Job Description

The Administrative Officer will coordinate the provision of responsive, effective, and efficient administrative services for the Syria Office in support of the Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. The Administrative Officer will help ensure stewardship of resources and a high-quality service approach are integrated into administrative systems, policies, and procedures The position is open to national staff and will be based in Damascus.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and report on activities and required resources to ensure cost efficient and quality service delivery from administrative support functions.
• Ensure administrative systems, processes, and policies are in line with agency standards and donor and local law regulations.
• Engage with relevant external stakeholders (government officials, landlords, service providers, etc.) on assigned administrative matters and help ensure required authorizations and documents are up to date.
• Coordinate the efficient use of CP assets and rented facilities. Help ensure fully compliant procurement of office materials and asset management systems.
• Help identify safety issues and ensure a safe and sound work environment.
• Coordinate the provision of travel and logistics support and services to staff and visitors.
• Coordinate event planning activities, including delegation visits, trainings and workshops
• Facilitate the processing and payment of vendor bills in a timely manner.
• Keep track of maintenance requests and ensure that Country Program and Guest House maintenance issues are attended to in a timely manner;

Basic Qualifications

• High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree in business administration or relevant field preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ work experience in administrative support functions, with increasing responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a local or international NGO/INGO is a plus.
• Additional education may substitute for some experience.
• Experience and proficient skills in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and information management systems.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.

• Excellent skills in communications, networking, negotiating and interpersonal

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good planning, organizational and time management skills
• Strong customer service orientation with very good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ethical conduct and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented

Required Languages Applicant should be fluent in Arabic and good knowledge of English

Travel Must be willing and able to travel up to 20 %.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.