Mental health and Psychological support advisor

Assignment period: 01.05.2026 – 28.02.2027
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 project “Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Syria” (MHPSS), funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), is seeking to improve selected mental health and psychosocial support services for internally displaced people and the local population in Syria. The project provides professional cross-sectoral on-the-job trainings on MHPSS in the health, education and social sector and supports partners to implement local MHPSS initiatives according to the specific needs of the different target groups. In addition, the project fosters dialogue on psychosocial coping strategies and works towards mainstreaming MHPSS into other sectors.


Your tasks

• Technical coordination and implementation of MHPSS interventions in close cooperation with Syrian government institutions, public service providers, and national partner organisations.
• Coordination and strengthening of community based and institutional MHPSS networks at national and sub-national levels.
• Preparation, management, and monitoring of financing and implementation agreements with national partners, in compliance with GIZ and donor regulations.
• Representation of the project in technical coordination fora with national and international actors (e.g. line ministries, UN agencies, WHO, working groups), in coordination with the Head of Project.
• Capacity development of partner institutions through technical advice, trainings, and coaching, ensuring application of international MHPSS standards, adapted to the Syrian context.
• Mainstreaming of MHPSS approaches across other GIZ-supported measures and contribution to knowledge management.
• Coordination and collaboration with regional MHPSS actors and networks.
• Ensuring conflict sensitive, gender responsive, and context appropriate implementation.
• Where appropriate and reasonable, additional tasks upon request of the management.

Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)

• University degree in psychology, public health, social sciences, or related fields.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in MHPSS or related fields.
• Several years of experience in the development of MHPSS training concepts.
• Certified minimum 1-year training on specialised topics related to MHPSS.
• Familiarity with reflective and clinical supervision approaches is essential.
• Experience working with government institutions and multi-stakeholder coordination.
• Knowledge of international MHPSS standards; experience in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Special Needs Rehabilitation (SNR) is an asset.
• Strong coordination and communication skills.
• 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