Executive Director

Contract: Full-Time, One-year (renewable based on performance and funds availability)

Work Schedule: Monday to Friday

Timeframe: Immediate

Application Deadline: February 23, 2025 (Interviews will happen on a rolling basis as we are looking to fill the position soonest. We therefore encourage early application)

About Baytna

Baytna supports, nurtures, and enables Syrian civil society. Its programs actively promote respect for human rights, accountability, inclusivity, and civil liberties, laying the foundations for long-term stability and preparing Syrians for the democratic future they seek. It aims to provide Syrian civil society and community-based organizations with needed support, resources, tools and skills to act as forces for peace, stability, and democratic change in Syria. It supports locally led transformations through shared intersectional and participatory experiences that bolster civil society movements, create safe spaces for critical thinking, and drive innovation.

Baytna is looking to hire a new Executive Director as soon as possible to lead the organization in this historical moment for Syria and the region

Job Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the official representative of Baytna, responsible for the overall direction and administration of all Baytna operations, program and services. The ED is directly accountable to the Board of Directors for effectively performing all responsibilities. The ED provides reports on all aspects of Baytna performance as requested by the board and / or donors and leads Baytna’s advocacy and fundraising efforts.

Language:

Full proficiency in Arabic and English, and a working proficiency in French are a must. Dutch is an advantage.

Main Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Implements the strategic vision as set forth by the Board of Directors
2. Provides the vision and leadership for the organization’s policy and programs
3. Develops and maintains a positive image of the organization and excellent relationships with all stakeholders
4. Monitors and develops the annual budget for approval by the Board of Directors
5. Approves all financial transactions below EUR 10,000 and serves as the final executive authority on contracting and bookkeeping
6. Develops, monitors, and implements policies and procedures, and ensures that Baytna operations comply with all applicable laws and regulations
7. Serves as the final authority for employee relations and personnel matters; has ultimate authority for all hire / fire decisions, compensation and disciplinary actions
8. Oversees all programs through supervision; delegates as appropriate
9. Identifies, develops and manages donor and stakeholders’ relations, fundraising, advocacy and public outreach
10. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Board of Directors

Qualifications and Skills Required:

1. A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, business administration, or related. Master’s degree preferred.
2. At least five years of experience in a leadership position
3. Experience in writing, monitoring, and evaluating development project proposals
4. The ability to travel internationally
5. Strong ability to manage interpersonal relationships
6. Strong computer skills including command of Office 365 and ERP systems
7. Excellent communicator and public speaker
8. Proven leadership, motivational, and teambuilding skills

How to apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications are invited to send their CV along with a one-page motivation letter outlining your suitability for the role to: jobs@baytna.org. Please include “Executive Director” in the email subject line.

Note: We aim to fill this vacancy as quickly as possible. This means that we will close adverts as soon as we have found the right candidate, which may be before the published closing date. We advise interested applicants to apply as early as possible. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.