Country Security Manager – Damascus

Fixed term | 6 months | ASAP

Acted

Who we are

Acted works with 19 million people across 43 countries at the intersection of humanitarian, development, climate and environmental programming. We draw on deep contextual knowledge and embrace emerging technologies to save lives, alleviate suffering, and protect and restore our planet. Working in collaboration with a growing ecosystem of local, national and international partners, we pursue one shared objective: a 3Zero World – Zero Exclusion, Zero Carbon and Zero Poverty.

Who we are looking for

You bring the core competencies required for classical humanitarian and development work, alongside an active climate and environmental conscience, and you can navigate the challenges that arise when human and environmental suffering intersect. You have an entrepreneurial mindset: you see opportunities, connect dots, adapt your approach to different environments, and take measured risks in pursuit of results. You balance principles with pragmatism, and ambition with humility.

Acted Syria

After more than 14 years of crisis, Syria continues to face complex humanitarian and recovery challenges. Although 2025 marked the beginning of a new chapter, needs remain acute amid ongoing instability and localized escalations. As of January 2026, it is estimated more than 16 million people require assistance, including more than 7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and nearly two million recent returnees. Since late 2024, over 1 million refugees have returned from neighboring countries, with further significant returns expected in the coming year. Despite strong return intentions, conditions for safe, dignified, and sustainable reintegration remain fragile. Damaged housing and infrastructure, limited livelihood opportunities, and inadequate access to essential services – particularly water, electricity, healthcare, and education -continue to drive vulnerability and risk of secondary displacement. Localized insecurity, UXO contamination, governance transitions, and recurring drought and water scarcity further strain already fragile systems.

Since December 2012, Acted has been a key humanitarian and recovery actor in Syria. Based in Damascus since 2025 and guided by its 3ZERO Strategy, Acted implements an area-based, conflict-sensitive, and multisectoral approach that bridges life-saving assistance with early recovery, stabilization, climate adaptation, and long-term resilience. Operating inside and outside camp settings, Acted supports displaced populations, returnees, and host communities to access livelihoods, housing, and essential services, supporting an enabling environment for durable solutions. Through community-driven planning, strong local partnerships, and technical leadership across CCCM (including flexible MSMC modalities), WASH, shelter, agriculture, market recovery, and hydrogeological research to strengthen water governance, Acted delivers integrated, climate-smart responses across Syria.

You will be in charge of

The Country Security Manager is responsible for overseeing daily security management of all Acted premises and project sites, ensuring a permanent monitoring and assessment of the security situation in country, as well as reviewing and implementing Acted security management guidelines and protocols. He/she will also advise the Country Director and Senior Management Team on all issues of safety and security and provide appropriate security training and mentoring.

Main duties

1. Department management

2. Context & Risk analysis

3. Develop and update Country Security Plans, SOPs and Contingency Plans

4. Daily Security Management

5. Crisis management

• Adapt crisis management protocols to the local situation;
• Act as a key member of the Crisis Management Team so that safety policies and procedures are implemented;

6. Reporting

7. Training and briefing

• Conduct security briefing for each new international staff arriving in country;
• Design security training modules for Country Director’s approval and HQ endorsement;

8. Develop and maintain a security network

9. Ensure external representation

Expected skills and qualifications

• At least 3-5 years of working experience in insecure environments; preferably in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East;
• Extensive experience in security management and procedures;
• Demonstrated communication and organizational skills;
• Ability to train, mobilize, and manage both international and national staff Flexibility and ability to multi-task under pressure;
• Ability to work well in unstable and frequently changing security environments;
• Willingness to work and live in often remote areas under basic conditions;
• Proven ability to work creatively and independently both in the field and in the office;
• Advanced proficiency in written and spoken English;
• Knowledge of local language and/or regional experience highly desirable.

Terms of reference

For more information about the position, click here .

Conditions

• Salary between 3300 and 4500€ monthly (before income tax), depending on the level of education, security level, etc as well as a monthly living allowance of $300
• Accommodation and food provided in Acted guesthouse
• Pension, health insurance, life insurance and repatriation assistance (& unemployment insurance for EU citizens)
• Flight tickets every 6 months & visa fees covered
• Contribution to the luggage transportation: up to 100 kgs, depending on the length of the contract
• R&R every 3 months, flight tickets covered up to $500 and allowance of $200
• Annual leave of 25 to 43 days per year
• One week pre-departure training in Acted HQ, including a 4-days in situ security training
• Tax advice (free 30-minute call with a tax consultant)
• Psychological assistance
• This position is classified as an international staff position under Acted’s recruitment framework. Eligibility for an international contract is therefore required.