Country Director — Syria (National Position)

The Near East Foundation (NEF) seeks a Country Director for Syria to lead NEF's operations during a strategic transition from remote to in-country management. This is a senior national position open exclusively to Syrian nationals. The Country Director guides all programmes, ensures compliance with legal and sanctions frameworks, manages partnerships, and builds the in-country team in a complex conflict-affected environment.

• Lead NEF's transition from remote to in-country management in Syria
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all NEF Syria programmes
• Ensure compliance with applicable legal frameworks and sanctions regulations
• Develop and manage partnerships with local and international organisations
• Represent NEF with government authorities, donors, and coordination bodies
• Manage and develop the in-country team
• Oversee programme quality, financial management, and donor reporting

• Syrian nationality required
• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in humanitarian or development programmes
• Experience managing complex programmes in conflict-affected settings in Syria
• Strong understanding of Syria's legal, political, and operational context
• Demonstrated experience with donor compliance and grant management
• Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Fluent Arabic and English required
• Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; early submission encouraged