Project Manager – Vocational Training and Economic Recovery Program

About the Project

The Syrian Forum, through its Dollani program, is implementing a one-year initiative aimed at fostering post-conflict economic recovery in Syria. This is achieved through demand-driven vocational training and job placement support in Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs. The project targets unemployed youth and women with the goal of building workforce capacity, reducing economic dependency, and restoring dignity through employment and self-reliance.

Position Summary

The Project Manager will lead the implementation of the “Enhancing Employment and Economic Recovery” project. This includes overall coordination, planning, stakeholder engagement, staff supervision, compliance with donor requirements (FEF/Expertise France), and reporting. The role requires a strategic thinker with a strong background in project management, vocational training, and economic development in fragile or post-conflict settings.

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Management and Coordination

• Lead day-to-day project implementation across Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs.
• Ensure timely execution of all project components, including training delivery, job placement, and stakeholder engagement.
• Develop and monitor project work plans, budgets, procurement plans, and risk management strategies.
• Supervise project staff, including Training Assistants, Job Placement Officers, Outreach Coordinators, and support functions (Finance, HR, Logistics).

2. Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as primary liaison between Syrian Forum and Expertise France, local authorities, chambers of commerce, training providers, and CSOs.
• Organize and lead quarterly Steering Committee (COPIL) meetings.
• Negotiate and manage MoUs with vocational training institutes and private sector partners.

3. Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Oversee the MEAL framework, ensuring robust tracking of training outcomes, job placements, and impact indicators.
• Ensure data collection tools and reports are compliant with donor requirements.
• Contribute to mid-term reviews, final evaluations, and documentation of lessons learned.

4. Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure compliance with FEF regulations and Syrian Forum’s internal policies.
• Prepare high-quality narrative and financial reports.
• Coordinate with the Finance Coordinator to track budgets and manage expenditures effectively.

5. Visibility and Communication

• Support the Communications Officer in project launches, success story documentation, and donor visibility requirements.
• Represent the project in media interviews, stakeholder forums, and donor briefings.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field. Master’s degree is an asset.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 5 years of project management experience, ideally in vocational training, economic recovery, or livelihood programs.
  • Demonstrated experience working with international donors, preferably Expertise France, GIZ, or UNDP.
  • Proven success in managing diverse teams and coordinating multi-stakeholder projects.
• Skills:
  • Strong planning, budgeting, and leadership skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
  • High proficiency in written and spoken English and Arabic.
  • Familiarity with MEAL frameworks and tools.
  • Competency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Syrian labor market and industrial sectors.
• Experience working with youth and women in post-conflict settings.
• Knowledge of job matching platforms or employment support systems.

How to apply

Syrian Forum shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs.

Interested applicants should submit their applications by clicking here before the application closing by the end of 30-06-2025.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Unsuccessful applications will neither be acknowledged nor returned. Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

"Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply for this position."