GBV Officer – Damascus Office

About Mari Research and Development (MRD):

Mari Research and Development (MRD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting peacebuilding, civil dialogue, protection, and sustainable development across Syria. We work with vulnerable communities to deliver rights-based, community-driven interventions with a strong focus on empowerment, inclusion, and resilience.

As part of our expanding operations in post-conflict Syria, we are seeking a qualified and committed GBV Officer to support our protection programs in Damascus.

Job Purpose:

The GBV Officer will play a key role in implementing and coordinating gender-based violence prevention and response activities within MRD’s protection program. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that survivors of GBV have access to quality, confidential, and timely support services, and that community-based prevention initiatives are carried out effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Implementation:

• Lead the implementation of GBV-related activities, ensuring adherence to international standards and MRD policies.
• Establish and manage safe, survivor-centered referral pathways and case management systems.
• Deliver awareness sessions and community outreach on GBV prevention and women’s rights.
• Support the integration of GBV principles across other MRD program sectors (WASH, Health, Livelihoods, etc.).

2. Case Management & Support Services:

• Provide confidential case management and psychosocial support to GBV survivors.
• Ensure timely referrals to specialized services (medical, legal, shelter, mental health).
• Maintain accurate, confidential documentation in accordance with MRD’s data protection policy.

3. Capacity Building:

• Conduct internal trainings for MRD staff and volunteers on GBV core concepts, safeguarding, and survivor-centered approaches.
• Support local service providers and community-based groups to build their capacity in GBV response.

4. Coordination & Reporting:

• Participate in GBV sub-cluster and protection coordination meetings.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local NGOs, women’s organizations, legal aid providers, and health services.
• Submit regular reports and updates on activity progress, challenges, and lessons learned.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, gender studies, law, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in GBV prevention and response, preferably with an NGO or UN agency.
• Strong knowledge of GBV guiding principles, case management standards, and referral mechanisms.
• Experience working in the Syrian context and with vulnerable groups (IDPs, survivors of detention, women, youth).
• Proven skills in facilitation, community engagement, and coordination with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills in Arabic; English is an asset.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle sensitive information with professionalism and confidentiality.

Preferred Attributes:

• Prior experience in capacity-building or training delivery.
• Familiarity with inter-agency GBV tools (e.g., GBVIMS, IASC Guidelines).
• Strong commitment to feminist principles and rights-based programming.