Senior Programme Manager

Dutystation: Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic

Functional responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Hub Director, and under the secondary supervision of the Head of Programme, the Programme Adviser will ensure the overall management of UNOPS presence in Syria, and advise the Hub Director, and the Head of Programme accordingly. The incumbent will be responsible for the following:

UNOPS Strategic Positioning:

• Provide comprehensive analysis on the current situation in Syria, including political and socio-economic developments;

• Develop a forward-looking strategy for UNOPS activities in Syria, incorporating a number of alternative scenarios and lesson learned, and in full engagement with the project teams in Syria;

• Develop an understanding of the operational context in Syria and identify opportunities for UNOPS support to the stakeholders in Syria;

• Work closely with the Head of Programme and the Partnership Advisor in the Amman Hub to analyse programming opportunities and provide inputs into project development, including drafting of concept notes, project proposals, and negotiating legal agreements;

• Keep abreast of the relevant developments in Syria, including information on the key actors, events and stakeholders;

• Maintain a good local network and relationships with key donors, partners, and stakeholders, as relevant to the situation in Syria;

• Support the Regional Director and the Hub Director on strategic matters relating to UNOPS positioning and/ or programming in Syria.

Programme/ Project Implementation:

• Support project teams in strengthening relationship with local entities for effective project implementation;

• Follow up on ongoing UNOPS engagements in Syria;

• Support the PMs in the Quarterly Review processes;

• Alert the Hub on any impending or anticipated risks that may affect UNOPS programme implementation;

• Participate in Project Steering Committees, as needed.

National and UN/ non-UN Planning and Coordination Processes:

• Engage with relevant UN and national/ non-UN coordination mechanisms and represent UNOPS, as and when needed;

• Contribute to ensuring technical coordination between all projects and relevant UN and non-UN entities;

• Review and provide inputs into strategic-level, inter-agency, humanitarian, and national planning processes, as pertaining to UNOPS programming in Syria;

• Represent the UNOPS Hub Director in relevant UN and/ or non-UN forums, as and when requested;

Knowledge Management Support:

• Provide support to knowledge building and knowledge sharing, focusing on achievement of the programme and partnership goals and objectives;

• Maintain close interaction with Programme/Project staff to share information and knowledge; and to provide proactive support and follow-up in building and maintaining effective partnership;

• Produce periodic reports, briefing papers, and talking points for meetings of the senior management as related to Syria;

Programme/ Project Development Support:

• Ensure compliance with UNOPS Organisational Directives, Administrative Instructions and Project Management Manual during the development of new projects in Syria including the drafting of project documents at opportunity /pre-engagement and initiation stages, in coordination with the Partnerships Advisor and the Head of Programme;

• Ensure proper handover of finalised engagement(s) to project manager(s) in full coordination with the Head of Programme, the Partnerships Advisor, and the PMO;

• Provide support to the Hub Director, the Head of Programme, and the Partnerships Advisor in identifying opportunities for UNOPS support to the stakeholders in Syria.

Other Duties:

• Perform other related duties as and when requested by the Hub Director or Head of Programme.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master degree or equivalent) in political science, social science, international relations or related fields.

• A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, humanitarian and development programme management/oversight/monitoring, and/or resource mobilisation is required;

• Previous experience of working in Syria is desirable;

• Contextual knowledge of the situation in the Middle East and the accompanying challenges is required;

• At least 5 years of demonstrated experience of engaging with bilateral and multilateral partners is required;

• At least 3 years of professional experience with the UN is required;

• Computer literacy and functional use of Google Suite/ Google Platform is required;

• Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in Arabic is an advantage.