15-month contract, national position – Full-time, based in Damascus
Fondation Hirondelle is seeking an experienced Editorial Coordinator to lead the editorial component of a media initiative, called “Inclusive Justice in Syria: Building Capacity, Centering Victims”, implemented in partnership with the International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ).
the role
In a fragile transitional context marked by disinformation, polarization, and low public trust, this role is central to strengthening independent journalism. Under the umbrella of the Country Representative in Syria and under the supervision of the Head of Editorial in Lausanne and Justice Info editors, you will ensure partner media produce accurate, ethical, and conflict-sensitive content that informs citizens, amplifies victims’ voices, and fosters inclusive public debate on transitional justice.
This is a strategic and hands-on position, with direct responsibility for editorial quality, coherence, and impact across a national network of media partners.
Your responsibilities
Editorial leadership & mentoring
- Act as the project’s editorial lead mentor
- Ensure the quality and consistency of content produced by partner media
- Define editorial priorities in line with transitional justice developments
- Ensure compliance with editorial standards: accuracy, independence, balance, “do no harm”, and conflict sensitivity
- Exercise strong decision-making in a complex and sensitive environment
Coordination of editorial production
- Structure and oversee the Damascus-based editorial coordination
- Supervise and support regional editorial focal points and journalists
Media network development
- Structure a network of media outlets across four regions
- Provide editorial mentoring and coaching to journalists
- Monitor production cycles and ensure regular delivery of journalistic content
- Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with partners
Training & capacity strengthening
- Design and supervise training programmes on:
- Transitional justice reporting
- Conflict-sensitive journalism
- Ethics and victim-centred approaches
- Ensure strong articulation between training, production, and feedback
Representation & coordination
- Ensure coordination with International Center for Transitional Justice team in Syria
- Engage with transitional justice stakeholders as relevant for editorial purposes (only)
- Represent Fondation Hirondelle on editorial matters with credibility and diplomacy
Monitoring & adaptation
- Produce regular editorial analyses (quality, impact, risks)
- Contribute to Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) processes (audience reach, engagement)
- Adapt approaches in response to the evolving context
Your profile
- Senior editorial professional (10+ years), ideally in crisis or transitional contexts
- Strong knowledge of the Syrian media landscape (compulsory asset)
- Experience in mentoring and capacity-building
- Strong editorial judgment, integrity, and commitment to ethical journalism
- Natural authority and ability to engage and influence peers
- Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills
- Commitment to public interest journalism, with a focus on justice-related issues
- Fluency in Arabic and English (French is an asset)
Why join us
- A rare opportunity to contribute to a critical moment in Syria’s trajectory
- A role with tangible impact at the intersection of journalism, justice, and public debate
- Close collaboration with leading actors, such as International Center for Transitional Justice and Justice Info
- The opportunity to help structure and strengthen a national media ecosystem around a key public interest issue
Position fully based in Damascus (Syria), with on-site presence required.
Application
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents:
- A CV
- A cover letter (maximum 1,250 characters) outlining relevant experience and motivation
- At least two recent work samples (preferably related to editorial work or transitional justice topics)
Applications should be sent to sandra.fontaine@hirondelle.org (subject: “Editorial Coordinator – Syria”) by May 10, 2026.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted before the application deadline.
Conditions
Initially, you will be hired on a consultancy contract converted into a national staff employment contract when the registration process in Syria is completed (in process).
Competitive salary and benefits package, based on local salary grid. Fondation Hirondelle applies a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and sexual harassment, as well as abuse of power within the organisation. Please consult our policy against sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse.
About Fondation Hirondelle
Fondation Hirondelle is a Swiss non-profit organisation working to ensure that people facing crises have access to reliable, local and independent information. Founded in 1995 and based in Lausanne, Fondation Hirondelle is currently active in 10 countries across three continents.