Field Coordinator (Shelter, WASH & NFI) - Syria (based in Damascus, with frequent movement inside Syria, including Aleppo and Homs areas; occasional travel to Lebanon)

Position Summary 

The Field Coordinator will oversee the planning, implementation, and monitoring of Shelter, WASH, and NFI distribution activities in Syria. Additionally, the role will provide technical support for construction-related projects and interventions in non-shelter sectors, including school rehabilitation and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) construction projects. The Field Coordinator ensures that interventions meet humanitarian standards, donor requirements, and community needs, while fostering resilience and improving living conditions. The position requires frequent field travel across Syria, including Aleppo and Homs, as well as occasional travel to Lebanon for coordination purposes. 

Key Responsibilities 

Program Implementation & Management 

Lead and coordinate Shelter, WASH, and NFI interventions in target locations. 

Ensure all activities are implemented in line with Sphere Standards, Cluster guidance, and donor requirements. 

Oversee assessments, needs analyses, and feasibility studies for Shelter, WASH, and NFI responses. 

Manage activity planning, resource allocation, procurement processes, and reporting. 

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

Technical Support 

Provide technical guidance in construction-related projects, including: 

Shelter rehabilitation and weatherproofing. 

WASH infrastructure (latrines, water systems, drainage). 

Non-shelter construction interventions (e.g., school rehabilitation, TVET-related construction workshops, small infrastructure works). 

Ensure technical designs, BoQs, and construction methods are sound, cost-effective, and safe. 

Conduct regular site visits for quality assurance, troubleshooting, and technical mentoring of field staff. 

Coordination & Representation 

Represent the organization in Shelter, WASH, and NFI Clusters/working groups. 

Coordinate with UN agencies, NGOs, local authorities, and community representatives to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication. 

Facilitate joint planning and cross-sector collaboration (e.g., Education, Protection, Livelihoods). 

Capacity Building 

Mentor and coach field engineers, site supervisors, and distribution staff. 

Provide training on shelter/WASH standards, construction safety, and community engagement. 

Strengthen participation of communities in program design and implementation. 

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning 

Establish and maintain monitoring systems to track project progress. 

Contribute to donor reports, project documentation, and lessons learned. 

Promote innovation and best practices in shelter, WASH, and NFI programming. 

Qualifications & Experience 

Education: Advanced degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field. 

Experience: 

At least 5 years of experience in coordinating Shelter, WASH, or NFI projects in humanitarian or development contexts. 

Proven technical experience in construction and infrastructure projects (including rehabilitation of schools or training facilities). 

Strong background in NFI programming and emergency distributions. 

Experience working in Syria or similar complex environments is an asset. 

Strong knowledge of humanitarian standards (Sphere, WASH Cluster guidance, Shelter Cluster standards). 

Skills: 

Strong project cycle management, budgeting, and procurement skills. 

Proficiency in technical design, BoQ preparation, and site supervision. 

Excellent coordination, negotiation, and communication abilities. 

Proficiency in AutoCAD. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for reporting, budgeting, and communication. 

Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken). 

Key Competencies 

Strategic and analytical thinking. 

Ability to work under pressure and in volatile contexts. 

Commitment to humanitarian principles, safety, and accountability. 

Leadership and mentoring skills with a collaborative approach. 

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

Safeguarding & Ethics 

The Field 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.