Good Governance Advisor

Assignment period: 01.05.2026 - 30.04.2027Location: 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 ten projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office (FFO), with co-financing from the European Union and other donors. From 2026, the portfolio is planned to be expanded by several new projects.The BMZ-funded project “Supporting Good Governance in Syria” aims to improve the performance of selected national and subnational state institutions in delivering citizen-centred, transparent and efficient public services. The project supports institutional and individual capacity development, strengthens multi-level coordination and promotes inclusive and transparent communication between public institutions and the population. In parallel, it enhances the technical and organisational capacities of regional and local actors to plan, implement and steer measures for local economic development, thereby contributing to institutional integrity, social cohesion and sustainable stabilisation.Your tasks* Provide hands-on technical and process-oriented advice to local and regional administrations on improving citizen-oriented, transparent, and efficient service delivery, in line with the project’s good governance objectives. * Accompany the design and operationalisation of formal coordination mechanisms between national, regional, and local authorities, including clarification of roles, workflows, and communication channels. * Contribute to the development and delivery of practice-oriented, gender- and conflict-sensitive training and coaching formats for local public officials on good local governance, service orientation, and administrative professionalism. Support local authorities in designing and piloting inclusive and conflict-sensitive participation and feedback formats (e.g. citizen consultations, complaint mechanisms, public dialogues). * Contribute to monitoring of activities and indicators related to local governance, prepare technical inputs for reports, and document good practices and lessons learned. * Where appropriate and reasonable, performing additional tasks upon request of the managementYour profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)* University degree (Bachelor or Master) in public administration, political science, law, economics, development studies, or a related field. * At least 5 years of professional experience in local governance, public administration reform, decentralisation, or institutional capacity development in Syria. * Proven experience working with local or subnational public institutions (e.g. municipalities, governorate administrations, service directorates). * Experience working with international organisations, development cooperation projects, or donor-funded programmes, preferably GIZ or comparable agencies. * Strong political sensitivity and analytical thinking, consulting, communication and cooperation skills as well as intercultural competence. * Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic, knowledge of German is an asset.HOW 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 28.02.2026. 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.