Strategic Development Cooperation Advisor

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

• Analysing the relevant political framework in Syria, programmes and concepts of the most important bilateral and multilateral donor organisations, evaluating them in the context of the priorities and approaches of German development cooperation.
• Monitoring overarching political and strategic developments that are relevant to German development cooperation or related topics. Advising the development cooperation department at the German Embassy in Damascus and the BMZ's country division on cross cutting issues and coherence issues relating to the themes of German development cooperation.
• Supporting and coordinating comments on strategy documents of multilateral institutions (EU, United Nations).
• Engaging in dialogue with the implementing organisations on the above-mentioned topics and promoting interface management and the exchange of information.
• Reporting to the BMZ and the German embassy on specific requests as well important developments on relevant topics and advising the afore-mentioned actors on strategic implications for German development cooperation, including options for action.
• Supporting the preparation of meetings, official visits and international conferences.
• Supporting the establishment of contacts and networks in Damascus and assisting with the coordination of appointments and further coordination with relevant partners.
• Where appropriate and reasonable, performing additional tasks upon request of the management.

Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)

• University degree in Social Sciences, Economic Sciences, or relevant field.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in development cooperation or humanitarian operations, ideally in the field of donor coordination and strategic programming.
• 5 years working experience in an international environment in Syria or similar contexts.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work efficiently and collaboratively with both externals and colleagues, demonstrating a strong team-oriented approach.
• Independent decision making, excellent prioritisation and coordination skills, and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, always with an interdisciplinary, solution-oriented mindset.
• Willingness to learn and ability to identify improvements.
• Proficiency in all MS Office applications.
• Professional fluency in written and spoken German, English and Arabic.

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.
3. Please note that for this position the interview will be conducted in German language.

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