Senior Programme Manager
Giga, Damascus, MD, United States
General Information
Position Title: Senior Programme Manager
Job Category: Programme
Duty Station(s): Damascus
Seniority Level: Senior Level
ICS Level: 11
Contract Type: ICA – IICA – Regular
Contract Level: IICA 3
Posting Start Date: 20-Apr-2026
Posting End Date: 04-May-2026
Duration: 12 months
Job Highlight
The Senior Programme Officer (ICS-11) is responsible for coordinating the strategic development, securing resources, providing management support, and facilitating inter‑agency collaboration for UNMAS Field Programmes.
Role Purpose
1. Programme development, planning and coordination
2. Development and follow‑up of resource mobilization opportunities
3. Programme management support
4. Stakeholder coordination and inter‑agency collaboration
5. Knowledge management and document management
6. People management
Functions / Key Results Expected
Coordinate the development and articulation of the Country Programme Strategy (CPS) in line with relevant UN and government strategies, reviewing and updating it at necessary intervals.
Support the management team to translate the CPS into implementation work plans and monitoring mechanisms, drafting project documents as required.
Collaborate with stakeholders in‑country and at HQ to ensure coherent planning and implementation.
Monitor humanitarian and development trends, identifying 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, integrating them into programme design when relevant.
Coordinate the identification, design, and formulation of new activities to meet programme objectives.
Prepare programme documents, including concept notes, proposals, and associated budgets.
Draft and review funding agreements and other project documents required for the signature and implementation of new projects.
In collaboration with headquarters Resource Mobilization personnel, support the review, submission, negotiation, and signature of funding agreements.
Analyze funding agreements and develop compliance plans and monitoring frameworks to guide key departments and management to meet requirements of funding agreements.
Establish monitoring mechanisms to measure delivery against targets outlined in funding agreements.
Provide input to scopes of work for procurement processes, ensuring requirements of funding sources are reflected in agreements with implementing partners, and review partner reports to ensure compliance.
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 for internal reviews.
Coordinate information flow between implementation teams, donors, and headquarters regarding deviations that would require revisions to legal agreements; coordinate budget and activity revisions to funding agreements when required.
Prepare, edit, and provide high‑quality summary and analytical reports including project reports, annual reports, situation reports, briefing notes, code cables, and UN reports; prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and ensure follow‑up actions are implemented.
Coordinate communications between the Country Programme office and headquarters programme teams to support compliance with programme documents and funding agreements, and the implementation of policies, processes, and methods according to internal standards.
Establish and build relationships with UN, international organisations, donors, governments, and mine action stakeholders to facilitate activities and improve programme implementation quality.
Participate in, contribute to, and report on inter‑agency, UN mission, donor, and inter‑governmental coordination meetings in consultation with relevant programme technical experts.
Support the management team with UN common planning and programming processes, including strategic country analysis, UNSDCF, humanitarian response plans, and integrated strategic frameworks.
Coordinate, participate in, or contribute to the Mine Action Area of Responsibility/Sub‑Cluster under the Protection Cluster, including formulating mine action components for the Humanitarian Needs Overview and Response Plan in collaboration with the UNMAS Geneva office.
Support the application of policies, practices, and procedures associated with the overall implementation of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle and associated funding and monitoring mechanisms.
Support the development of communication strategies linked to resource mobilization strategies to maximise impact and outreach, building awareness of Country Programme objectives.
Design, coordinate and disseminate public information products and communication activities, and draft content for communication products and platforms.
Prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations and speeches for the management team and senior UN officials.
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, record and share best practice, lessons, and innovative approaches to improve overall programme performance.
Contribute to the management and upkeep of risk management and issue management logs and processes.
Perform the programme team manager role if appointed.
Ensure effective planning, recruitment, and development of a flexible workforce with required skills, ensuring gender and geographic diversity.
Lead and motivate the programme team and foster a positive work environment, maintaining high standards of conduct.
Understand UNOPS personnel contract modalities, including ICA and Staff.
