A confidential organization is establishing a new operation in Damascus, Syria, and is seeking an experienced and strategic HR leader to build its human resources function from the ground up. This is a foundational role for an HR professional with 8-12 years of progressive experience and a deep, practical understanding of the Syrian labour landscape. The company requires a hands-on manager who can navigate the complexities of local regulations, establish robust HR systems, and act as the primary liaison with government authorities, all while fostering a professional and compliant workplace culture.
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Job Title: HR & Admin Manager Job in Damascus, Syria – New Operation, 8-12 Yrs Exp.
Full Time, Management
📍 Location: Damascus, Syria 🇸🇾
Company: Confidential Company
Apply nowPosition Overview: HR & Admin Manager – Syria (Damascus)
This Confidential Company is seeking a seasoned HR & Admin Manager to establish and lead the entire HR function for its new Syrian operation. This is a unique “start-up” HR role requiring a strategic thinker who is equally comfortable designing policies and personally managing the intricate details of Syrian labour law compliance, government registrations, and employee relations. You will be the sole expert responsible for everything from payroll processing and social security to acting as the company’s representative before labour offices and regulatory bodies.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be entrusted with the following comprehensive duties:
Strategic HR Establishment:
- Build the complete HR function from scratch, including developing all policies, procedures, and the compliance framework aligned with Syrian law.
- Develop and implement HR strategies that directly support the new business’s objectives.
- Design compensation structures, grading systems, and operational HR controls.
Regulatory Compliance & Government Liaison:
- Ensure 100% compliance with Syrian labour law and all applicable employment regulations.
- Manage all registrations with labour authorities, social security institutions, and other relevant government bodies.
- Act as the primary point of contact and liaison with labour offices, social insurance authorities, and regulatory entities.
- Handle all official reporting, support government inspections, and manage audits.
Operational HR Management:
- Lead manpower planning, recruitment, and onboarding for the new operation.
- Oversee the accurate processing of payroll in line with statutory requirements, including social security and tax deductions.
- Manage all employment contracts, personnel records, and labour-related documentation.
- Handle employee relations, disciplinary actions, and terminations in full compliance with the law.
Candidate Requirements (Mandatory)
| Requirement Category | Specific Qualification |
|---|---|
| Experience | Minimum 8 to 12 years of progressive, hands-on HR experience. |
| Start-Up HR Expertise | Proven experience establishing HR functions for newly set-up companies or start-up operations. This is a critical requirement. |
| Syrian Regulatory Knowledge | Strong, practical experience dealing directly with Syrian labour offices, social security authorities, and regulatory agencies. In-depth knowledge of Syrian labour law, statutory compliance, and employment regulations. |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field. |
| Core Skills | Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Proven ability to operate independently and manage highly confidential matters with discretion. |
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal HR leader for this foundational role will be:
- A builder and strategist who thrives on creating structure and systems from zero.
- A regulatory expert and trusted advisor on all matters related to Syrian employment law, capable of guiding the business through complex compliance requirements.
- A hands-on manager who is not afraid to dive into the details of documentation, payroll, and government liaison.
- Independent, resilient, and discreet, comfortable operating with autonomy in a new and evolving business environment.
Work Context & Challenges
- Setting: A newly established company in Damascus, requiring the HR function to be built concurrently with the business launch.
- Primary Focus: The role is heavily weighted towards regulatory compliance, government relations, and foundational HR systems.
- Key Challenge: Navigating the intricacies of the Syrian regulatory landscape while simultaneously building the HR infrastructure to support a growing workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is “start-up” HR experience so critical?
Building an HR function for an established company with existing systems is different from creating them from scratch. The candidate must be able to design policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks where none exist, anticipating future needs.
2. What does “dealing with Syrian labour offices” entail?
It involves handling all official communications and processes, such as employee registration, work permit applications, contract attestation, handling inspections, resolving disputes, and staying current on changing regulations.
3. Is this a strategic or purely administrative role?
This is a hybrid role with both strategic and administrative demands. You will develop the overall HR strategy but will also be personally responsible for executing on critical compliance and administrative tasks in the early stages.
4. Why is the company confidential?
Given the sensitive nature of establishing a new business operation, particularly in a complex regulatory environment like Syria, the company is likely maintaining discretion during the initial hiring phase. The company’s identity will be revealed to shortlisted candidates.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced HR leader with a proven track record of building functions from the ground up and possess deep, practical expertise in Syrian labour law, this Confidential Company encourages you to apply.
Submit your application via the official listing:
👉 Apply for HR & Admin Manager Position
