Private Sector Development and Livelihoods Advisor

Assignment period: 01.07.2026 - 31.12.2026Location: 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.The “Strengthening Socioeconomic Resilience” in Syria (SERNOS) project aims at improving the socioeconomic conditions for vulnerable groups, such as internally displaced persons, returnees, host communities, women and youth. The project implements the approach of Transitional Development Assistance (TDA), supporting a structure-building environment for local economic growth and development. This is done by increasing income-generating opportunities, strengthening organisational and business capacities of micro and small enterprises and business associations, as well as supporting local actors to shape peaceful participation and decision-making processes. The project implements in partnership with civil society and non-governmental organisations in several governorates in Syria.Your tasks* Developing project activities with the focus on local private businesses, community engagement and improving livelihoods and advising partners on the implementation of the respective activities * Steering the development of project proposals, operational and budget plans according to GIZ standards for concluding financing arrangements * Monitoring and reporting on the implementation of project activities, integrating partner’s results into GIZ M+E tracking and following up on activities in cooperation with the Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) provider * Advising partners on the Transitional Development Assistance (TDA) approach and providing technical assistance * Supporting partners in their technical capacity development based on capacity needs assessments and expanding the project’s partner network * Coordinating activities and capacity development measures of partners to contribute to peer-learning and networking among them * Supporting the management in strategic and technical development of the SERNOS project * Where appropriate and reasonable, performing additional tasks upon request of the managementYour profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)* University degree in economics, social sciences, agriculture or in a relevant field * Minimum 5 years of professional experience in a comparable position working on community engagement, local economic development, private sector development or start-up support * Professional experience in working and cooperating with international implementing organisations * Experience in implementing project activities in the framework of financing arrangements with national and international public benefit organisations * Experience with Third-Party Monitoring (TPM) and remote steering * Political sensitivity and analytical thinking, consulting, communication and cooperation skills as well as intercultural competence, innovation and creative thinking * 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.