Application Guide

How to Apply for Chief of Party, Middle East

at Samaritan's Purse

🏢 About Samaritan's Purse

Samaritan's Purse is a Christian humanitarian organization that integrates faith with relief and development work, often reaching the most vulnerable in crisis zones. Working here means you can directly apply your professional skills to serve others while being part of a community that prioritizes prayer and Gospel witness. The organization is known for its rapid response to emergencies and long-term commitment to projects.

About This Role

As Chief of Party for a DOS-funded emergency award in the Middle East, you will lead a multi-sectoral team, ensuring program goals are met within strict timelines and budgets. This role is impactful because you will oversee life-saving interventions in a complex region, manage donor relationships, and ensure compliance while making an eternal difference in the lives of hurting people.

💡 A Day in the Life

Start with team devotions and prayer, then review security updates and adjust plans accordingly. Morning might involve a donor call or meeting with local partners, while afternoon is dedicated to reviewing financial reports, mentoring staff, and addressing compliance issues. The day ends with checking in on field teams and updating the project dashboard.

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🎯 Who Samaritan's Purse Is Looking For

  • Proven experience as Chief of Party or senior leader on US government-funded projects (especially DOS) in the Middle East or similar volatile contexts.
  • Strong background in multi-sectoral emergency programming (e.g., WASH, shelter, food security, protection) with ability to oversee diverse technical teams.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills, including with host governments, local partners, and donor representatives in culturally sensitive environments.
  • A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and ability to lead devotions and integrate Christian witness without proselytizing under USG rules.

📝 Tips for Applying to Samaritan's Purse

1

Highlight specific DOS-funded project experience in your resume, including award numbers and your role in achieving targets.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly state your personal faith and how you integrate it professionally without violating donor regulations.

3

Demonstrate familiarity with the Middle East context (e.g., security challenges, cultural norms) and mention any language skills (Arabic preferred).

4

Provide examples of how you've managed complex budgets ($5M+) and mitigated compliance risks on previous awards.

5

Tailor your application to emphasize emergency response experience rather than long-term development, as this is a 12-month emergency award.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your commitment to the Christian mission of Samaritan's Purse and how you live out your faith in a professional setting.", 'Specific experience leading DOS-funded projects, including managing staff, budgets, and compliance in challenging environments.', 'Your ability to navigate the Middle East geopolitical landscape and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.', 'A clear understanding of the 12-month emergency timeline and your track record of delivering results under pressure.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Samaritan's Purse's statement of faith and their 'Ministry of Presence' approach to Christian witness.
  • → Study recent DOS emergency awards in the Middle East (e.g., Syria, Iraq, Yemen) to understand typical program scopes.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the specific security situation in the intended country and the organization's security protocols.
  • → Learn about Samaritan's Purse's other global responses (e.g., Ukraine, Sudan) to understand their operational style.
Visit Samaritan's Purse's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you had to adjust program activities due to security deterioration in a conflict zone.
2 How do you ensure compliance with DOS regulations while maintaining a Gospel-centered approach?
3 Tell us about your experience managing a multi-sectoral team across different technical areas.
4 How would you handle a situation where a local partner misuses funds or violates donor rules?
5 What is your personal testimony and how does it align with Samaritan's Purse's mission?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid downplaying the Christian component; Samaritan's Purse expects faith integration, not just tolerance.
  • Don't submit a generic cover letter; this role demands specific DOS and Middle East experience.
  • Avoid focusing solely on technical skills without demonstrating leadership and crisis management abilities.

📅 Application Timeline

⏰ Deadline: May 6, 2026

We recommend applying at least a few days early to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Samaritan's Purse!

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