Project Officer - Economist, Local Agent Group I Ref: 506520 - Cooperation Section
We are
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organizations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.
The EU Delegation to the Republic of Syria in Damascus works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the Syrian government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.
We offer
The post of Project Officer (Local Agent Job Profile Group I) in the Delegation’s Cooperation Section. The team consists of 13 people and there are occasional atypical working hours.
Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed to functions depending on the needs of the Delegation, and on the changes of these needs. The successful candidate will serve under the supervision and responsibility of the Head of Cooperation, providing support, expertise and assistance in areas of economic development, trade and economic governance.
Following main tasks and duties are currently required:
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Contribute to the design, formulation, and monitoring of EU-funded programmes and projects.
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Conduct economic analyses across areas such as the macroeconomic situation, public finance management, the banking sector, trade, labour markets, private sector development and access to finance, in order to inform EU engagement in supporting economic recovery.
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Support procurement, contracting, and payment processes.
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Ensure projects achieve results, comply with financial decisions, and maintain quality and risk controls.
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Coordinate with donors, partners, economic actors, and stakeholders to ensure alignment and coherence of EU actions.
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Support procurement, contracting, and payment processes, ensuring compliance with EU financial rules and procedures
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Promote visibility and communication of EU assistance and project achievements.
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Prepare concise reports and/or deepeconomic analyses, depending on needs
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Support policy dialogue with the Syrian authorities, relations and coordination with public and private partners, donors through events and joint initiatives in the fields of financial and economic affairs, notably through the organisation of forum and platforms aiming at mobilisation of investments
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Maintain effective working relationships and support coordination with EU and external actors, including economic actors and IFIs.
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Apply EU document management procedures and filing rules.
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Register and archive documents correctly in ARES and shared systems.
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Keep databases, dashboards, and sector files updated.
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Support internal information sharing and knowledge management.
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Work in close coordination with the colleague working on Private Sector Development and Trade and with the OPS section as a whole
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Any other task or ad hoc tasks relating to the activities of the Section as requested by the Team Leader or the Head of Cooperation.
The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience. There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays, health insurances and a retirement savings plan.
The delegation will conclude a two-years fixed-term employment contract with the successful candidate. The expected start date will be 16/06/2026.
Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria (necessary for the application to be considered)
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Diplomas: Diplomas:
Master's degree in Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, Development Economics, Public Policy (with an economic focus) or International Development.
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At least 5 years of professional experience in economics, international development, or socio-economic recovery programs.
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Fluent knowledge of Arabic (Level C2) and English (at least Level C1)
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Proficiency in the use of MS Office tools and the capacity to swiftly acquire knowledge of new IT tools
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Medically fit to perform the required duties
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Enjoys civil rights and permits for employment under local law.
Assets/selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)
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PhD in economics, econometrics, statistics, development economics, public policy (with economic focus), international development.
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Knowledge of the European Union;
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Knowledge of any official EU language in addition to English (at least B2)
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Experience in working in an international environment.
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Experience in dealing with rules and procedures concerning calls for proposals, calls for tenders, contracts, and/or audit;
How to apply
Please submit your application in two separate pdf documents, consisting of a cover letter and Europass format CV (https://europass.europa.eu/en) via e-mail to the following email address:
Subject in the e-mail: Ref: 506520– JOB TITLE: ECONOMIST
Deadline is 16 May 2026 at 18:00 (Damascus time)
The process
After the deadline for applications, the eligible applications will be admitted to the Selection by the Committee set up for this purpose.
Depending on the number of applications received, successive phases of Selection may include shortlisting of candidates-based assessment of the information provided in the cover letter, CV, practical testing and interviews. At least the 5 best candidates will be invited to the final interview.
Only candidates admitted to each successive selection phase will be contacted individually. The same means of publication used for this job advertisement will be used to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed whether a candidate has been recruited.
The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure. During the selection process, please do not contact the members of the Selection Committee, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation’s Administration.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
The European Union is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. As an employer, the EU is committed to promoting gender equality, preventing discrimination on any grounds and ensuring a zero-tolerance approach to any form of harassment. It actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. We aim at a service which is truly representative of society, where each staff member feels respected, is able to give their best and can develop their full potential.
If pre-selected, candidates with disabilities are invited to contact the Delegation at delegation-syria-hoa@eeas.europa.eu n order to accommodate any special needs and provide assistance to ensure equality of opportunities with other candidates.
If a candidate with a disability is selected and recruited, the EEAS is committed to appropriate measures in order to accommodate his or her special needs to the working place or working conditions in accordance with Art 4 of the Decision ADMIN(2025)13 of the Director-General for Resource Management of the European External Action Service on providing reasonable accommodation for local staff with disabilities working in Union Delegations.
DATA PROTECTION NOTICE: