Job Title
National Programme Officer Peace and Human Rights
To work for
SDC /Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
Field of Work
Legal/Political Science - Humanitarian/Disasters
Minimum Education Level
Bachelor/ License Degree
Responsibilities
who will be based at the Swiss Cooperation Office in Damascus and report directly to the Human Security Advisor (HSA). The successful candidate will support the implementation of the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) programme in Syria. The role contributes to programme management, political analysis, stakeholder engagement, and coordination activities related to Switzerland’s human security and peacebuilding efforts in Syria. She/He will support the Cooperation Office and Embassy of Switzerland to Lebanon and Syria in Beirut with political and operational matters.
Key responsibilities include:
Political Analysis and Advisory Support:
• Monitor political, socio-economic, and humanitarian developments related to Syria.
• Provide analytical input and written briefings to support decision-making and political understanding.
• Prepare background notes, situation analyses, and policy-related documentation.
• Advise on political stakeholder engagement and contribute to identifying entry-points for peacebuilding initiatives.
Programme Management and Implementation:
• Support the implementation of the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) programme in Syria.
• Identify and develop new project opportunities and interventions.
• Review and negotiate project proposals and budgets.
• Draft credit proposals, reports, factsheets, and programme documentation.
• Monitor project implementation through regular follow-up and field visits.
• Ensure conflict-sensitive programme management and adherence to programme objectives.
Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement:
• Maintain and strengthen relationships with government authorities, NGOs, cooperation agencies, and international organizations.
• Participate in coordination meetings and represent programme interests when required.
• Support networking and partnership-building initiatives.
Qualifications
Requirements
• University degree in Political Science, Social Sciences, Law, International Relations, or a related field.
Professional experience
• At least 7 years of working experience in political analysis, international affairs, or similar fields;
• Strong understanding of the political, socio-economic, and conflict dynamics in Syria.
• Existing professional network with relevant stakeholders, including institutional stakeholders and civil society networks.
• Proven experience in international cooperation and project cycle management (PCM), in conflict-sensitive settings.
• Experience in process design and accompaniment in the fields of peacebuilding and conflict resolution is considered an asset.
Specific Vacancy Requirements
Skills and competencies
• Excellent drafting skills for political reports, briefings, and speaking notes.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and writing skills, especially in political analysis and policy products.
• Strong knowledge of project management and a good understanding of the civil society landscape in Syria.
• Political sensitivity, high level of integrity, flexibility, initiative, and teamwork.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with experience engaging effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including authorities, diplomatic missions, and (inter)national organizations
• Professional drafting and interpretation skills in Arabic and English.
• Broad professional network of relevant contacts
Languages
• Excellent written and spoken Arabic (native level) and English.
• Knowledge of French or German is an asset
Salary and Benefits
According to SDC salary scales
We offer
• Diverse, creative and stimulating work environment
• Further training opportunities
• Competitive salary and social benefits
Required employees number
1