Senior Advisor, Stabilization

Summary

Join Search for Common Ground as a Senior Stabilization Advisor in Syria, initially working remotely before transitioning to an on-site role in Damascus. This critical position, contingent on donor funding, focuses on providing strategic and technical leadership for stabilization programming. You will lead the design and refinement of Syria's stabilization strategy, ensuring integration across program components. The role involves close collaboration with various stakeholders to shape program direction and strengthen implementation. This is a high-impact opportunity to drive inclusive stabilization initiatives in a complex conflict environment. The position is unaccompanied and requires adherence to safety protocols.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience in peacebuilding, international development or stabilization ideally in conflict-affected or fragile settings
• Proven experience operating in conflict environments, particularly in support of local governance structures or security actors addressing the needs of vulnerable populations
• Demonstrated expertise in Syria or comparable conflict/post-conflict contexts within the Middle East
• In-depth knowledge of Security Sector Reform (SSR) and Transitional Justice (TJ), with a strong ability to adapt technical frameworks to practical, locally grounded initiatives
• Demonstrated leadership in the design, planning, and technical delivery of peace and security interventions, ideally at the sub-national or community level
• Motivates colleagues and direct reports to develop while resolving problems within the context of a proactive and broad vision set by the organization
• Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with vendors, organizations, professional associations, partners, funders, and Search’s network of experts to facilitate work intended to provide a service to Search
• Manages and contributes to both routine activities and initiatives while also making progress on continuous improvement efforts
• Juggles multiple demands and adapts to new situations with fresh ideas or innovative approaches
• Contributes to the development and implementation of the departmental strategy based on organizational goals and objectives
• Confirms and socializes standards across functions globally within or in collaboration with Shared Services teams while allowing for thoughtful collaboration in an international context
• Practices ethical behavior to meet Search’s expectations for conduct minimizes ambiguity and sets an example for others
• Builds a framework and sets in motion a plan to overcome challenges by making sense out of complexity and an uncertain future, staying cognizant of the implications of a choice for the department, and being decisive while also applying flexibility for further change as needed and changing work plans to meet environmental factors
• Sets up procedures and team building to ensure high quality of work (e.g., review meetings)
• Seeks out creative solutions within a complex and international environment while working within an organizational framework of compliance, ethics, best practices, and standards
• Shares information, advice, and suggestions to help others to be more successful; provides effective coaching
• Sought out as an expert to provide advice or solutions in their technical or functional area
• Convenes groups or teams through problem-solving and creative thinking processes, leading to the development and implementation of new approaches, systems, structures, and methods
• Involves team members in thought leadership discussions and decision-making to lead to continued growth and development for team and department members
• Remains alert and responsive to any safeguarding risks, acquires relevant knowledge and skills that will enable them to promote strong safeguarding practices, understands the safeguarding policy and procedures, and conducts themselves in a manner consistent with the Safeguarding Policy

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and refinement of Syria’s stabilization strategy, ensuring integration of TJ, SSR, and social cohesion across all program components
• Embed conflict sensitivity, Do No Harm, and political economy analysis into all phases of programming
• Provide expert guidance on engaging informal governance actors, community leaders, and former conflict participants in inclusive transitional processes
• Ensure that delivery of the social cohesion, stabilization and recovery mechanism reflects best practice, incorporates lessons learned, and supports broader political goals
• Provide strategic oversight for project implementation, ensuring timely, adaptive, and results-focused delivery
• Foster strong relationships with government institutions, civil society, international actors, and communities to support coordination and local ownership
• In collaboration with the MEAL team, monitor impact and support adaptive learning, compliance, and quality assurance in line with donor requirements and Search standards
• Design and deliver tools, training, and mentorship to strengthen the capacity of local partners and civil society organizations in key thematic areas, including transitional justice (TJ), security sector reform (SSR), gender equality and social inclusion (GESI), and peacebuilding
• Together with the Team Leader, build linkages between grassroots actors and national or international institutions to ensure local priorities inform higher-level strategies
• Oversee the design and implementation of context and conflict analyses, stakeholder mappings, and community perception studies to inform strategic planning, adaptive programming, and risk management
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, learning briefs, and donor reports, with a focus on capturing insights and lessons learned from locally led stabilization, governance, and reform initiatives
• Represent the program in technical forums, policy dialogues, and donor coordination platforms related to Syria’s transition, SSR, and TJ
• Lead efforts to effectively communicate the achievements and impact of donor-funded stabilization initiatives
• Support the development of success stories, visibility materials, and strategic messaging to highlight the value of locally driven peacebuilding efforts
• Build and maintain influential relationships with key stakeholders—including donors, government actors, and international partners—to advocate for evidence-based approaches to peacebuilding, stabilization, and governance reform

Preferred Qualifications

Prefer experience working on major programs funded by key international donors, particularly the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO)