Project Manager - Media program – Syria, Damascus

Search is seeking a Media Manager to play a critical role in harnessing media as a tool for peacebuilding and social cohesion across the country. 

Position Summary

• In Syria, Search for Common Ground leverages media to address community grievances, promote dialogue, and amplify voices for peace and resilience. The Media Manager plays a critical role in harnessing media as a tool for peacebuilding and social cohesion across the country. The Media Manager will lead the strategic engagement with key stakeholders ensuring it aligns with Search’s mission and peacebuilding objectives. This includes the development and implementation of a comprehensive media project, coordination with traditional media actors and social media. He/She will lead in managing all aspects of media engagement, relevant ministries and future media practitioners. The Media Manager ensures delivery of the capacity strengthening program which promotes technical innovations and addresses issues of misinformation and hate speech in conflict-sensitive and inclusive manner. The Project manager will work closely with various media experts to deliver high quality capacity development programs and contribute to the development of the media sector in Syria while engaging key stakeholders to build an environment for inclusive and conflict sensitive media work. 

Key Responsibilities

• A. Project Management
• Coordinate various activities under the media project, including quality monitoring, implementation and reporting.
• S/he will ensure that assigned project activities are properly implemented and Search methodologies are effectively employed across activities
• Ensuring timely grant reporting and compliance with contract and donor guidelines in coordination with the relevant departments.

B. Team Management
• Lead the hiring process for consultants, staff (temporary and full time) when needed
• Build a roster of media consultants to ease the hiring of short-term support;
• Supervise, guide, evaluate the team members (when hired), ensuring a high team spirit and excellent atmosphere
• Provide technical leadership and oversight

C. Stakeholder Engagement
• Build and maintain partnerships with local media outlets, freelancers, and community influencers and education institutions.
• Engage with local authorities and institutional partners to support joint media programs and capacity development.
• Build the networks to bring together media experts, journalists and key decision makers to build an inclusive environment to strengthen the media sector in Syria.

D. Capacity development
• Develop capacity building plan to strengthen technical expertise of media personnel  and future media actors.
• Enhance the capacities of institutions and media actors to effectively monitor, document, and address hate speech and misinformation – online and offline.

E. Innovation and Learning
• Introduce new formats, tools, and support existing platforms to counter hate speech and misinformation.
• Document lessons learned and best practices in media interventions.

F.  Cross cutting themes
• Strong emphasis on gender-responsive and inclusive approaches
• Conflict sensitivity integration in all aspects of project implementation
• Promote diversity and inclusion in media work 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Media Production, Journalism, Communications, or a related field. A master's degree is an asset.
• Minimum of 9 years of professional experience in media management or production, with at least 5 years in a leadership role in programs countering hate speech and misinformation.
• Demonstrated experience in designing media capacity programs and training delivery.
• Proven ability to manage media networks.
• Strong understanding of the Syrian media landscape and conflict dynamics.
• Experience working with local authorities, ministries and universities.
• Excellent communication skills in Arabic; English proficiency strongly preferred.

Working Conditions And Physical Requirements

• This position is based in Damascus, where security conditions are highly volatile and may pose significant risks, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Local travels might be required (10%).

In This Position, You Are Expected To Demonstrate Search’S Core Competencies:

• Inspires and supports team development while resolving challenges within a clear strategic vision.
• Builds strong, collaborative relationships with partners and key stakeholders.
• Balances routine operations with continuous improvement and innovation.
• Adapts to changing contexts with creative, solution-oriented approaches.
• Promotes consistent standards across functions, fostering global collaboration.
• Models ethical behavior, reduces ambiguity, and sets a high standard for conduct.
• Navigates complexity with clear decision-making and adaptive leadership.
• Seeks creative, compliant solutions within complex, international frameworks.
• Coaches and mentors others, sharing knowledge to strengthen team capacity.
• Serves as a trusted expert, offering technical guidance and practical solutions.

General Sfcg Manager Competencies:

• Manages to meet overall strategy and vision. Provides functional and program/project management. Anticipates and plans for needs and takes action accordingly. Provides guidance to direct reports or matrixed team members.
• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with vendors, organizations, professional associations, partners, funders, and Search’s network of experts critical to the area of purview.
• Modifies a planned course of action in response to new information or new circumstances.
• Responds to changing circumstances and expectations readily.
• Articulates Search/function program/project goals and objectives within and external to Search. Develops program objectives that reflect broader Search strategies and approaches.
• Provides input for standards across functions globally within Shared Services teams and with a view from a multicultural perspective that reflects consideration of other cultures, other viewpoints, and other ways of doing things.
• Overcomes obstacles using ethical practices; formulates and evaluates morally and ethically justified solutions.
• Assesses risks and opportunities to lead decision makers to a favorable outcome.
• Checks the accuracy of one’s own and others’ work and sets up systematic checks and balances to support content and data integrity
• Has knowledge of project management tools including technology as resources for efficiency and reduction of stress.
• Works with employees to set and communicate performance standards that are specific and measurable.
• Anticipates the consequences of situations and plans accordingly.
• Analyzes the costs, benefits, risks, and chances for success in making a decision.
• Provides coaching and mentoring to staff.

Safeguarding:

• Remain alert and responsive to any safeguarding risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills that will enable you to promote strong safeguarding practices, understand the safeguarding policy and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Safeguarding Policy.

This posting opportunity will close on 19 August 2025.