Agri-Food Systems Advisor

Assignment period: 01.06.2026 - 31.03.2027Location: DamascusType of contract: National contract based on Syrian labour lawType of employment: FulltimeGIZ 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 several 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. Throughout this year, the portfolio is planned to be expanded by additional new projects.On behalf of the BMZ and co-financed by the European Union, the “Rural Rehabilitation Initiative in Syria” (ILRS III) seeks to enhance the resilience of local agri-food systems against climate change and the food crisis through sustainable support measures. The programme supports local technicians, pastoralists, farmers, cooperatives and water user associations to enhance integrated food security, including improved access to agricultural water resources, small and medium-sized farms and entrepreneurs to markets and business services. Furthermore, essential are environmental protection and natural risk reduction measures against environmental hazards and water scarcity. Measures in the water-agriculture-nexus connecting the programme’s fields of action contribute to an increased yield of local food systems, achieve greater resource efficiency and mitigate the effects of agricultural production and animal husbandry on the environment and climate.Your tasks* Liaising with relevant national institutions responsible for agri-food systems, livestock and agriculture in close coordination with ILRS management * Planning, steering, monitoring and quality assurance of all measures and activities related to support to agri-food systems in Syria * Contributing to the conceptual design of programming that promotes agricultural production and crop protection and is efficient, competitive, sustainable and climate resistant, especially for small- and medium-scale farmers * Maintaining continuous communication with involved key stakeholders in the area of agri-food systems, food security and agriculture * Ensuring knowledge management, preparation and sharing of documentation * Managing, coordinating and monitoring agri-food systems and food security project measures along with continuous follow-up on progress * Reviewing and advising programme documents and strategies on agri-food systems and food security interventions * Preparing work package requests for the programme’s Third-Party Monitoring * Contributing to capacity-building measures for national agricultural institutions * Designing and facilitating partner meetings and other activities * Collaborating with national and international consultants to carry out their assignments related to food security measures * Contributing to meetings and workshops of relevant coordination groups for agriculture * Where appropriate and reasonable, performing additional tasks upon request of the managementYour profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)* Completed higher university degree in agriculture, plant science, nutrition, crop production or a related field * Minimum 5 years of professional experience in a comparable position with an international development agency or organisation in the agriculture sector * Working with GIZ and familiarity with GIZ internal procedures are an asset * Familiarity with community-driven development, conflict sensitivity, resilience and do-no-harm principles * Project management skills, expenditure monitoring and knowledge of mainstreaming gender into programming * Professional data presentation, visualisation and narrative reporting skills * Good working knowledge of ITC technologies, related software and MS Office applications * Pro-active and detail-oriented approach to completing tasks, strong ability of self-organisation * Ability to manage conflicting priorities and to make quick and practical decisions * Solution-oriented, independent, structured, reliable, and thorough way of working, recognisable organisational skills, service orientation and openness to new tasks * High level of social competence as well as strong team skills to work in an intercultural team * Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic, knowledge of German is an assetHOW TO APPLYThe 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 31.03.2026. 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.