Operations Manager (National Position)

Near East Foundation (NEF)

Job Advertisement - Syria

Position Title: Operations Manager Location: Syria Reporting to: Country Director Contract Type: Full-time

Travel: Up to 20%

Background:

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking candidates for Operations Manager to be based in Syria. NEF is a non-profit international development organization that has supported livelihoods recovery and community-based economic development in the Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus since 1915. NEF draws on local teams, experience, and partnerships in these regions to create community-led solutions to improve livelihoods and local governance among conflict and crisis-affected groups, while maintaining neutrality and ensuring inclusiveness in our approach. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF currently has operations in ten countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Our programs are organized around three pillars: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate-resilient Development, and Stabilization and Peacebuilding.

Position Description

The Operations Manager is a key and senior member of the Near East Foundation Syria team.

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing and ensuring the efficient functioning of the NEF's operational activities. The role focuses on logistics, administration, human resources, procurement, compliance, government relations and security to support program implementation effectively. The Operations Manager will work closely with program teams to ensure that operational functions align with programmatic needs and strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities: General Operations Management

• Oversee daily operational activities and ensure efficient workflow within the organization.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, legal requirements, and industry standards.
• Conduct regular assessments and evaluations of operational procedures to identify areas for improvement.
• Develop and oversee implementation of sustainability and environmental responsibility policies where applicable.
• Maintain an up-to-date operational risk register and mitigation plans.

Procurement & Contract Management

• Oversee procurement processes, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and compliance with organizational procurement policies and donor regulations.
• Manage vendor relationships, develop supplier performance tracking systems, and negotiate contracts for goods and services.
• Ensure procurement processes are aligned with environmental and ethical purchasing standards.
• Maintain accurate procurement documentation, including vendor databases, purchase orders, and contract records.
• Conduct market research to identify cost-saving opportunities and innovative sourcing solutions.

Administration & Logistics

• Manage office administration, including facilities, equipment, and supplies, ensuring proper maintenance and functionality across all of NEF's areas of operations.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to operational functions, ensuring data security and accessibility.
• Supervise administrative/ and logistics support staff and ensure they are effectively contributing to operational objectives.
• Oversee logistics, including travel arrangements, vehicle and asset management adhering to NEF and donor procedures
• Oversee event coordination for internal and external activities.

Human Resources (HR): In coordination with the Global HR Manager

• Support recruitment, onboarding, and performance management processes in collaboration with the HR Globa; Manager, in compliance with local law and NEF policies.
• Promote a positive workplace culture, including staff well-being, professional development, and capacity-building initiatives.
• Lead the coordination and maintenance of the full employee lifecycle that includes attraction, recruitment, onboarding, development, retention, and separation.
• Respond to and escalate employee relation issues such as personnel matters, grievances, and assist with investigation of policies and conduct violations and all hiring and firing matters.

Safety and Security (S&S): In coordination with the Regional Safety and Security Manager

• Monitor and manage the S&S environment for NEF staff and premises; provide recommendations to the Syria Director and Regional S&S Manager.
• Provide S&S support, advice, and security briefings prior to field movements.
• Review and maintain incident reporting and mapping system.
• Ensure staff are informed of NEF's S&S policies, SOPs, and protocols.
• Manage S&S NEF Syria WhatsApp groups.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure the organization complies with all relevant regulatory requirements, internal policies, and donor guidelines.
• Support organizational risk management and crisis response planning, including security protocols and emergency preparedness.
• Ensure staff are trained in security, data protection, workplace safety, and ethical compliance policies.
• Lead the development and implementation of a business continuity plan to ensure resilience in case of disruptions.

Government Liaison & External Relations

• Act as the primary point of contact for government agencies and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure compliance with government regulations, including registration, operational permits, and reporting requirements.
• Represent the organization in meetings, consultations, and negotiations with relevant government officials and stakeholders when required.
• Facilitate the acquisition of necessary approvals, permits, and licenses required for organizational activities.
• Support advocacy efforts and strengthen partnerships with government entities to enhance program impact.
• Monitor changes in government policies and regulatory frameworks that may impact the organization's operations.

External and Internal work relations

Internal

• Syria Director; operations, programs, and administration.
• Finance; budgets, logistics and procurement staff.
• Program Manager; program support, logistics, operations.

External

• Government institutions at the national level (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Public Service; Ministry of Interior etc.).
• State and county authorities (Office of the governors, state ministry of public service, RCC, commissioners )
• Liaise with law enforcement .
• Other stakeholders as required

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's or master's degree in business administration, Public Administration, Management, Logistics, or a related field.
• Minimum eight years of experience in operations management, preferably in the NGO sector or humanitarian field.
• Strong knowledge of administration, procurement, HR, compliance, and logistics management.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a proactive and strategic mindset.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with experience working in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in relevant IT systems, enterprise software, and project management tools.
• Experience in risk management, legal compliance, and security policies is an advantage.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making
• Leadership & Team Management
• Organizational & Planning Skills
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills

Work Environment and Conditions

• The role may require travel to project sites, partner organizations, and relevant stakeholders.
• Work may involve occasional extended hours to meet operational demands and deadlines.
• The Operations Manager will work closely with various departments, external vendors, and donors to ensure seamless execution of operational functions.
• The position may require adaptability to work in challenging environments, particularly in humanitarian or field-based operations.

NEF will accept a rolling application until the position is filled. Review of application will begin on September 27, 2026. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply: Please apply by submitting the following documents to the Near East Foundation's careers page:

• Cover letter outlining all relevant experience, how you meet the essential criteria.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer). You will be given further notice prior to us contacting references.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org

The Near East Foundation promotes Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.

Pre-employment Checks Any Employment with the Near East Foundation will be subject to the following checks prior to start date:

• A satisfactory Restricted Party Screening;
• Receipt of satisfactory references;
• Proof of eligibility to work in the national location for this role.