Job description

The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Programme Officer are similar in different contexts, however may be determined by the lifecycle of the programme, the funding portfolio, and other criteria linked to the specific position and country context. 

Functions / Key Results Expected

*** This  recruitment aims to fill an ongoing, full-time staff or ICA position staff based in Damascus, Syria. Depending on actual needs, the hiring unit may decide to  recruit endorsed qualified professionals for contracts in different locations with different working conditions (short/long term, part/full-time, retainer, regular or ongoing positions, staff or ICA). ***

Reporting to the Head of  Project Unit, the Senior Programme Officer must be able to undertake the below duties and responsibilities:

1. Programme development, planning and coordination

• Coordinate the development and articulation of the Country Programme Strategy (CPS) in line with relevant UN and government and/or national or regional strategies, and review/update at necessary intervals. Ensure CPS reflects in-house capacity, budget, delivery areas, internal tools and knowledge resources, and is informed by GESI analysis of explosive ordnance risk and access to mine action services, ensuring no at-risk groups are left behind. 

  Recruitment & Staffing

• Support the management team to translate the Strategy into implementation/results work plans and associated monitoring mechanisms, with gender-age and disability-disaggregated indicators, and draft project documents as needed for the implementation of the programme.

• Coordinate and collaborate with relevant stakeholders in-country and at HQ, to ensure aligned and coherent planning and implementation processes, including with the GPO GEDSI Advisor on the integration of DEI, GESI and PSEAH considerations throughout the process.

2. Development and follow up of resource mobilization opportunities

• Monitor humanitarian and development trends and needs to identify potential areas of intervention within UN mandates and existing capacity. 

• Stay abreast of policies on mine action, UN policies, and cross-cutting priorities, such as gender, diversity, conflict sensitivity, sustainability, and environment, to be included in programme design as relevant. 

  Management

• Coordinate the identification, design, and formulation of new activities to meet programme objectives, with particular focus on ensuring inclusive approaches, and efforts to reach most at-risk groups.

• Coordinate preparation of programme documents, including concept notes, proposals, and associated budgets, ensuring appropriate levels of funding to ensure viability of projects, and appropriate consideration for GESI/PSEAH in programming, and as distinct and costed budget lines.

• Draft and/or review funding agreements and other project documents required for the signature and implementation of new projects.

• In coordination with headquarters Resource Mobilization personnel, support the review, submission, negotiation, and signature of funding agreements.

3. Programme management support

International Relations

• Analyze funding agreements and develop compliance plans and monitoring frameworks to guide key departments and management team to meet requirements of funding agreements, in coordination with PSC and the client. 

• In collaboration with relevant personnel, establish monitoring mechanisms to measure delivery against targets outlined in funding agreements. 

• Provide review/input to scopes of work for procurement processes to ensure the requirements of the relevant funding sources, including on safeguarding and inclusion, are reflected in agreements with implementing partners. Review implementing partner reports to ensure requirements are being met. 

• Track programme results against targets, alert relevant management if delivery is not on track, compile data and draft reports to internal and external stakeholders and support the management team to prepare for internal reviews.

  Project Management

• Coordinate information flow between implementation teams, donors, and headquarters, particularly related to any deviations that would require revisions to the relevant legal agreement; when required, Coordinate budget and activity revisions to funding agreements.

• Prepare, and provide editing support for, high quality summary and analytical reports including, but not limited to, project reports, annual reports, situation reports, briefing notes, code cables, and UN reports. Prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and ensure relevant team members implement follow-up actions, as appropriate; research and prepare analytical, and sometimes sensitive, documents for the management team.  Ensure that results data and reporting are disaggregated by gender, age, disability.

• Coordinate communications between the programme and the headquarters programme, portfolio management, and technical support teams to support compliance to programme documents and funding agreements, and the implementation of policies, processes and methods according to internal standards.

4. Stakeholder coordination, representation, and inter-agency collaboration

Jobs

• Establish and build relationships with UN, international organizations, donors, governments, and mine action stakeholders for the purposes of facilitating activities and improving the quality and relevance of programme implementation.

