Head of Programme & Partnerships Jordan/Syria response

## Your mission
You will be responsible for programme development and institutional fundraising efforts, quality assurance, and monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) primarily in the areas of Education, Child Protection/Child Safeguarding (CP/CSG), Mental Health & Psychosocial Support (MHPSS). You will also be responsible for providing oversight and supervision of the grants management function, ensuring adherence to established processes and guidelines. 
 
Working in close consultation & collaboration with external partners, you will drive coherence, relevance and effectiveness of War Child’s overall Syria & Jordan response programme, in accordance with humanitarian and sector-specific standards as well as War Child’s mandate & strategy. Developing and maintaining effective and fruitful relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders (e.g. regional/global colleagues, donors, UN agencies and peer organisations) is critical for success in this role.
## About the role
Your Responsibil ities

- Lead and coordinate the development of both solicited and unsolicited high-quality project proposals and funding applications, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and alignment with War Child’s country and global strategic objectives and priorities.
- Establish, develop and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with diverse range of donors, peer organisations, government, UN agencies and local organisations for resource mobilisation and scaling up program.
- Lead the development of new programme interventions, in close consultation with external partners, ensuring continuous readiness to respond to new funding opportunities.
- Lead on the development and implementation of a CO fundraising strategy. Stay updated on fundraising trends, donor priorities, and industry best practices in order to adapt and refine the fundraising strategy.
- Ensure coherence, relevance and effectiveness of War Child’s overall Syria/Jordan response programme, in accordance with humanitarian and sector-specific standards as well as War Child’s mandate and strategy.
- Lead the development of high-quality country and program strategies and annual plans, and reports
- Oversee the design and implementation of CO thematic strategies and scaling plans in close collaboration with the global thematic leads/cluster specialists and field based technical coordinators.
- With support from technical coordinators and MEAL Manager, lead the development and implementation of program quality standards, guidelines, and tools to ensure high-quality program delivery across all technical areas.
- Oversee the provision of technical assistance and capacity development in the areas of Education, CP/CSG and MHPSS to War Child’s programmes and partners.
- With support from the RMG Manager, build and maintain relationships with existing and potential donors, UN agencies and other relevant stakeholders, cultivating donor stewardship and engagement; Maintain a donor liaison tracker to track and manage interactions with donors, including communication, meetings, and donor relationship management.
- Maintain strong relationships with donors, partners, government and other stakeholders, representing the organization in relevant forums and advocating for program quality and development priorities.
- Effectively represent War Child in relevant coordination forums and network bodies, such as Head of Programmes community, positioning War Child as a partner of choice.
- Maintain positive and effective relationships with War Child’s partners and actively contribute to localisation initiatives and capacity development efforts.
- Lead and support the development of external-facing products conveying the nature, quality, relevance and added value of War Child’s programming in Syria/Jordan.
- Ensure the integration of cross cutting issues into design and implementation including gender equality, disability inclusion, non-discrimination, child participation and child safeguarding.
- Lead the Program and Partnerships department which consists of the Resource Mobilisation & Grants, MEAL and localisation, including direct line management, mentoring, support, staff welfare and performance management for up to 5 direct reports.
- Work closely with other department heads and hub managers to actively contribute to positive interdepartmental relationships and dynamics.
- Serve as a member of the Country Management Team, contributing to strategy development and high-level planning, problem-solving and decision-making.
- Deputise for the Country Director as and when needed.

Your profile

- Relevant academic degree.
- Minimum five years of senior management  experience in the humanitarian/development sector, preferably including international experience.
- Demonstrated experience in writing project proposals for a wide range of donors.
- Experience with running, supporting and/or managing programmes in conflict-affected or other complex environments, including activities in at least two of the following areas: Education, Child Protection and MHPSS for children and their caregivers.
- Knowledge of – and affinity with – programmes designed to enhance the psychosocial well-being of children in humanitarian/development contexts.
- Proven track-record of working in partnership with local/national response actors.
- Sound knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, accountability & learning methodologies, tools and systems in the humanitarian sector.
- Understanding of the Syria context and its complexities considered an asset.
- Excellent English  written and verbal communication skills are essential. Arabic  language skills will be considered a major asset in the selection process.
- Persuasion and motivation skills, ability to convince and mobilise others.
- A successful track record in initiating, cultivating relations with – and securing support from – a wide range of institutional donors.
- Strong networking skills; ability to maintain good working relationships with partners, donors and other external as well as internal stakeholders in a sensitive environment.
- Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage a varied, fluid and demanding workload and meet deadlines.
- Affinity with War Child’s mandate, mission and core values (Impact, Creativity, Inspiration and Integrity).

## What we offer
War Child Alliance (WCA) is a dynamic organization. We try to keep an informal ambiance within our office, with a lot of room for creativity, inspiration and self-initiative from employees. We practice what we preach: dynamic, innovative, integrity focused, and a drive to reach the highest possible results against the lowest possible costs. War Child offers a challenging job in an inspiring workplace. We offer a challenging and rewarding role within an inspiring and motivated team, supported by a strong and professional regional and global organisation , including close collaboration with colleagues in the Netherlands. The successful candidate will receive a fair and competitive salary , comprehensive secondary benefits , and opportunities for professional growth and learning .
### Contract Details

- Location: Damasucus, Syria
- Contract type: International candidates will be offered an expat package.
- Contract duration: One-year contract, with the intention to extend to an open-ended contract subject to mutual agreement and satisfactory performance.
- Working hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
- Duty station: Unaccompanied position
This position is based in Damascus and is open to national, regional, and international candidates . National and regional candidates are strongly encouraged to apply .
## How to Apply
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by 18 October  2026 . We are reviewing submissions on a rolling basis, so early applications are strongly recommended.