Senior Project Officer

1. Background

The Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund Deutschland (ASB) is a German aid and welfare organization with more than 300 branches at national, regional, district and municipal level across Germany. More than 1.4 million members provide a broad social basis for the organization, supported by more than 40,000 employees and 20,000 volunteers. Since its foundation in 1888, ASB has acted as a politically and denominationally independent organization, providing continuity and reliability in areas including rescue services, civil protection and social services.

The ASB Foreign Aid Department provides people-centred humanitarian assistance to alleviate human suffering, strengthen the resilience of systems, communities and societies, and support integrated approaches to welfare and socio-economic development. ASB currently manages more than 100 relief, rehabilitation, development and inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction projects and operates offices in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Greece, Haiti, Indonesia, Iraq, Kosovo, Nicaragua, Niger, Serbia and Ukraine.

About ASB’s Program in Syria

ASB has been active in Syria since 2023, working through local partners to support at-risk and conflict-affected communities through humanitarian and early recovery interventions.

Important notice: This form is currently used only to collect CVs from potential candidates. Submission of this form does not mean that a formal recruitment process has started and does not constitute an offer of employment. The formal employment process for this position will begin only after ASB has completed its official registration in Syria. Candidates whose profiles match the requirements may be contacted once the recruitment process officially opens.

2. Purpose of the Position

The Senior Project Officer (for Partner Projects) will provide overall programmatic oversight and follow-up of assigned partner-implemented projects and act as the main programmatic focal point between ASB and its partners.

The position will monitor implementation progress, coordinate with partners and relevant ASB departments, identify risks and delays, follow up on corrective actions, and ensure that projects remain aligned with their approved objectives, targets, budgets and timelines.

Duty Station: Damascus, with frequent travel to project locations and partner offices

Department: Programs

Reports to: Deputy Country Director

Contract: Full-time

3. Key Responsibilities

Project and Partner Management

• Follow up on the implementation of multiple projects implemented through ASB partners.

• Monitor project progress against approved proposals, logframes, workplans, budgets and partnership agreements.

• Act as the main programmatic focal point for assigned partners and maintain regular communication and coordination.

• Review partner workplans, reports and implementation updates and provide timely feedback.

• Follow up on partner commitments, deadlines and agreed action points.

• Identify implementation delays, risks and gaps and ensure appropriate corrective action.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Conduct regular field visits and project monitoring missions.

• Verify implementation progress, quality and achievement of project targets and indicators.

• Review partner narrative reports and contribute to ASB internal, donor and HQ reporting.

• Maintain appropriate project documentation and follow up on reporting deadlines and outstanding actions.

MEAL, Finance and Compliance

• Coordinate closely with the ASB MEAL team and use monitoring findings to support project management and follow-up.

• Monitor project expenditure in relation to implementation progress in coordination with Finance.

• Identify significant budget or implementation variances and flag them to management and Finance.

• Support project modifications, budget revisions and project closure processes.

• Ensure implementation remains compliant with relevant donor requirements and partnership agreements.

Internal and External Coordination

• Coordinate closely with MEAL, Finance, Logistics/Procurement, HR/Admin, Security, Compliance and other relevant ASB teams.

• Support partners in addressing implementation challenges and strengthening project management practices.

• Maintain professional relationships with partners while ensuring appropriate accountability and follow-up.

4. Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in International Development, Project Management, International Relations, Social Sciences, Business Administration or a related field.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 8 years of experience in the humanitarian sector, including at least 5 years of relevant experience in humanitarian and/or development project management.

• Demonstrated experience managing or following up on multiple projects simultaneously.

• Experience working with international NGOs and/or local NGO partnerships.

• Experience in humanitarian or development programming in Syria or a similar context is highly desirable.

Donor Experience

• Demonstrated practical experience with institutional donor-funded projects, particularly:

• GFFO (German Federal Foreign Office)

• BMZ (German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development)

• UN-funded projects

• Experience with relevant donor requirements, including project implementation, reporting, budget monitoring, compliance, results frameworks and project modifications.

• Experience with other institutional donors such as ECHO, FCDO, SDC, ADH or similar donors is an advantage.

5. Technical Skills

• Strong project cycle management and partner management skills.

• Strong knowledge and working experience in WASH and FSL projects.

• Good understanding of logframes, indicators, results-based management and project reporting.

• Good understanding of humanitarian and development programming.

• Good understanding of project budgeting and financial monitoring.

• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Strong report-writing and communication skills.

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.

• Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

6. Personal Competencies

• Strong communication, coordination and interpersonal skills.

• Strong coordination and negotiation skills.

• Proactive and solution-oriented approach.

• Ability to work independently and under pressure.

• High level of accountability and integrity.

• Ability to maintain professional relationships while ensuring partner accountability.

• Strong attention to detail and follow-up skills.

• Flexibility and willingness to travel to project locations.

7. Languages

• Arabic: Fluent/native

• English: Excellent written and spoken English