About Bibliothèques Sans Frontières
Founded in 2007, Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (Libraries Without Borders) is an NGO that empowers vulnerable populations by sharing culture, education and information. It implements inclusive and innovative projects in 30+ countries, enabling people affected by crises and precarity to educate themselves, dream and (re)build their lives.
BSF's approach is based on an inclusive, participatory, and learner-centered pedagogy. It is built on three main pillars:
- Selecting educational and playful content adapted to the final beneficiaries (profile, language(s) spoken, literal level, objectives), whether physical and/or digital. To date, the BSF database contains over 50,000 digital contents in more than 36 different languages
- Disseminating this content using innovative offline digital tools, enabling users to access this content from their smartphone, tablet, computer, or even e-reader:
- The Ideas Box: a multimedia library in kit form, that can be deployed over 100 m2 in less than 20 minutes, containing both paper and digital documentary resources, an offline internet server along with computers and tablets, board games, films… This genuine toolbox can be used to set up educational and school activities, train-the-trainer courses, as well as human development activities such as theater workshops and games.
- The Ideas Cube: an autonomous and ultra-portable server that works without an Internet connection to provide access to information in the most remote locations. The Ideas Cube creates a Wi-Fi hotspot to information in the most remote locations. The Ideas Cube creates a Wi-Fi hotspot to which users can connect using a smartphone, tablet or computer to access thousands of educational, cultural or training resources.
- Training local partners and future users of the devices in the use of these tools but above all in cultural mediation around the selected content to facilitate the appropriation of the project and its impact.
At BSF, decisions are only based on the applicant’s skills and qualities regarding its needs of recruitment within a respectful and inclusive process. BSF hires and employs individuals regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, cultural or ethnic background, or disability.
Context
As part of its growing presence in Syria, Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (BSF) implements educational and cultural projects that support access to information, informal learning, and psychosocial well-being in contexts affected by crisis or vulnerability.
To ensure efficient implementation of its projects in Syria, BSF is recruiting a Support Functions Officer to support daily operations on the ground. The Support Functions Officer will be based in Damascus, Syria, working under the supervision of the Regional Support Coordinator (Amman) and in close coordination with the regional office teams.
Position Objectives
BSF is recruiting a Support Functions Officer to be responsible for supporting the daily operations of the Syria office in Damascus, ensuring smooth and effective implementation of projects in terms of administrative, financial, and logistical aspects.
The Support Functions Officer will work under the direct supervision of the Regional Support Coordinator (based in Amman) and in close coordination with the field teams and BSF headquarters in France.
The main objectives of the position include:
- Supporting financial management, including preparation of documents, tracking expenses, and assisting in financial reporting.
- Carrying out procurement and logistics procedures in line with BSF policies and donor requirements.
- Providing day-to-day administrative support to the Syria office.
- Assisting in maintaining HR files and procedures
- Contributing to document organization, asset tracking, and inventory management.
Key responsibilities
The Support Functions Officer will be responsible for the following key tasks:
1. Financial Support
- Support the monthly financial closure process for the Syria office, including collecting and reviewing supporting documents.
- Assist in budget tracking, forecasting, and reporting in collaboration with the Regional Support Coordinator and HQ.
- Maintain accurate filing and archiving of all financial documents for Syria operations, ensuring compliance with donor and internal procedures.
- Prepare and process payment requests and ensure timely follow-up with vendors and service providers in Syria.
2. Procurement and Logistics
- Follow BSF’s procurement procedures for goods and services in Syria, including preparing purchase requests, RFQs, selection memos, and purchase orders.
- Track deliveries, manage inventories, and update the asset register for the Syria office regularly
- Support logistics for field missions, training sessions, and events within Syria, including booking venues, accommodations, and transport.
- Ensure proper documentation and archiving of all Syria related logistics processes
3. Administrative and HR Support
- Assist in maintaining HR files for Syria staff, tracking leave, and supporting recruitment logistics for the Damascus office.
- Coordinate with local service providers in Syria and support contract follow-ups (insurance, phones, office maintenance, etc.).
- Support onboarding of new team members and consultants in Syria.
- Maintain organized filing of administrative documentation related to Syria operations in both physical and digital formats.
- Assist with the national registration procedures and ensure compliance with national regulatory obligations
4. Collaboration and Internal Coordination
- Work closely with the Regional Support Coordinator and the Syria project team to ensure smooth implementation of operations.
- Coordinate between the Damascus office and the regional office in Amman as needed.
Profile
At BSF, we recognize the value of a diverse range of experiences. If you do not meet every qualification but believe that your skills, knowledge, and motivation make you a strong candidate for this role, we encourage you to apply. We understand that professional experience is not the only path to developing relevant skills; academic, volunteer, or personal experiences may also demonstrate your suitability for the position.
Required Education & Expérience:
- University degree in Business Administration, Finance, Logistics, or a related field.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in administrative, financial, and/or logistics roles, preferably in the humanitarian or development sector in Syria.
- Familiarity with procurement and finance procedures in donor-funded projects.
- Experience with documentation, archiving, and compliance processes.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office tools.
- Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken).
Required Qualities:
- Organized, detail-oriented, and reliable.
- Able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with local stakeholders and team members.
- Ability to work independently with a strong sense of responsibility.
- Willingness to collaborate with diverse teams and external stakeholders.
- High level of discretion and integrity when handling sensitive information.
- Interest in educational and humanitarian work is an asset.
Conditions
- Status: Local fixed-term contract – 1 year, renewable
- Start Date: 01/09/2025
- Location: Damascus, Syria
- Travel: Within Syria as required
- Salary: According to BSF salary grid and based on experience
- To learn more about BSF: www.bibliosansfrontieres.org
