Our client, a leading Gulf master developer, is building its team in Damascus for a landmark large-scale mixed-use community. The Stakeholder Manager will lead authority engagement, development and design approvals, and government stakeholder coordination, acting as the main link between the client's submissions, Syrian government and regulatory bodies, consultants and project stakeholders. This is a fully on-site role based in Damascus. We are particularly keen to hear from Syrian professionals – in Syria or abroad and looking to return – ideally with established relationships with Syrian authorities. Fluent Arabic and English are essential.
Duties & Responsibilities
Act as primary contact with Syrian government authorities, municipalities and regulatory bodies
Build relationships and set authority engagement strategies; represent the client in authority meetings
Advise internal teams on design codes, approval processes, submission costs and regulatory expectations
Manage end-to-end submissions, permits and approvals for master planning, infrastructure and buildings
Ensure submission packages are complete and compliant; track comments, revisions and timelines
Coordinate architects, engineers, consultants and contractors; review submissions before filing
Maintain knowledge of Syrian planning regulations, development controls and building codes
Identify regulatory risks and recommend mitigation
Brief senior leadership on approval status and maintain approval trackers and authority matrices
Skills & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, urban planning, construction management, business administration or related field
8–12 years in authority approvals, government relations, stakeholder management or regulatory affairs
Proven approvals experience on large-scale master plan, residential, mixed-use, hospitality or commercial developments
Working knowledge of Syrian codes, government entities and regulatory frameworks
Established relationships with relevant Syrian authorities
Fluent Arabic and English (spoken and written) – essential
Syrian national strongly preferred
Willing to be based full-time in Damascus
Benefits: + medical insurance + security support. Full-time in Damascus.