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Country Coordinator – Syria (Service contract)

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Based in Brussels and active in over a dozen countries, the European Institute of Peace (www.eip.org) is an independent organisation working collaboratively with the parties to the conflict, those who represent people suffering from insecurity or at risk of violence, as well as European decision-makers and the conflict prevention, resolution and mediation community.


We provide practical experience, technical expertise, and policy advice on conflict resolution. We use a variety of tools to help us do this, including analysis, mapping and design of peace processes and agreements, facilitating policy discussions, and proposing practical engagement, for example through inclusive dialogue and mediation support. 


Are you captivated by our innovative approach to peace, and do you want to contribute to the mission of our institute? Do you share our vision for a world where people live in safety and peace because conflicts and grievances are resolved through inclusive dialogue and lasting political agreements?


We are looking for a Country Coordinator for Syria within the Peace Practice and Innovation (PPI) unit to support the coordination and implementation of project activities inside Syria aimed at strengthening local governance for stability, trust, and reconciliation​.



You will
  • Support coordination efforts and foster robust working relationships with local implementing partners, including follow-up on activity implementation and documentation requirements.
  • Undertake travel within Syria as required to support project implementation.
  • Provide advice and technical input, as requested by the EIP Programmes Team, on the design of workshops and capacity-building sessions with a focus on local governance on topics including governance, deconfliction, and reconciliation, refugee returns, inclusive participation and MHPSS, ensuring a conflict-sensitive approach throughout.
  • Oversee, in coordination with the EIP programme team, the implementation of workshops, roundtables, and capacity-building activities inside Syria, ensuring coherence and synergies across interventions.
  • Produce written reports on key outcomes from activities attended and translate these into practical programming recommendations.
  • In coordination with EIP Programmes Team, liaise between experts, local partners, and other relevant actors to ensure effective communication and smooth implementation of project activities.
  • Monitor and analyse local-level developments, including government policies and newly issued circulars, and regularly update the EIP Programme Team to ensure programming remains context-relevant.
  • Under the guidance of the EIP Programme Team, maintain and expand EIP’s network within Syria and represent EIP with government actors, local civil society, and other relevant stakeholders, keeping the team informed of engagement opportunities.


Your skills and experience
  • In-depth knowledge of the Syrian context, including political, security, and governance dynamics and structures, with particular attention to local governance, and broader social and humanitarian considerations.
  • Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic (spoken Syrian Arabic and written Modern Standard Arabic).
  • Excellent communication, coordination, and networking skills.
  • Strong analytical, conceptual and writing skills.
  • Must be able to travel to and within Syria, and be based in the region or in Syria.
  • Master’s degree or equivalent relevant professional experience in conflict management, conflict prevention, development studies, social sciences, political science or a related field from a recognised institution. 
  • Minimum of 5-8 years’ overall experience encompassing:

  a) Programme management and implementation in complex and volatile conflict or post-conflict contexts, preferably focused on Syria, with familiarity with the operational standards and practices of international organisations and donors. Practical experience working on dialogue, deconfliction, or reconciliation initiatives with local actors is considered an asset.

b) Policy-oriented qualitative research and analysis on conflict, stabilisation and/or peacebuilding dynamics in Syria, including topics such as (local) governance, displacement and return, reconciliation, and inclusive participation in civic or governance processes.

c) Proven experience working with actors - ideally both local governmental and non-governmental - in the Syrian context, with a demonstrated ability to establish and maintain high-level diplomatic and professional relationships with government agencies, ministries, national stakeholders, NGOs, and donors.


What we are offering

Consultancy contract from March 2026 until October 2027.


Recruitment process

Closing date: 17/03/2026, midnight (CET).


Please submit in English:

  • Your CV;
  • A concise cover letter. Candidates are encouraged to provide links or attachments to prior reports, analyses, or projects that demonstrate their professional experience and expertise. Please merge these documents together with your cover letter into one PDF prior to submission. Should you wish to provide links, please include them on a page following your cover letter within the same document. Due to ongoing constraints in the banking system, applicants are requested to provide their preferred payment method and account details as part of their application, with preference given to an international bank account.
  • Include a proposed day rate and availability in 2026.  

Our hiring team will review all applications after the closing date of the vacancy. We will keep you informed on the status of your application.

EIP firmly believes that diverse perspectives are key to our work. Therefore we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusiveness. Your qualities and commitment are what matter to us, regardless of race, nationality, gender, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

Apply Now!