Consultancy Opportunity with UNICEF in Syria for Disaster Risk Reduction 2026

UNICEF is seeking a Senior National Consultant – Disaster Risk Reduction to support its Field Operations and Emergency Unit in Damascus, Syria. The consultancy will run for 6 months and aims to strengthen disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness efforts in Syria through close collaboration with the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management and other national and local stakeholders.

The assignment focuses on enhancing disaster risk reduction systems, strengthening preparedness and early action mechanisms, improving coordination among key actors, and supporting the development of national policies and plans related to disaster, climate, and humanitarian risks. Particular emphasis is placed on protecting vulnerable populations, especially children.

Benefits and Advantages

• Opportunity to work with a leading international organization dedicated to protecting children's rights.
• Six-month consultancy contract.
• Work based in Damascus with UNICEF and relevant partner institutions, including potential field travel.
• Opportunity to contribute to strengthening critical national disaster risk reduction systems.
• Collaboration with government, national, and international stakeholders.
• Chance to apply expertise in public policy, governance, donor relations, and humanitarian action.
• Inclusive and diverse professional environment that promotes equal opportunities and provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities when needed.

• Provide technical and strategic support in the areas of disaster risk reduction and emergency preparedness.
• Work on a regular day-to-day basis with the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management.
• Support immediate coordination among ministries and relevant national and local stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development or strengthening of a national disaster risk reduction strategy.
• Support the preparation of a multi-year action framework for disaster risk reduction.
• Provide technical advice on anticipatory action, preparedness, climate risks, and humanitarian risks.
• Support capacity-building initiatives for government personnel in disaster risk reduction.
• Promote child- and youth-centered approaches within disaster risk reduction plans and programs.
• Develop a clear methodology and work plan to ensure effective implementation and delivery of project outputs.
• Coordinate with UNICEF, government institutions, and international partners to ensure high-quality implementation and results.

• Applicants must be Syrian nationals only.
• Hold a Master’s degree or equivalent in one of the following fields:
  • Public Administration
  • Social Policy
  • International Relations
  • Environmental Studies
  • International Development or Development Studies
  • Or another relevant technical field
• Have at least 5 years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)
  • Early Action
  • Public Policy in Syria
  • Government Structures or Governance
  • External Relations or Donor Relations
  • Advocacy
  • Or other related fields
• Demonstrate fluency in both Arabic and English, written and spoken.
• Possess knowledge of national systems and global disaster risk reduction frameworks.
• Have strong coordination and facilitation skills for working with government, national, and international stakeholders.
• Previous experience with the United Nations system, particularly UNICEF, or with international development organizations is considered an asset.
• Experience in donor relations and donor reporting is considered a strong advantage.

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