Education Coordinator - Syria (based in Damascus, with frequent movement inside Syria, including Aleppo and Homs areas)

Position Summary 

The Education Coordinator will lead the design, implementation, monitoring, and coordination of education programs in Syria, ensuring alignment with national strategies, donor requirements, and humanitarian standards. The role will focus on improving access to quality education, rehabilitation of learning environments, teacher support, and child protection mainstreaming. The coordinator will act as the focal point with Education Sector partners, local authorities, and donor representatives. This position requires frequent field movement across Syria, including Aleppo, Homs, and surrounding areas, as well as occasional travel to Lebanon for coordination purposes. 

Key Responsibilities 

Program Development & Management 

Lead the design and planning of education interventions (formal and non-formal), including school rehabilitation, teacher training, and psychosocial support initiatives. 

Ensure activities are inclusive, child-centered, and in line with humanitarian and development standards (INEE Minimum Standards, Do No Harm, etc.). 

Oversee implementation, budget management, and reporting of education projects. 

Support integration of cross-cutting themes (protection, gender, disability inclusion, climate resilience). 

Coordination & Representation 

Represent the organization in the Education Sector/Cluster, technical working groups, and coordination fora. 

Build strong partnerships with Ministries of Education, local NGOs, community structures, and other stakeholders. 

Facilitate coordination between education and other sectors (WASH, Protection, Shelter, Livelihoods). 

Capacity Building 

Provide technical guidance and coaching to field teams, school staff, and implementing partners. 

Develop and deliver training modules for teachers, facilitators, and education staff. 

Strengthen community participation in education programs. 

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning 

Ensure robust monitoring and reporting systems are in place. 

Track progress against indicators and ensure timely donor reporting. 

Document lessons learned, best practices, and contribute to program development. 

Qualifications & Experience 

Education: Advanced degree in Education, Social Sciences, International Development, or related field. 

Experience: 

Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in education program management in humanitarian or development settings. 

Proven track record in managing large-scale education projects, including school rehabilitation and teacher training. 

Strong experience in donor compliance and reporting (UNICEF, UNHCR, ECHO, etc.). 

Experience working in complex and insecure environments, ideally in Syria or the region. 

Skills: 

Strong project cycle management, budget management, and reporting skills. 

Excellent coordination and representation skills. 

Strong communication, facilitation, and training skills. 

Fluency in English and Arabic (written and spoken). 

Key Competencies 

Strategic thinking and problem-solving. 

Ability to work under pressure and in volatile contexts. 

Strong commitment to child safeguarding, gender equality, and humanitarian principles. 

Team leadership, mentorship, and capacity-building skills. 

Flexibility and willingness to travel extensively within Syria and occasionally to Lebanon. 

Safeguarding & Ethics 

The Education Coordinator is expected to uphold the organization’s safeguarding, child protection, and code of conduct policies at all times. 
 

HAND maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards exploitation, abuse, and harassment and is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.