Overarching tasks

• Explain commercial rules, standards and guidelines
• Work in and with networks, network with financial managers at the local, regional and national levels
• Assist in managing external and internal audits and internal controls

Key area of financial management and bookkeeping

• Cash management and monitoring for the Country Office
• Managing the CO bank account, follow-up transactions, manage CO journal and bookkeeping
• Assist the LFA in monitoring of CO budget, by following up on obligos and commitment authorisation, costs, residual funds and current contracts
• Receivables management
• Support with advising on commercial issues and support with Country wide BCM plan
• Preparation of external audits and support for the auditors
• Monitoring the implementation of IC findings and action taken to address objections raised in audit reports.
• Act as a contact person – when needed – with partner(s) and/or financing recipients in relation to commercial issues

Key area of administration

• Involvement in the coordination of the Service Unit structures (facility management, logistics, fleet management, etc.) in consultation with the Head of Service Unit
• Where appropriate and reasonable, the position holder is willing to perform tasks outside the scope of the job description

Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics or Business Administration or similar
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in a finance and administration position
• At least 5 years of leadership experience and managing teams
• Knowledge about German Development Cooperation and previous experience in GIZ is preferable.
• In-depth knowledge of accounting software
• Ability to understand, present and communicate complex information and dependencies of financial administration processes
• Strong result orientation with the ability to challenge existing competences
• Strong communication and coordination skills
• Advanced knowledge of ICT and computer applications (e.g. MS office)
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Dynamic personality with a dedicated focus on the delivery of quality services even under tight timelines. Self-motivated with proven ability to work creatively, proactively and innovatively with limited direct supervision.
• 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:

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 31.01.2026. 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