Manager of Operations – Syrian Arab Republic 8 views

ZOA, as an international NGO, supports people who have lost everything due to armed conflict or natural disaster. Together, we can come to their aid in emergencies and remain faithful to communities as they recover – providing new opportunities for them to help themselves again.

ZOA has provided emergency relief to Syrians in Syria and neighbouring countries since 2014. After ZOA’s registration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in 2018, ZOA established an office in Damascus in 2019 and in Aleppo in 2021. Since then, ZOA has been working with crisis affected communities across Livelihoods and Agriculture, WASH, Education and Shelter/NFI sectors. ZOA implements directly, as well as through local and national partners. ZOA seeks to reach the most vulnerable groups- women, children, elderly, female headed households, persons with disabilities and internally displaced persons.

ZOA is looking for a

Manager of Operations

(Damascus, Syria)

Your challenge

The Manager of Operations (MoO) is responsible for effective and efficient management and control of all operational processes in the country organization. This includes Finance, Admin/liaison, IT, Logistics and Security.

Key responsibilities

Operations & Compliance

As Manager of Operations, you are responsible for ensuring that all operational systems and processes within the country programme function effectively, efficiently, and in full compliance with ZOA policies and donor requirements. You maintain and continuously improve country-specific procedures and manuals across finance, logistics, procurement, IT, and administration, ensuring alignment with ZOA’s global quality management framework. In addition, you oversee liaison activities with national authorities, including visa processes and approvals for staff and project implementation.

Finance

You are accountable for the overall financial management of the country programme, ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality financial reporting. You contribute to the development of the country strategy and annual planning, including budgeting processes, and monitor financial compliance with internal and external requirements. You oversee audits, manage financial risks, and ensure that appropriate corrective actions are taken where needed.

IT, Logistics & Procurement

In relation to IT, logistics, and procurement, you ensure that policies and procedures are implemented effectively and that systems, assets, and infrastructure are secure, functional, and fit for purpose. Initiate streamlining of the procurement practices in ZOA Syria. You monitor performance and compliance, ensuring that procurement and logistics processes support programme delivery efficiently.

Security

You also play a key role in supporting the Country Director in maintaining a strong security framework. This includes ensuring adherence to security policies, supporting the development and updating of local security plans, and ensuring that staff are properly trained and briefed on security procedures. You contribute to incident follow-up and coordination with relevant stakeholders where required.

Leadership & Coordination

As part of your leadership responsibilities, you are a member of the Country Management Team and Local Crisis Team, providing strategic input and operational guidance. You lead and develop the teams under your supervision, ensure effective performance management, and contribute to strengthening the operational capacity of both staff and partners.

What we offer

• A key leadership role within an international NGO with global impact.
• The opportunity to work in a mission-driven and faith-based organization.
• A one-year appointment starting asap, with possibility of extension.
• A dynamic working environment and motivated teams in Damascus and Aleppo.
• Close collaboration within an international team.
• Good benefits and remuneration which suit the NGO sector, including R&R provisions.

What you bring

You are a strategic and values-driven leader with strong organizational sensitivity. You combine vision with execution and inspire people to perform and grow. You are able to operate effectively in a complex and sometimes insecure environment.

Identity

You are a values-driven leader who embodies ZOA’s mission and actively empowers others. You are comfortable contributing to faith-based team practices, such as prayer and reflection.

Experience & Knowledge

• A completed and relevant (Finance, Auditing or similar) university degree.
• At least 5 years of extensive experience in a senior operations role in a humanitarian or development setting.
• Strong operational capacity, particularly in logistics and procurement, and financial management expertise.
• Proven experience in integrated management (programmes, finance and operations).
• Excellent written and spoken English, Arabic speaking is an asset.

Competencies

• Result-oriented;
• Knows how to prioritize;
• Accurate;
• Decisive;
• Intercultural awareness;
• Effective and clear communication;
• Analytical;
• Problem solver

Do you need more information?

For more information about ZOA, please visit our website: www.zoa-international.com.

If you have questions about this vacancy, you can contact Sandra Vogd, HR Business Partner, email [email protected]