Assistant Country Director - Programs

CARE Syria is seeking an Assistant Country Director - Programs (ACD-P), who will provide strategic leadership, programmatic direction, and technical oversight to CARE Syria’s humanitarian and resilience-building portfolio. This role ensures the effective implementation of programs, manages teams across MEAL, partnerships, and grants, and contributes to the overall Country Program Strategy. The ACD-P reports to Country Director (CD) and will collaborate closely with internal and external stakeholders, driving innovation, compliance, and the localization agenda.

The role will be mainly based out of Hasaka where CARE Syria has the main office, but 25% travel to Amman is expected as well as travel to the field offices.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Program Management and Accountability:

• Oversee the implementation of impactful, resource-efficient programs aligned with CARE’s policies and project goals.
• Ensure robust management systems, financial accountability, and donor compliance across programs.
• Foster learning and innovation through reflective practice and knowledge sharing.
• Integrate disaster risk management into programming and maintain updated emergency preparedness plans.

Strategic Planning and Program Design:

• Lead strategic processes to secure funding and align programming with CARE’s global and regional strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, ensuring accountability to communities and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement advocacy and communications agendas supporting CARE’s mission.

Representation and External Relations:

• Represent CARE in donor, coordination, and sectoral meetings, acting as a key spokesperson.
• Build strong relationships with government counterparts, donors, INGOs, and civil society organizations.
• Ensure effective external communications and timely reporting to stakeholders.

Management and Capacity Building:

• Lead, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team to achieve program objectives.
• Foster a culture of performance, innovation, and professional development within the program team.
• Build capacity of staff and partners through training and supportive supervision.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced degree in peace/conflict studies, international relations, development studies, economics, social science, business administration, or public administration and experience relevant to the job.
• In depth knowledge of protracted displacement and development programs and approaches.
• Proven success of buiding new programming through effective assessment and design.
• Project and/or Program Management Certifications are highly desirable.
• At least 5 years in senior management and leadership positions in humanitarian and development programs in a number of contexts. Given the current context in Syria the job requires a person with strong background and extensive experience in building on humanitarian and development nexus in order to lead a possible scale up of CARE Syria programs as required.
• Fluent English both written and spoken.
• Proven experience of mentoring, training and delegating.
• Excellent interpersonal and team building skills.
• Accomplished facilitator and presenter.