Carry out any other related duties as needed.
Skills
Fundraising
Knowledge Management
Stakeholder Management
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinking long term and externally to shape the organisation positively.
Anticipates and perceives the impact of future decisions 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, maintaining high standards of trustworthiness and role modelling diversity and inclusion.
Collabories and supports the development of others; for people managers, acts as a positive leadership role model, motivating and inspiring others.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and prioritises beneficiaries.
Builds and maintains strong external relationships, acting as a competent partner when relevant.
Efficiently establishes appropriate action to accomplish goals, taking initiative and using resources responsibly to maximise impact.
Is open to change and flexible in a fast‑paced environment, adapting approaches to changing circumstances.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach pragmatic decisions, applying innovation and creativity to problem‑solving.
Expresses ideas clearly and concisely, listening actively and sharing knowledge, handling conflict effectively.
Education Requirements
Advanced university degree with seven years of relevant experience is required.
University degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) with nine years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience Requirements
Relevant experience defined as progressive experience in programme/project development or management, in either public or private sector organisations.
Experience working in multicultural environments or UN system organisations in a developing country (desired).
Experience in development or humanitarian contexts (desired).
Language Requirements
English – Fluently required.
Arabic – Fluently desirable.
Additional Information
UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
UNOPS will never request payments of any kind from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process.
Applications must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date; applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity, seeking to sustain and strengthen diversity across its workforce.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all candidates.
Shortlisted candidates requiring reasonable accommodation for assessments should inform the human resources team when invited.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level.
For retainer contracts, mandatory courses must be completed by the contractor in their own time before providing services; these courses are unpaid. (Information on a retainer contract: refer to the contract description.)
For more details about contract types, see the official contractual information.
All UNOPS personnel must perform duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UNOPS Policies, and relevant accountability frameworks, and demonstrate understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aligned with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
UNOPS conducts background checks on all potential personnel; recruitment is contingent on the results.
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Position Title: Senior Programme Manager
Job Category: Programme
Duty Station(s): Damascus
Seniority Level: Senior Level
ICS Level: 11
Contract Type: ICA – IICA – Regular
Contract Level: IICA 3
Posting Start Date: 20-Apr-2026
Posting End Date: 04-May-2026
Duration: 12 months
Job Highlight
The Senior Programme Officer (ICS-11) is responsible for coordinating the strategic development, securing resources, providing management support, and facilitating inter‑agency collaboration for UNMAS Field Programmes.
Role Purpose
1. Programme development, planning and coordination
2. Development and follow‑up of resource mobilization opportunities
3. Programme management support
4. Stakeholder coordination and inter‑agency collaboration
5. Knowledge management and document management
6. People management
Functions / Key Results Expected
Coordinate the development and articulation of the Country Programme Strategy (CPS) in line with relevant UN and government strategies, reviewing and updating it at necessary intervals.
Support the management team to translate the CPS into implementation work plans and monitoring mechanisms, drafting project documents as required.
Collaborate with stakeholders in‑country and at HQ to ensure coherent planning and implementation.
Monitor humanitarian and development trends, identifying 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, integrating them into programme design when relevant.
Coordinate the identification, design, and formulation of new activities to meet programme objectives.
Prepare programme documents, including concept notes, proposals, and associated budgets.
Draft and review funding agreements and other project documents required for the signature and implementation of new projects.
In collaboration with headquarters Resource Mobilization personnel, support the review, submission, negotiation, and signature of funding agreements.
Analyze funding agreements and develop compliance plans and monitoring frameworks to guide key departments and management to meet requirements of funding agreements.
Establish monitoring mechanisms to measure delivery against targets outlined in funding agreements.
Provide input to scopes of work for procurement processes, ensuring requirements of funding sources are reflected in agreements with implementing partners, and review partner reports to ensure compliance.
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 for internal reviews.
Coordinate information flow between implementation teams, donors, and headquarters regarding deviations that would require revisions to legal agreements; coordinate budget and activity revisions to funding agreements when required.
