Job Description

What we are looking for

NRC Syria is in search of an INGO Forum Advocacy Manager who will serve as the focal point for external advocacy, policy development/influencing, networking, coalition building, and timely research and analysis, all aimed at improving humanitarian and sustainable outcomes for people affected by conflict, environmental crisis, poverty, and other protection and operational challenges.

They will lead and coordinate the advocacy, communications, and policy work of the Syria NGO Forum, in close collaboration with the Policy and Advocacy Working Group (PAWG) and the PAWG Advisory Group. Working with the PAWG Advisory Group and reporting directly to the Forum Director, the role holder will coordinate and support members to develop joint policy positions, design advocacy strategies, and other relevant Forum messages. These messages will guide engagement with external stakeholders to amplify the collective voice of NGOs, ensuring coherent, inclusive, and impactful advocacy aligned with the Forum’s mandate and strategic priorities.

If you are a dynamic leader with extensive experience shaping and influencing humanitarian advocacy & policy, coordination and representation then this is the role for you!

What you will do

The role will have the following specific responsibilities:

• Policy & Advocacy

• Secretariat & Management

• Information Sharing & Communication

• Coordination & Representation

Please download the detailed job description to learn more about the position.

What you will bring

• Advanced university degree in a relevant field (Postgraduate degree required for Syria NGO Forum PAM).

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in humanitarian, development, human rights, or related policy fields; previous experience in Syria or similar complex humanitarian contexts; familiarity with NGO Forum structures and collective advocacy platforms.

• Relevant experience in policy analysis, advocacy strategic planning, communications, research, media, data gathering, and/or information management; demonstrated experience in humanitarian advocacy including drafting high quality advocacy materials.

• Demonstrated capacity to develop and implement advocacy strategies, including protection, operational space, access negotiations, and nexus issues.

• Familiarity with humanitarian response architecture and coordination mechanisms (including humanitarian reform and funding mechanisms).

• Fluency in English (written and spoken); strong writing and editing skills (working knowledge of English required for Syria NGO Forum).

• Knowledge of Arabic (written and spoken) is mandatory.

• Country/Regional knowledge or experience working in Syria/Middle East. In-depth knowledge of the Syria context and the humanitarian response in the country is highly desirable.

• Ability to adapt to an evolving and complex humanitarian context; capacity to remain impartial, uphold humanitarian principles, maintain integrity, and avoid pursuing organizational/personal agendas when coordinating/facilitating discussions.

• Ability to work and plan at both operational and strategic levels; facilitate discussions, negotiate compromise, and reach agreements; coordinate diverse stakeholders, build consensus, and facilitate large meetings; familiarity with policymaking processes.

• Networking & Influence Exceptional networking skills and strong experience working with/influencing donors, UN, government, and other stakeholders.

• Proven experience in drafting policy/position papers, statements and press releases.

• Advocacy-Comms Nexus Strong understanding of the interlink between advocacy and communication messaging.

• Localization Experience in localization and working with local CSOs.

• Access & Principles: Experience in advocacy for humanitarian access and principled humanitarian response (desirable).

• Recovery & HDP Linkages Experience in recovery settings and understanding humanitarian–development–peace linkages (highly desirable).

• Excellent computer skills: experience with web design/maintenance and/or graphic design/layout is a plus.

What we offer:

• Duty station: Damascus, Syria.

• Contract: Fixed Term -renewable based on performance and funding.

• Travel: 30%

• Salary/benefits: Grade 9 on NRC’s Syria’s national or international salary scale (Open to both national and international).

• NRC is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity without distinction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and physical ability.

• We think outside the box, encourage ideas, and give responsibility to all employees at all levels. You will have many opportunities to be heard and take the initiative.

Find out more about the benefits of working for NRC

Important information about the application process

• Internal candidates: To apply as an internal candidate, log in with your official email or click on Opportunity Marketplace.

• For internal candidates, please use your official email address when applying.

• Submit your application and CV in English, taking care to attach your latest CV.

• We receive many applications for each vacant position and so only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• Applications that do not meet the minimum standards in terms of experience or qualifications will generally not be considered. Unsolicited applications not related to this specific job advertisement will not be considered.

• If you have any questions about this role, please email mero.recruitment@nrc.nowith the job title as the subject line.

Why NRC?

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee. Our 15,000 staff work in crises across 40 countries, providing life-saving and long-term assistance to millions of people every year.

NRC currently has over 3,000 staff across the Middle East dedicated to assisting people affected by conflict in Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Libya and Palestine. Its humanitarian interventions are based upon its programming expertise in the Core Competencies of Shelter, Education, WASH, Livelihoods and Food Security, and Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) to vulnerable displaced people that were forced to flee.

Watch this short video to see NRC in action.

We are looking for people who are passionate about helping refugees and people forced to flee. Are you one of those people? If you are, NRC offers you the opportunity to:

• do demanding and professional work, often in challenging contexts.

• join a work culture that empowers every employee to share ideas and take responsibility.

• be part of a welcoming and supportive community committed to human dignity.

Learn more about NRC's operations in Syria here.

The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organisation helping people forced to flee.

Join us in assisting millions of people in areas where others cannot, tackling some of the world's most dangerous and difficult crises. Bring your skills and dedication to an organisation recognised for providing high quality aid and for defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced people.

At NRC, we give responsibility to employees at all levels and foster professional growth and innovative teams. You can expect a supportive culture and an open dialogue with management. We are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Together, we save lives and rebuild futures.

Safeguarding is central to NRC’s work. We expect all employees to:
• treat everyone with respect and dignity
• contribute to building a safe environment for all
• never engage in any form of exploitation, harassment and specifically sexual exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment (SEAH)
• always report. NRC has a zero-tolerance approach to inaction against exploitation, abuse and SEAH