1. Context

Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long- term health and wellbeing.

Our team of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers work in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience.

We do this by working with local actors to develop safe and inclusive local programming that is evidence based, conflict sensitive, climate smart, and reaches those in need.

Relief International is an alliance of four organizations with one shared mission, comprised of Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK and Relief International-Europe, which operate under a one-team concept under a single senior leadership team.

2. Job Profile

The Syria Health & Nutrition Specialist will provide overall technical leadership, accountability, and quality assurance for Relief International’s health and nutrition programming across Syria. This senior role will oversee hub-based Health & Nutrition Technical Specialists, ensuring harmonization of standards, systems, and approaches across the response. The Specialist will play a key role in shaping RI’s Health & Nutrition strategy in Syria within the premises of RI Global H&N Strategy, identifying gaps through extensive context analysis, and developing plans to address them. Key priorities include leading engagement with the Ministry of Health and health partners, overseeing quality programming and identifying and championing innovative programming models that contribute to Health System Strengthening (HSS). The postholder will also build capacity of health teams, ensure alignment with international standards, and represent RI in key health coordination forums.

3. Key Responsibilities

Technical Direction and Strategy

• Provide overall strategic and technical guidance to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence- based health and nutrition programming.
• Lead the development and periodic review of RI’s Health & Nutrition strategy in Syria, ensuring alignment with humanitarian needs and long-term system strengthening objectives.
• Identify programmatic and technical gaps and develop actionable plans to address
• Champion the design and roll-out of innovative programming models aimed at strengthening the health system while sustaining emergency response capacities.
• Ensure harmonization of health standards, procedures, and systems across hubs and field

Program Development and Quality

• Provide technical leadership in the design and development of proposals, concept notes, and program modifications.
• Lead on health and nutrition assessments to identify needs and programmatic opportunities in coordination with MEAL and Grants and Reporting teams.
• Support the integration of cross-cutting themes (gender, protection, accountability, MHPSS) into health and nutrition programming.
• Lead the development of technical frameworks, guidelines, and quality benchmarks for service delivery across supported health facilities.
• Ensure international and national health standards are incorporated into program design and
• Drive continuous improvement of emergency health services, with a clear roadmap to ensure health and nutrition services meet relevant standards.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Oversee technical monitoring systems for health and nutrition programs, ensuring findings inform program quality improvements.
• Lead technical reviews and audits of health facilities and services, including pharmaceutical management and health information systems.
• Support MEAL teams in developing/adapting tools and methodologies for assessing program quality and outcomes.
• Ensure robust data analysis and reporting to guide decision-making and demonstrate program
• Promote learning, documentation, and dissemination of innovative approaches and best

Partnerships and Coordination

• Lead RI’s engagement with the MoH, building strong relationships and ensuring RI’s activities align with MoH priorities and plans
• Represent RI’s health and nutrition programs at national sector (cluster) coordination meetings and other technical forums.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key health stakeholders, including local NGOs, UN agencies, donors, and health authorities as designated by Country Director and Deputy Country Director - Programs.
• Advocate for improved health policies, standards, and resources through coordination platforms and advocacy initiatives.
• Support the development of effective referral mechanisms and service integration across different levels of care.

• Contribute to partnership development and strengthening of local health actors’ technical capacities in coordination with Awards and Partnership team.

Capacity Building and training

• Provide technical oversight and mentorship to hub-based Health Technical Specialists and health program teams.
• Lead structured capacity building for RI staff, partners, and health facility staff to strengthen technical skills and ensure harmonized application of health standards.
• Ensure staff are prepared for both emergency response and longer-term system-strengthening

Behavior and Conduct

• Will ensure the highest standards of behavior inside and outside of work promotes the values in RI’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies
• Will be a model for ethical conduct standards for other team members
• Will ensure own actions and the actions of the teams members they manage do not impact the safety of the RI team and the vulnerable communities we serve
• Will ensure external stakeholders are aware of RI conduct and reporting mechanisms
• Report any concerns

4. Person Specification

Skills, knowledge and expertise required for the role.

Essential criteria

• Advanced degree in Medicine, Public Health, International Health, or related
• Minimum of 7 years’ professional experience in managing and providing technical oversight to health and nutrition programs, including in conflict or emergency settings.
• Strong expertise in both clinical medicine and public health, covering primary and secondary health
• Proven experience working in close coordination with MoH and other health partners
• Proven experience leading health strategy development and implementing health system strengthening approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee and harmonize technical practices across multiple geographic
• Experience providing technical assistance and capacity building to health service providers in fragile or conflict-affected settings.
• Strong English and Arabic writing, communication, and public speaking
• Excellent analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in high-pressure

Desirable criteria

• Master’s degree in Public Health, International Health, or related advanced
• Previous experience working in Syria or the broader Middle East
• Familiarity with donor priorities, strategies, and compliance frameworks relevant to health programming (e.g., USAID/BHA, ECHO, FCDO, UN).
• Experience developing and scaling innovative programming models in health systems

RI Values

Guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, as well as “Do No Harm,” Relief International Values:

• Integrity
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Inclusivity
• Sustainability