Senior Programme Manager

The incumbent will manage the Nexus Response Mechanism (NRM) programme in Syria, funded by the EU.  The goal of the establishment of the Nexus Response Mechanism (hereinafter referred to as "Nexus Mechanism") is to allow innovative, tailor made, flexible, rights-based activities along the humanitarian-development spectrum across Syria, in line with the Whole of Syria approach, and the UN parameters and principles of engagement in Syria. The objective of the programme is to contribute to resilience, security and sustainable development in Syria. The NRM specifically aims at reducing communities’ vulnerabilities through Programmes that increase their resilience through capacity development to prepare for future shocks, while addressing their immediate needs and challenges.

The programme will achieve the following results:     

1. Contextual knowledge and understanding through studies and assessments are produced and they inform the formulation of the programme strategy      

2. Access to livelihood opportunities is enhanced and sustainable initiatives are promoted in order to allow phasing out from the "care and maintenance" aid dependence model in favour of more durable approaches 

3. Capacities of civil society organisations, and local and municipal service providers to deliver basic services (e.g. education, health, social protection, water and sanitation, land, shelter, registration, and housing) to conflict affected, displaced and returnee populations are strengthened; 

4. Local governance is informed by context and sector specific analysis, community and stakeholder input, tailored conflict and gender sensitive analysis and due diligence criteria monitoring that is performed collectively by local and international partners;

5. Progress is made towards creating conditions for sustainable solutions for conflict affected, displaced populations and returnees.

The achievement of the above listed results will be pursued through the implementation of Programmes whose activities will target short, medium and long term objectives incorporating Good Governance and Democracy considerations into Resilience and Access to services activities. 

The first year of the Programme will focus on the preparation of studies and assessments. These will inform the final selection of sub-Programmes and the second phase  will be contingent upon approval of these sub-Programmes by the relevant governance structure for the Programme. The Inception Report, prepared upon the completion of the studies and assessments, will include detailed analysis (including political economy analysis), strategy, stakeholder mapping, risk management, objectives to be pursued, costing, and exit strategy.

Summary of functions:

1. Programme Delivery and Performance
2. Procedures 
3. Monitoring and reporting
4. Stakeholder engagement
5. Quality assurance
6. Knowledge management and innovation 
7. Personnel management

• Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent), preferably in law/human rights, social science, international development, business administration, public administration,  international relations or related areas is required
•  Bachelor’s Degree with Additional 2 years of relevant work experience to the above duties and responsibilities may be accepted in lieu of Master Degree.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.

• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few Mandatory Courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.