Application deadline: 15 November 2025
Project duration: 18 months
Duty station: Damascus – Syria
Contract type: co.co.co.
Contract duration: 12 months, renewable
Salary: to be defined according to experience
ICU – ISTITUTO PER LA COOPERAZIONE UNIVERSITARIA is a Non-Governmental Organization implementing development cooperation projects in several countries of the Global South and promoting awareness and education initiatives on international solidarity.
Founded in 1966, ICU aims to foster the international development of culture and science at the service of people. This objective is pursued through two interdependent actions:
- Human and social development in less industrialized or transitional countries through international cooperation programs, with special emphasis on education;
- Promotion of a culture of development cooperation as an integral advancement of human dignity.
Position description:
ICU is seeking a Project Manager/Country Coordinator to be deployed in its mission in Syria for the management and coordination of ICU initiatives in the country.
- Candidates should have at least 4 years of experience in the management of development cooperation initiatives, preferably in the Middle East and in the field of humanitarian assistance and/or food security, agriculture, or livelihoods. A sound knowledge of the Syrian context would be an asset.
- Required skills and competences:
- Proven experience in technical and financial management, reporting, and monitoring of international cooperation projects; prior knowledge of AICS-funded project management and reporting procedures will be considered an asset;
- Experience in team coordination and missions considered a preferential requirement;
- Excellent adaptability and problem-solving skills, even in complex contexts;
- Competence in the integrated management of human and financial resources, with strong focus on timely achievement of objectives;
- Strong interpersonal skills, networking abilities, and capacity to build relationships with donors and partners at both local and international level.
- Education – Minimum requirement: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Preferential: degree in Political Science, International Relations or Development Cooperation, obtained at least 4 years ago. Other degrees will also be positively considered if supported by relevant postgraduate specialization.
Languages
- Italian: mother tongue
- English: excellent knowledge
- Arabic: basic knowledge is an asset
3. Main tasks and responsibilities
- Ensure technical and financial management of ongoing and upcoming projects in Syria, guaranteeing quality, effectiveness, and compliance with donor requirements;
- Oversee selection, supervision, and professional development of local staff;
- Manage Mission budget in a transparent and efficient way, ensuring correct preparation of cashbooks, bank reconciliations, identification of financial commitments, and authorization of purchases in compliance with procedures;
- Coordinate and monitor the work of national and international partners, strengthening synergies and complementarities;
- Manage local bank accounts, ensuring regularity and traceability of operations;
- Produce accurate and timely monthly reporting for HQ, including operational planning, fund transfers, activity and expenditure progress, and donor-compliant reports;
- Ensure constant monitoring of activities according to project timelines, monitoring plan, and approved budget;
- Strengthen dialogue and collaboration with key stakeholders (partners, beneficiaries, relevant ministries, international organizations, etc.), consolidating the institutional role of the Mission;
- Manage and coordinate relations with partners, institutions, and local stakeholders;
- Represent ICU at institutional level, actively participating in clusters, working groups, and coordination platforms;
- Support the preparation of communication and visibility materials;
- Ensure continuous monitoring and evaluation of activities, with particular attention to results and impact;
- Lead needs assessments and development of new project proposals, in close collaboration with HQ, for the design of innovative and relevant initiatives.
How to apply
Click on the “Apply for this position” button at the bottom of the page and upload the following documents in PDF format:
- Updated CV in Italian or English in pdf, renamed as: “SYRIA – NAME SURNAME_cv”;
- Italian motivation letter in pdf, addressing at least the following topics: any prior knowledge of ICU or its collaborators, how personal and professional experience can contribute to this position (especially regarding key requirements), expected monthly salary (specify gross/net), earliest availability. Rename the file: “SYRIA – NAME SURNAME_letter”.
Please note that only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.