Prepare, edit, and provide high‑quality summary and analytical reports including project reports, annual reports, situation reports, briefing notes, code cables, and UN reports; prepare written summaries of meetings/visits and ensure follow‑up actions are implemented.
Coordinate communications between the Country Programme office and headquarters programme teams to support compliance with programme documents and funding agreements, and the implementation of policies, processes, and methods according to internal standards.
Establish and build relationships with UN, international organisations, donors, governments, and mine action stakeholders to facilitate activities and improve programme implementation quality.
Participate in, contribute to, and report on inter‑agency, UN mission, donor, and inter‑governmental coordination meetings in consultation with relevant programme technical experts.
Support the management team with UN common planning and programming processes, including strategic country analysis, UNSDCF, humanitarian response plans, and integrated strategic frameworks.
Coordinate, participate in, or contribute to the Mine Action Area of Responsibility/Sub‑Cluster under the Protection Cluster, including formulating mine action components for the Humanitarian Needs Overview and Response Plan in collaboration with the UNMAS Geneva office.
Support the application of policies, practices, and procedures associated with the overall implementation of the Humanitarian Programme Cycle and associated funding and monitoring mechanisms.
Support the development of communication strategies linked to resource mobilization strategies to maximise impact and outreach, building awareness of Country Programme objectives.
Design, coordinate and disseminate public information products and communication activities, and draft content for communication products and platforms.
Prepare talking points, briefing notes, presentations and speeches for the management team and senior UN officials.
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, record and share best practice, lessons, and innovative approaches to improve overall programme performance.
Contribute to the management and upkeep of risk management and issue management logs and processes.
Perform the programme team manager role if appointed.
Ensure effective planning, recruitment, and development of a flexible workforce with required skills, ensuring gender and geographic diversity.
Lead and motivate the programme team and foster a positive work environment, maintaining high standards of conduct.
Understand UNOPS personnel contract modalities, including ICA and Staff.
Carry out any other related duties as needed.
Skills
Fundraising
Knowledge Management
Stakeholder Management
Competencies
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinking long term and externally to shape the organisation positively.
Anticipates and perceives the impact of future decisions 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, maintaining high standards of trustworthiness and role modelling diversity and inclusion.
Collabories and supports the development of others; for people managers, acts as a positive leadership role model, motivating and inspiring others.
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and prioritises beneficiaries.
Builds and maintains strong external relationships, acting as a competent partner when relevant.
Efficiently establishes appropriate action to accomplish goals, taking initiative and using resources responsibly to maximise impact.
Is open to change and flexible in a fast‑paced environment, adapting approaches to changing circumstances.
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach pragmatic decisions, applying innovation and creativity to problem‑solving.
Expresses ideas clearly and concisely, listening actively and sharing knowledge, handling conflict effectively.
Education Requirements
Advanced university degree with seven years of relevant experience is required.
University degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) with nine years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
Experience Requirements
Relevant experience defined as progressive experience in programme/project development or management, in either public or private sector organisations.
Experience working in multicultural environments or UN system organisations in a developing country (desired).
Experience in development or humanitarian contexts (desired).
Language Requirements
English – Fluently required.
Arabic – Fluently desirable.
Additional Information
UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
UNOPS will never request payments of any kind from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process.
Applications must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date; applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.
UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity, seeking to sustain and strengthen diversity across its workforce.
UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all candidates.
Shortlisted candidates requiring reasonable accommodation for assessments should inform the human resources team when invited.
Terms and Conditions
For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level.
For retainer contracts, mandatory courses must be completed by the contractor in their own time before providing services; these courses are unpaid. (Information on a retainer contract: refer to the contract description.)
For more details about contract types, see the official contractual information.
All UNOPS personnel must perform duties in accordance with the UN Charter, UNOPS Policies, and relevant accountability frameworks, and demonstrate understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aligned with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
UNOPS conducts background checks on all potential personnel; recruitment is contingent on the results.
#J-18808-Ljbffr