Area Coordinator - Damascus - Consultant

Title:                                       Area Coordinator Consultant - Damascus

Type of contract:                  Consultancy

Contract duration:                24 months with possible extension

Days payable:                        Up to 480 working days

Reporting to:                         GSF Country Representative for Syria

Location:                                Damascus, Syria

Application deadline:           18 October 2026

Start date:                              As soon as possible

Background

The Global Survivors Fund (GSF) was founded in 2019 by Dr Denis Mukwege and Nadia Murad. GSF works to enhance access to reparations for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence worldwide. Its approach combines interim reparative measures with advocacy and technical support to public institutions and civil society. Survivor participation guides this work, so that reparations reflect the harm experienced, survivors’ priorities and their understanding of recovery and justice.

In Syria, GSF works with the National Commission for Transitional Justice, survivor groups and civil society to support reparations policies and programmes. This includes survivor co-creation, technical exchanges and support to Collective Recovery and Reparation Centres. In Damascus and Rif Damascus, the Area Coordinator connects this work with local priorities and supports the programming of the centre in Rif Damascus. The role helps ensure that survivors’ experiences and lessons from local activities inform cooperation with the Commission and wider programme development.

Consultancy summary

The Area Coordinator coordinates GSF’s activities in Damascus and Rif Damascus and its support to the Collective Recovery and Reparation Centre in Rif Damascus. Reporting to the Programme Manager – Reparation Policy and Programmes, the role works with Commission focal points, centre teams, survivor groups and local partners. It supports programme delivery, technical cooperation and learning. The Commission retains responsibility for centre management.

Consultant’s responsibilities

Area planning and programme coordination

• Develop and follow up area workplans with the Programme Manager, coordinating activities, schedules and responsibilities with Commission focal points and partners;

• Maintain an overview of implementation progress, local developments and access constraints, identify emerging needs and recommend practical adjustments;

• Coordinate with Logistics and Administration on activity arrangements, travel and procurement needs, maintaining records and following agreed procedures.

Commission cooperation and technical support

• Maintain regular coordination with Commission counterparts on agreed priorities, technical support and programme discussions, keeping the Programme Manager informed;

• Support technical meetings, expert visits and learning exchanges with the Commission, relevant ministries and partners, including preparation and follow-up of agreed actions;

• Bring local experience and survivor perspectives into discussions on reparations, including victims’ registration, forms of reparations and centre programming.

Centre development and programme quality

• Support the development and delivery of centre activities with Commission teams, ensuring that programming responds to survivor priorities and agreed objectives;

• Coordinate GSF-supported information, dialogue and recovery activities, including contributions from facilitators, technical specialists and local organisations;

• Identify gaps in participation, accessibility and programme delivery, and support agreed improvements with centre teams and the Programme Manager.

Survivor participation and local partnerships

• Build constructive relationships with survivor groups and civil society, support inclusive outreach and create opportunities for survivors to shape and review activities;

• Maintain current information on relevant services and coordinate with the Survivor Recovery portfolio on links to health, MHPSS and livelihood support through agreed referral arrangements;

• Promote voluntary participation, informed consent, confidentiality and accessible feedback arrangements, and raise safeguarding concerns through established channels.

Monitoring reporting and shared learning

• Work with the MEL Coordinator to maintain accurate activity records, review survivor feedback and document progress, challenges and lessons without collecting unnecessary sensitive information;

• Prepare clear updates for the Programme Manager and contribute to programme reporting, learning discussions and approved communications;

• Share learning with other area coordinators and follow up agreed improvements, connecting local experience with Commission cooperation and country programme planning.

Consultancy requirements

Education and experience

• University degree in social sciences, law, social work, international development or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience;

• At least three years of relevant experience in programme coordination, community engagement, human rights or recovery programmes, preferably with survivors or groups affected by conflict;

• Experience working with civil society, community groups or public institutions, and good knowledge of the context, stakeholders and service environment in Damascus and Rif Damascus.

Technical and professional competencies

• Understanding of survivor-centred approaches, safe participation, confidentiality and safeguarding. Familiarity with reparations or transitional justice is an asset;

• Strong coordination and facilitation skills, including the ability to support sensitive discussions and maintain constructive relationships with diverse stakeholders;

• Ability to prepare workplans, track activities, analyse feedback and write clear reports. Proficiency in standard office software and basic information management is required.

Languages and working approach

• Fluency in written and spoken Arabic, English is desirable;

• Sound judgement, discretion and a respectful, inclusive approach to working with survivors, colleagues and partners;

• Ability to work independently within agreed priorities, collaborate across teams and maintain regular field and centre presence, with travel as required.

How to apply

Please click apply to submit your application including two references by 18th October 2026 (midnight CET).

Kindly note that only shortlisted contractors will be contacted and interviews will take place on a rolling basis.

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The Global Survivors Fund (GSF) is dedicated to fostering diversity, gender balance, and inclusion, reflecting the varied landscapes where we operate and the communities we work with. We welcome applications from qualified professionals of all backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. We particularly encourage candidates from regions where GSF is active to apply.

At GSF, we are committed to enforcing stringent Safeguarding policies, covering protection from exploitation, abuse, harassment, misuse of power, and discrimination, as well as child safeguarding and financial and fiscal integrity. We uphold a zero-tolerance approach to any form of unacceptable behaviour.

As part of our consultants selection process, shortlisted candidates might be required to provide references from previous employers and complete a self-declaration.

Please note that candidates must be self-employed or be able to justify an equivalent status in the country where the position is based.

GSF does not charge a processing fee at any stage of its recruitment, selection, or hiring processes (i.e. application stage, interview stage, validation stage, appointment, or training). GSF will never request applicants’ bank account information.

Your Data - If you choose to apply for this position, you will be providing us with your personal data, which will be processed solely for the purpose of selecting a candidate for this position. We will retain the personal data you share with us as part of the application process for six months from the application deadline, after which it will be deleted. Your personal data will be accessed only by our HR Staff managing the recruitment process and members of the selection panel. You have the right to a) request access to your personal data and information about how we process it, b) ask us to rectify any inaccurate personal data we hold about you c) request the deletion of your personal data or restrict its processing, and d) object to how we process your personal data. To exercise these rights, please contact recruitment@globalsurvivorsfund.org . If you have any concerns or complaints about how GSF processes your personal data, please submit them to DataProtection@globalsurvivorsfund.org .