Program Officer

Job Description

Position Title: Program Officer – Privately Funded Projects (Syria Focus)

Department Name: Programs

Supervisor of Position: Program Manager

Employment Definition: Full Time

Location of Position: Washington, DC - Hybrid (In on Wednesdays)

Role Summary

The Program Officer will lead coordination and oversight of SAMS’ privately funded projects in Syria, including initiatives generated through SAMS Assemblies and Signature Projects. This role manages the full lifecycle of new project ideas—from concept development to proposal preparation, internal approvals, implementation, and monitoring and reporting—while ensuring alignment with SAMS’ strategic priorities and field realities. The Program Officer acts as a critical liaison between SAMS HQ, the Syria Office, and Assembly leadership, ensuring transparent communication, effective planning, and high-quality reporting of all of SAMS privately-funded projects in Syria.

This is a project management position. While technical expertise in health is an asset, it is not required; the officer will consult with SAMS’ technical teams at HQ and in Syria closely.

About SAMS Assemblies and Signature Projects

SAMS Assemblies are specialty-based working groups of SAMS Society Members that serve as advisory bodies for privately funded initiatives. Each Assembly is led by a Chair, Vice Chair, and leadership committee, and is focused on strengthening care within their medical specialty in Syria.

Signature Projects are flagship, privately funded health programs identified based on unmet needs, gaps in access to specialty care, and SAMS’ medical expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Project Coordination & Development

Serve as the primary point of contact for privately funded project ideas emerging from SAMS Assemblies and Signature Project initiatives.

Coordinate early-stage project design and ensure required documentation (concept note, budget, logframe) is developed in collaboration with HQ, Syria Office staff, and Assembly leaders.

Support the progression of projects through internal approval processes, including submission for Board review.

Track project status from concept through launch, ensuring alignment with ongoing programming and operational capacity in Syria.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

Facilitate communication between Assembly leadership, HQ staff, and Syria-based colleagues to maintain shared understanding of project goals, timelines, and implementation challenges.

Coordinate across HQ and Syria departments (Finance, MEAL, Procurement, etc.) to ensure all operational requirements for projects are met.

Monitoring, Documentation & Reporting

Maintain up-to-date narrative and financial records for all active privately funded projects.

Monitor project implementation progress and flag delays or challenges requiring HQ support or intervention.

Prepare comprehensive internal updates and donor-ready reports on project outcomes and status.

Support Assemblies in drafting annual plans and budgets for privately funded activities.

Ensure due diligence processes are appropriately documented when a project includes working with an implementing partner.

Proposal Development Support

Liaise with SAMS Business Development staff (HQ and Syria Office) to assess whether privately funded projects can be scaled or adapted for institutional or major donor submission.

Contribute to drafting proposal materials and background documentation as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in project management, international development, public administration, or a related field

3-5 years’ experience in project coordination or management, preferably in humanitarian or development settings

Excellent organizational and communication skills

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively across diverse teams

Proficiency in written and spoken English (Arabic a strong asset)

Experience with donor proposal writing is an asset

Travel Requirements: Minimal (up to 5%)

Experience Required: 3–5 years of project coordination or management experience

SAMS is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We expect every member of the SAMS community to do their part to cultivate and maintain an environment where everyone can feel included and is afforded the respect and dignity they deserve.

Decisions related to hiring, compensating, training, evaluating performance, or terminating are made fairly, and we provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified candidates and employees. We examine our unconscious biases and take responsibility for always striving to create an inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome.

Full-time

Hybrid remote