We are currently recruiting a Program Quality Director to join our Syria team.

This is an office-based position in Damascus, Syria, with up to 30% travel.

At Relief International, we are committed to building a representative, inclusive and authentic workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates from minoritized backgrounds those who bring lived experience of the contexts in which we work.

This role is classified as requiring advanced pre-employment checks.

About Relief International

Relief International 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. We work in 14 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.

About the Opportunity

The Program Quality Director (PQD) is a senior leadership role within RI, accountable for ensuring the quality, innovation, and integration of programs. This role supports strategic direction, program development, technical oversight, and evidence-based learning across the country portfolio

You will provide leadership and strategic oversight to RI’s programming. This includes delivering high-quality, evidence-driven programs, ensuring technical expertise, fostering partnerships, and promoting innovation. The role requires exceptional leadership, strong technical knowledge in program quality, and the ability to navigate complex and fragile contexts.

Your Responsibilities

This role includes the following responsibilities.

• Lead large, complex country‑level or functional portfolios, managing significant resources, risks, and operational challenges.
• Provide strategic direction, ensuring high‑quality, evidence‑based, multi‑sector programming aligned with organizational goals.
• Represent the organization externally with donors, clusters, partners, and communities, influencing humanitarian priorities.
• Oversee program design, quality assurance, MEAL systems, and accountability mechanisms to drive learning and impact.
• Ensure strong operational performance through collaboration with finance, logistics, HR, and by leading risk, safety, and safeguarding measures.
• Manage and develop technical teams, fostering high performance, alignment with values, and continuous capacity strengthening.
• Direct resource allocation and ensures compliance with policies and donor requirements while balancing competing priorities and ensuring staff well‑being.

About You

You will bring the following experience and skills.

• Advanced degree in International Development, Political Science, Public Health, or a related field.
• Demonstrated senior leadership experience in complex humanitarian settings managing multi-sector technical teams and portfolios.
• Proven experience leading program development, technical oversight, and MEAL systems.
• Expertise in Health, Protection, or integrated programming in fragile settings.
• Strong understanding of humanitarian principles, IHL, and gender mainstreaming.
• Exceptional leadership, external representation, and team management skills.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems and deliver innovative solutions.
• Excellent English communication (written and verbal) essential.
• Knowledge of Syria humanitarian context or Middle East geopolitical dynamics desirable.
• Experience with Relief International programs and systems would be a bonus.
• Proficiency in Arabic or other relevant languages desirable.

Research shows that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs, unless they meet every single requirement. If you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align with every criteria described, we encourage you to apply anyway, you could be exactly what we need!

How To Apply

To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button in the job advert page.

• You will be asked to upload a CV and Cover Letter.
• The cover letter should be two pages, and explain why you are interested in this post with Relief International and how your skills and experience make you a good fit.

Closing Date

March 17, 2026.

As a humanitarian organization, Relief International is committed to the safeguarding of all those we come into contact with through our work. We are committed to the core humanitarian principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. Relief International expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the values and behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Recruitment to all roles in Relief International include a criminal records self-declaration, references, and other pre-employment checks, which may include police and qualifications checks.