Program Assistant - Idlib Office

Job description

Context About Relief International Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. In 2025, RI was active in 15 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East. About our Country Program RI operates in Syria across the north, east and south of the country, in the sectors of Health, Nutrition, Protection and WASH. Employing more than 1,000 staff (direct and incentive), we provide life-saving support for Primary Health Centres, hospitals and other health facilities, and vital protection services to vulnerable women and children. Job Profile Under the supervision of the Senior Program Officer and the overall team management of the Project Manager, the Program Assistant provides support in the implementation and monitoring of RI’s projects in North Syria. Responsibilities include managing day-to-day activities as delegated, assisting with preparation of documents for recruitments of incentive staff (health facilities and protection sites), receiving and compiling documents from health facilities or protection sites, and assisting with administrative duties such as filing, scanning and archiving. Key responsibilities Program Implementation Support the program team in ensuring the efficient execution of day-to-day activities for each project in the Area of Operation, implementing specific tasks assigned to him/her as per the work plans approved by the Project Manager. Assist in the prompt start-up of new health or protection facilities, by contributing to assessment of needs, preparation of relevant documentation, and liaison with other RI teams as required. Follow-up on PRs, including coordination with logistics and finance teams, regarding program-related procurements. In collaboration with Health Facility management and the RI’s program and HR team, support the implementation of recruitment plans for each health facility, ensuring adherence to the agreed recruitment Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Provide administrative support to the program and HR teams regarding HR processes for incentive staff, compiling documentation for new hires, resignations, and status changes. When required, provide assistance to the management of health facilities in planning of procurements and preparation of relevant documentation. Assist in the review of monthly running costs for health or protection facilities, compiling supporting documentation in accordance with RI’s policies and procedures. Along with other relevant colleagues (finance monitors, MEAL assistants, etc) contribute to monitoring the eligibility and efficiency of consumption rates of procured items within health and protection facilities. Under the supervision of the Project Manager and in coordination with other relevant colleagues, contribute to compiling information necessary for the drafting of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) or Sub-Grant Agreements (SGAs) with authorities, health facilities, partners or other stakeholders. Collaborate with the Project Manager, MEAL team, and technical teams in the implementation of monitoring and evaluation plans and the conducting of assessments, and participate in lessons learned exercises and other internal knowledge-sharing, in order to make recommendations for improvements to project implementation. Conduct regular visits and on-demand urgent visits to health and protection to follow up on activity progress and review urgent requests by the health facility management; provide immediate reporting on the outputs of the visits. Provide administrative support for the planning and implementing of events such as trainings, workshops or meetings of RI direct or incentive staff, partners or other stakeholders. Reporting & Archiving Participate in meetings with the program, grants or other teams to provide needed data for reporting on project progress, to support internal or donor reporting. Assist in the filing (hard and soft copies) project-related documentation, ensuring documents are adequately archiving according to RI and donor requirements. Provide regular (monthly) written updates to the Project Manager as requested, and contribute input into project-related narrative and budget reporting. Support the efficient collection of program-related data for RI’s Information Management (IM) team and contribute to input required from program field staff, under the supervision of the Project Manager. Behavior and conduct Ensures that behavior inside and outside of work promotes the values in RI’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies Acts with integrity and holds themselves accountable for being respectful, inclusive and professional. Promptly alert the Project Manager, Senior Management and/or RI’s Accountability focal points to any potential misconduct or procedural gaps in field procedures which may violate RI’s Code of Conduct and other policies. Person Specification Skills, knowledge and expertise required for the role. Essential criteria Relevant university degree or equivalent in professional experience. At least 1 year of previous experience in a relevant position, preferably in the humanitarian or development sectors. Organizational and administration skills, with strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize. Computer literacy (Word, Excel, internet). Excellent Arabic language skills; English is an asset. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. A team player with a problem-solving attitude. Willingness to travel regularly to remote field locations. Ability to work in a busy, high-pressure environment, and to prioritize and deal with competing demands. Flexibility, adaptability and willingness to occasionally work outside of normal working hours in order to meet urgent deadlines. Desirable criteria Knowledge of RI sectors (health, nutrition, WASH and/or protection). Proficiency in specialized apps (Information Management tools, databases, AutoCAD, etc). Female candidates are encouraged to apply. RI Values Guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, as well as “Do No Harm,” Relief International Values: Integrity Adaptability Collaboration Inclusivity Sustainability How To Apply To apply for this post, click on the “Apply” button in the job advert page. You will be asked to upload a CV. Closing Date July 26, 2026 Please note that the position might be filled before the deadline As a humanitarian organization, Relief International is committed to the safeguarding of all those we come into contact with through our work. We are committed to the core humanitarian principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. Relief International expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the values and behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct. Recruitment to all roles in Relief International include a criminal records self-declaration, references, and other pre-employment checks, which may include police and qualifications checks.