CDDU - SYRIA - Head of mission

Description of the organizationLa Chaîne de l’Espoir is a French non-profit organization founded in 1994. It is an independent and impartial international aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. La Chaîne de l’Espoir is a network of medical and surgical expertise. A key player in healthcare, the organization is committed to providing medical treatment and education to the children who need it the most.Description of programsIn Syria, access to quality pediatric healthcare, particularly specialized pediatric surgery, remains limited. Public hospitals are heavily overstretched, resulting in delays in care, late diagnoses, and unequal access, especially for populations living in rural or vulnerable settings. Many conditions requiring early identification and timely surgical intervention are detected late due to gaps in screening, referral, and limited availability of specialized pediatric services.To address these challenges, La Chaîne de l’Espoir (CDE) is implementing, starting in 2026, a structured intervention within selected public referral hospitals in Damascus, Rural Damascus, and Aleppo, as well as in primary healthcare centers located within their catchment areas. This approach aims to strengthen the existing public health system by leveraging national infrastructure, improving the continuity of care, and expanding access to specialized services for pregnant and lactating women and children.Through capacity strengthening of healthcare staff, the organization of specialized medical missions, the provision of equipment and medical supplies, and support for the management of malnutrition and complex pediatric cases, CDE contributes to building sustainable local expertise. The integration of early detection mechanisms for health and protection risks, alongside the development and dissemination of standardized clinical protocols, further enhances quality of care.Developed in close coordination with health authorities and in complementarity with other health actors, this intervention seeks to promote more equitable access to maternal and child healthcare, support national health priorities, and sustainably improve health outcomes for women and children.1. Representation and External Relations* Act as the official representative of La Chaîne de l’Espoir in Syria before national authorities and all external stakeholders. As such, be able to speak publicly on behalf of the organisation or delegate this responsibility to team members when appropriate. * Serve as the primary focal point for governmental authorities and be authorised to sign, when required and in accordance with internal procedures, documents that commit the organisation in the country. * Uphold and promote the image of La Chaîne de l’Espoir in Syria by ensuring the professionalism of the team, compliance with national and international regulatory frameworks, and the quality of all implemented activities. * Build and sustain strong relationships with key humanitarian coordination bodies (local and international), government entities (central and decentralized), and nonstate actors, notably through active participation in technical and bilateral meetings. * Liaise with the local representations of institutional donors and work closely with partners on project updates, field visits, and communication requirements. * Maintain regular contact with donors present in Syria to keep them informed about La Chaîne de l’Espoir’s strategies and activities, in close collaboration with the Institutional Funding Department.2. Strategy and Planning* Propose and develop an operational strategy for the health and protection components, aligned with the organisation’s policies, Syria public policies, and identified local needs. * Contribute to the development of new projects in line with the defined strategy. * Actively support local fundraising efforts. * Coordinate needs assessments, project design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. * Lead the development of project proposals with field teams and technical, financial, and logistics staff, both locally and at Headquarters.3. Oversight of Project Implementation and Country Office OperationsOperational Management* Ensure that project implementation meets quality standards and technical requirements. * Ensure that monthly budget consumption and progress meet targets and recommend adjustments when necessary. * Guarantee timely implementation of activities, achievement of results, and responsible budget use through effective monitoring and evaluation systems. * Anticipate and mitigate risks, manage unexpected issues, and propose relevant mitigation and response measures.FinanceIn collaboration with the Finance Admin and HR Coordinator:* Develop an annual budget with the Finance Admin and HR Coordinator and other team members and ensure its follow-up. * Support budgeting and financial monitoring using internal tools, in coordination with the headquarters finance focal point. * Approve monthly financial needs of the projects and the country office prior to submission to Headquarter.LogisticsIn collaboration with the Logistic and Security Coordinator:* Ensure an annual action plan for the logistics function is developed and monitor its implementation. * Ensure proper management and use of stocks and equipment dedicated to project activities. * Oversee regular inventory updates, including consumables, medicines, and medical equipment stored in the Syrian country office.Human ResourcesIn collaboration with the Finance Admin HR Coordinator:* Closely follow national staff recruitment processes and validate key steps. * Develop an annual HR action plan and oversee good HR management practices. * Support conflict resolution and arbitration with Finance admin HR coordinator.4. Team management and leadership* Establish a good work-life balance and support the team (listen, motivate, empower, supervise the staff under their responsibility). * Conduct performance appraisals and set objectives in line with program requirements * Motivate teams and provide the necessary support to achieve programme objectives. * Ensure staff capacity development.5. Partnerships* Ensure the development, formalisation, implementation, and monitoring of partnerships in Syrian. * Propose and build new partnerships in line with organisational policy. * Maintain high-quality relationships with all partners.6. Quality Assurance* Conduct regular field visits to provide supervision, technical guidance, and monitoring of project progress. * Ensure quality control, added-value analysis, impact measurement, identification and documentation of best practices and lessons learned. * Guarantee compliance with internal procedures and donor requirements.7. Reporting* Provide regular and updated information on progress and challenges to the Headquarter. * Coordinate the drafting of donor reports and internal annual reports with the institutional funding focal point. * Support audit processes (including donor audits) and ensure implementation of accepted recommendations.8. Security* Lead the development of the security pack and ensure its follow-up. * Guarantee staff security briefings for all personnel permanently based in Syria or deployed for missions and ensure compliance with security procedures. * Monitor the local security environment, inform Headquarter of developments, and propose relevant measures and adaptations.QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCEEducation* Advanced university degree in business administration, political science, international relations, project management, or a related field.Work Experience* Minimum of 5 years of experience in the humanitarian or development sector. * At least 3 years in a similar leadership role, preferably with an international NGO. * Experience and knowledge of the Middle East region would be considered a strong asset * Experience in the health sector is desirable. * Strong humanitarian background required.Languages* Strong verbal and written communication skills in English * Arabic and French are an asset.Interpersonal skills* Adherence to humanitarian principles and La Chaîne de l’Espoir’s code of ethics. * Strong analytical skills and ability to develop comprehensive and inclusive country strategies and context analyses. * Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic abilities, with demonstrated experience building effective relationships with authorities, organisations, and donors. * Strong reporting skills, including experience with donor financial reporting. * Demonstrated capacity to ensure compliance with donors' strategic requirements. * Experience working in insecure or complex environments. * Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.CONDITIONS* 6 months full time contract renewable, as an expatriate * Non accompanied status * Position based in Damascus * Starting date: May 2026 * Basic monthly salary range (3,200 – 3,700€/ month ) based on profile and experience. * Monthly per diem ( 770 €) * R&R: 5 days R&R every 3 months and reimbursement up to 600USD for the flight ticket * Travel: round trip ticket flight beginning/end of contract + paid leaves at 6 months of contract * Housing: shared apartment * Medical coverage with 50% of employer contribution * Medical evacuation and repatriation insurance paid by the employer * Death and disability insurance paid by the employerPlease note that an extract from the criminal reccord might be requested as part of this recruitment process.HOW TO APPLYhttps://jobs.layan.eu/fr/application-to-offer-of-la-chaine-de-lespoir-no-91697?