The Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) is a private diplomacy organisation founded on the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. Its mission is to help prevent, mitigate and resolve armed conflict through dialogue and mediation. HD operates in more than 40 countries with more than 300 staff. HD is currently looking for a:

Advisor – Syria

Location: Flexible Europe or MENA region

Starting date: 1 February 2026.

HD has been active in Syria since 2011. Throughout the conflict, HD established a presence and network of contacts within all areas of control, facilitating discreet dialogue between conflict parties from the local to regional level. After December 8, HD has sought to its leverage access to Syrian authorities, non-state armed actors, local communities and international actors to support the stabilisation of Syria in the transition period.

The consultant will provide strategic guidance on HD’s project aimed at preventing and addressing intercommunal conflict in Syria through locally led dialogue mechanisms. Their role includes supporting the establishment — or strengthening — existing local dialogue platforms and facilitating the negotiation of locally owned agreements.

In particular, they will:

• Advise HD’s local mediation projects in Syria.
• Develop and enhance HD’s network with community and civil society actors, including representatives of majority and minority sects and ethnicities, returnee and host populations, tribal and religious leaders, women’s organizations, civil society activists, farmers, business leaders, unions and associations, among others.
• Undertake a comprehensive and inclusive conflict analysis and mapping exercise in the selected target areas.
• Support the selection of local consultants and members of inclusive local mediation platforms.
• Support local mediators to :

monitor local grievances, oversee regular consultations with various stakeholders and community members, and identify entry points for local mediation.

convene dialogue sessions, including diverse community representatives and relevant authorities, to build consensus towards local solutions.

negotiate and implement local agreements between local communities and/or relevant authorities.

• Provide strategic support for the development of local mediation platforms.
• Support the organization, facilitation and reporting of HD meetings.
• Monitor the political and conflict situation in Syria and analyses the impact on the project

The role implies regular travel to and within Syria, with the possibility of travel to within Europe for team coordination and/or donor briefings.

The successful candidate should meet the following criteria:

• Politically astute and well-connected among local actors in one or more specific geographic area(s) relevant to the project objectives.
• Deep knowledge of local community dynamics in Syria and of inclusive approaches to local mediation.
• Committed to HD work ethics and confidentiality terms.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal skills in Arabic (native or equivalent) and fluent English. Proficiency in another language from the Middle East region is a significant asset.
• Knowledge of and commitment to conflict resolution and related humanitarian issues with at least 5 years of experience in related areas.
• Relevant university degree (international relations, politics, mediation preferred).
• Good interpersonal skills
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to security management and consistently adheres to all security protocols
• Demonstrates strong teamwork skills and effectively manages conflict.
• Strong social and communication skills, with a proven ability to thrive in multicultural team environments and demonstrate cultural sensitivity.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

If you are interested in this position and meet the above criteria, please send your CV along with a short cover letter in a single PDF file to [email protected] by 5 January 2026 Please indicate “Syria Advisor ” in the subject line of your e-mail.

HD promotes equal opportunities in employment.

For more information, please visit: www.hdcentre.org.