Project Officer - Damascus

Country: Syrian Arab Republic Organization: Mari Research and Development Closing date: 15 Aug 2026 Project Officer Location: Damascus, Syria (with frequent travel to Rural Damascus) Contract Duration: 4 Months (with possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance) About MRD Mari Research and Development (MRD) is a Syrian non-profit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development, social cohesion, protection, peacebuilding, civic engagement, and community resilience across Syria. MRD works with communities, civil society organizations, local authorities, and international partners to deliver impactful and inclusive programmes that empower vulnerable populations and strengthen peaceful coexistence. About the Project The Project Officer will support the implementation of the "Together for Dialogue and Social Cohesion" project. The project aims to strengthen social cohesion and peaceful coexistence in Damascus and Rural Damascus by empowering young women and men to become active agents of dialogue, inclusion, and positive community engagement. The project combines youth capacity-building, dialogue facilitation, community consultations, protection mainstreaming, and youth-led initiatives to promote trust, cooperation, and inclusive participation among diverse communities. Position Summary Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Officer will coordinate and oversee day-to-day implementation of project activities, ensure quality delivery of trainings and community engagement events, support participant outreach and mobilization, coordinate with local stakeholders, supervise field implementation, and contribute to project monitoring and reporting. The Project Officer will play a key role in ensuring that all activities are implemented in accordance with MRD policies, donor requirements, safeguarding principles, conflict-sensitive programming, and Do No Harm approaches. Key Responsibilities Project Implementation • Support the planning, coordination, and implementation of all project activities. • Develop detailed activity plans and implementation schedules. • Organize trainings, dialogue sessions, workshops, FGDs, and community consultations. • Coordinate the implementation of youth-led community initiatives. • Monitor activity progress against work plans and project indicators. • Ensure timely completion of deliverables. Community Engagement • Coordinate participant outreach and transparent selection processes. • Build and maintain positive relationships with community leaders, CSOs, youth groups, schools, and local stakeholders. • Facilitate communication between beneficiaries and the project team. • Support community consultations and participatory planning processes. Technical Support • Ensure project activities integrate principles of social cohesion, conflict sensitivity, inclusion, gender equality, safeguarding, and protection mainstreaming. • Support trainers and facilitators during capacity-building activities. • Promote meaningful participation of women, returnees, and persons with disabilities. Coordination • Coordinate regularly with MRD departments including Finance, Logistics, Procurement, and MEAL. • Participate in coordination meetings with partners and local stakeholders when requested. • Ensure compliance with donor regulations and organizational procedures. Required Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, International Development, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, Education, Psychology, or another relevant field. • Minimum 3 years of progressively responsible experience in NGO project implementation. • Demonstrated experience in social cohesion, peacebuilding, youth empowerment, community engagement, protection, or civic participation projects. • Experience organizing trainings, workshops, and community events. • Experience working with international donors is highly desirable. • Strong report writing and documentation skills. • Excellent organizational and coordination abilities. • Ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. Required Competencies • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. • Strong facilitation and stakeholder engagement skills. • Experience working with diverse communities. • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. • Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams. • High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. • Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, gender equality, and Do No Harm principles. Languages • Fluent Arabic (required). • Good written and spoken English (required). Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. MRD is committed to equal employment opportunities. Qualified women, persons with disabilities, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. MRD has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, fraud, corruption, or any form of misconduct. Successful candidates will undergo reference checks and safeguarding screening prior to employment. How to apply Apply now: https://forms.gle/6qQ9Wfb4LkQaFxxs9