Regional Syria Refugees and Returns Initiative Coordinator

Position description

1. Initiative Overview

CARE’s Multi-Country Syria Refugees and Returns Initiative is a strategic, cross-border platform responding to the evolving dynamics of Syrian refugee returns following the collapse of the Assad regime. The initiative is grounded in the principles of voluntariness, safety, dignity, and sustainability, and aims to support refugees who choose to return, while continuing to serve those remaining in host countries.

CARE’s regional footprint across Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Türkiye, Egypt, and Iraq positions it uniquely to deliver continuity of care through integrated programming in protection, livelihoods, and basic services. The initiative seeks to align strategic planning, programming, and advocacy across borders, leveraging CARE’s technical expertise and partnerships to influence durable solutions and regional coordination mechanisms.

2. Key Responsibilities

A. Multi-Country Concept Note Finalization and Operationalization of multi-country programming

• Finalize and package the regional concept note, incorporating technical inputs and aligning with donor interests. Coordinate across CARE various technical leads as needed for concept note finalization.
• Facilitate strategic planning and stakeholder mapping across countries.
• Translate technical inputs into donor-facing materials and advocacy tools.
• Coordinate the regional Syria market assessment and ongoing multi-country pilot assessments

B. Regional Coordination

• Lead monthly Syria Returns Working Group meetings.
• Coordinate cross-border information exchange between CARE country offices and regional/global teams.
• Develop and disseminate learning resources, briefs, and donor engagement materials to support regional coordination and visibility.

C. Regional Engagement with Key Returns Stakeholders

• Serve as the focal point for regional engagement on returns, including with donors, UN agencies, and refugee return coordination platforms (e.g., 3RP, UNHCR, IOM).
• Represent CARE in relevant regional coordination bodies and advocacy spaces, including durable solutions working groups and inter-agency platforms.

3. Key deliverables – regional coordinator

• Finalized Multi-Country Concept Note – incorporating technical inputs, aligned with donor priorities, and packaged for external sharing

• Operational Plan for Multi-Country Programming – including implementation plan, timeline, and resource allocation.

• Syria Market Assessment and Regional Pilot Assessment Report – consolidated analysis with recommendations for programming

• Monthly Syria Returns Working Group Meeting Minutes & Action Points – 5 working group meetings documented

• Advocacy and Donor Engagement Materials – 3 briefs with concept note and pilot inputs tailored for donors and external stakeholders

• End-of-Assignment Report – summarizing progress, challenges, recommendations, and next steps for sustaining regional coordination and influence

  4. Consultant Profile & Requirements

• Extensive experience in the Syria context, including refugee response and return dynamics.

• Proven track record in leading multi-country initiatives, preferably within humanitarian or development sectors.

• Demonstrated engagement with regional stakeholders on durable solutions, advocacy, and coordination.

• Ability to work creatively and strategically in complex, evolving environments with limited predefined pathways.

• Strong facilitation, communication, and packaging skills to translate technical inputs into donor-facing products.

• Familiarity with CARE’s organizational structure, values, and programming approaches is a strong asset.

5. Duration

• Start date: As soon as possible.
• End date: End of January

Part-time: (working approximately 2 days per week for 3 months)

5. Payment Terms

Consultant to submit an invoice to CARE Syria at the end of each month -outlining, tasks completed and timesheet and subject to satisfactory quality of service delivery.

Application instructions