• Participate in, contribute to and report on the relevant inter-agency, UN mission, donor and inter-governmental coordination meetings in consultation with relevant programme technical experts when required. Support the  management team with UN common planning and programming processes, including strategic country analysis, UNSDCF, humanitarian response plans, integrated strategic frameworks, etc.

• Coordinate, participate in, or contribute to the Mine Action Area of Responsibility/Sub-Cluster under the Protection Cluster, where relevant, including the formulation of the mine action components for the Humanitarian Needs Overview and Response Plan, in collaboration with the UNMAS Geneva office. 

• Support the applications of policies, practices and procedures associated with the overall implementation of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle and associated funding and monitoring mechanisms, where relevant, in collaboration with the UNMAS Geneva office.

  Management

• Promote inclusive engagement with national authorities (including line ministries responsible for gender, disability and victim assistance, alongside national mine action authorities), communities and stakeholders, ensuring that women, persons with disabilities, survivors and other underrepresented/at-risk groups are meaningfully consulted and considered in programme implementation.

• Support the development of communication strategies, linked to resource mobilization strategies, where relevant, to maximise communication impact and outreach and build awareness of programme objectives.

• Support design, coordination and dissemination of public information products and communication activities as well as gather and draft content for communications products and platforms, ensuring informed consent, dignity and non-stereotype representation of affected communities and individuals. 

• Support preparations for official meetings, events, briefings, and field visits, and prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations and speeches for the management team and senior UN officials. 

  International Relations

5. Knowledge management and document management and innovation

• Maintain records of programme files and other necessary programme documents such as documentation of decisions and actions taken on programme issues.

• Implement relevant standards, tools and templates to effectively  manage programme development and implementation.

• Identify, contribute to, record and share the ongoing development and implementation of best practices, lessons identified, and innovative approaches to improve overall programme performance including but not limited to PSEAH, DEI, GESI, programme implementation, capacity building, stakeholder engagement and innovation.

• Contribute to the management and upkeep of risk management and issue management logs and processes, including GESI and PSEAH risks. 

  Project Management

6. People management 

• Lead and motivate the programme team.

• Ensure the effective planning,  recruitment and development of a flexible workforce with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance, and ensure gender and geographical diversity.

• As a member of the in-country management team, foster and role-model a safe and inclusive work environment, respectful of the diversity upon which the UN is based, placing value on perspectives from a broad range of backgrounds, lived experiences, and geographic diversity. 

• Uphold the highest standards of conduct and take decisive action to address behaviours that undermine inclusion, equity and psychological safety through established reporting and escalation mechanisms.

• Create, foster and role-model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Demonstrate visible and accountable leadership on PSEAH and ethical conduct, ensuring prevention and response mechanisms are embedded in project management and implementing partner oversight structures. Ensure that all personnel under supervision are aware of and comply with PSEAH obligations and reporting channels. 

  Managemen

• Act as OIC in the absence of more senior management.

Carry out any other related duties as needed.

Skills and qualifications

SkillsKnowledge Management, Program Management, Project Planning, Resource Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Stakeholder Management, MobilizationCompetenciesDevelops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.Education Requirements

• Advanced University Degree (master's degree or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience; OR

  Project Management

• First Level University Degree (bachelor's degree or equivalent) with 9 years of relevant experience is required.

Experience Requirements

Relevant experience is defined as progressive experience in coordination, resource mobilization, and/or programme/project development or  management with the UN, other multilateral organizations, non-governmental organizations, or other actors delivering humanitarian or development projects.

• Experience drafting and ensuring timely delivery of high quality reports, project proposals, strategic products, and complex planning processes is required.

• Experience in mine action or a closely related field is desired.

• Experience working in conflict or post-conflict contexts is desired.

• Experience advancing workforce inclusion and integrating gender, social inclusion, and PSEAH/safeguarding into project planning, implementation and oversight is desired.

Language RequirementsLanguageProficiency LevelRequirementEnglishFluentRequiredFrenchFluentDesirableSpanishFluentDesirableChinese, MandarinFluentDesirableArabicFluentDesirableRussianFluentDesirableAdditional Information

How to apply

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 

• UNOPS will at no stage of the  recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.

• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments. 

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.

• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.

• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.

• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.