Head of health project

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.


From January 2026, the GIZ project “Rebuilding the Health Sector in Syria”, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), seeks to contribute to the construction of a resilient, inclusive and sustainable health system able to provide quality-assured, inclusive and gender-responsive health services to the Syrian population. It supports the Ministry of Health and its institutions through technical cooperation, training, and targeted research to develop fair fee structures, unified quality standards, and gender-specific health approaches. The project particularly prioritises vulnerable groups, including low-income populations, women, children, and persons with disabilities, aiming to enable and enhance the Ministry’s capacities to deliver health services across Syria, while upholding sustainability and system-wide quality improvements.


Your tasks

• Responsible for the successful implementation of the Rebuilding the Health System in Syria project in close coordination with the commissioning party, the Federal German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the partners in Syria
• Manage the project in technical, commercial, and administrative terms and responsible for budget control, financial planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation in line with GIZ and donor requirements
• Lead the project team (national and international staff) in accordance with GIZ’s leadership principles, ensuring a respectful, inclusive, and results-oriented leadership culture
• Disciplinary lead of national and international staff and responsible for team management, performance management and team development
• Foster open, trusting, and professional cooperation with partner institutions, commissioning parties, health sector stakeholders, civil society organisations, and international development partners to promote BMZ and GIZ Syria health strategy, and represent GIZ vis-à-vis relevant governmental and institutional counterparts in Syria
• Coordinate closely with other development and implementing partners, particularly those active in the health sector, with the aim of strengthening strategic partnerships and leveraging synergies in the field of technical cooperation in health and public health system development
• Identify synergies with other projects and initiatives within the GIZ “Social and Economic Recovery” cluster and proactively contribute to portfolio development and strategic positioning of GIZ’s engagement in the health field in Syria
• Steer the technical and operational implementation of the project’s defined areas of intervention while ensuring conflict sensitivity, gender mainstreaming, and inclusion are integrated throughout
• Ensure effective results-based monitoring and evaluation, regularly track progress against agreed indicators, prepare progress reports for commissioning parties and partners, and derive lessons and recommendations for adaptive project management

Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)

• Postgraduate degree (Master or equivalent) in the field of medicine, health management, or another field related to public health system strengthening
• At least 10 years of professional experience in the public health system development and strengthening, collaboration with national health authorities, including extensive experience managing complex health projects in complex settings, cooperation with the public and private sector, international institutions and other relevant stakeholders
• At least 5 years of leadership experience and managing teams
• Proven management experience, including responsibility for technical, financial, and administrative implementation, budget control, financial planning, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation, in accordance with GIZ or comparable donor procedures
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, including the ability to lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, foster a respectful and inclusive working culture, and engage effectively with political partners, civil society, and donors
• Strong professional network in Syria within relevant governmental, public, and international health circles, and the ability to use this network strategically to advance project objectives
• Strategic and analytical thinking, resilience, adaptability to changing and challenging environments, and a strong commitment to gender equality, inclusion, human rights, and conflict sensitivity
• Business fluent in Arabic, English and German. Proven ability to work and communicate effectively in all languages in professional and political contexts

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