Programme Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN Women was established in July 2010 as part of the UN reform agenda to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment globally. The organization merges the efforts of four previously distinct parts of the UN system, focusing on eliminating discrimination against women and girls, empowering women, and achieving gender equality. UN Women operates in multiple countries, including Syria, where it has been active in promoting women's participation in political processes and providing humanitarian support. The organization is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Specialist at UN Women in Damascus is tasked with providing strategic leadership and technical support to advance gender equality and women's empowerment across various UN Women mandate areas. This role involves overseeing programmatic development, advising on project initiatives, and ensuring effective coordination with government and civil society stakeholders. The Specialist will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting on program implementation, managing budgets, and leading a team of technical personnel. The position requires a strong focus on building partnerships and resource mobilization strategies to support the organization's goals in Syria.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the programmatic development for the Syria Office, focusing on humanitarian, women's economic empowerment (WEE), and coordination programming.
• Advise on the design and formulation of program/project initiatives, providing feedback on ongoing projects and strategies.
• Provide technical support for the implementation of Syria Office programs, ensuring alignment with program goals and compliance with indicators.
• Establish and maintain relationships with government, partners, and donors to foster collaboration and resource mobilization.
• Monitor and report on program progress, preparing technical reports and ensuring adherence to performance indicators.
• Lead a team, conducting performance reviews and ensuring capacity development of personnel.
• Develop partnerships and resource mobilization strategies, analyzing donor opportunities and preparing briefs on cooperation areas.
• Lead knowledge building efforts, synthesizing best practices and lessons learned for global dissemination.
• Represent UN Women in UN system coordination and thematic working groups as delegated by the Head of Office.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Social Sciences, Political Science, Development, Public Administration, or Gender is required.
• A first-level university degree with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.
• A project/programme management certification is an added advantage.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, including design, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and donor reporting.
• Experience in gender-related areas and familiarity with UN coordination and policy analysis is required.
• Proven ability to lead and coach staff in international settings, along with proficiency in office software and web-based management systems.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in relevant fields such as Social Sciences, Political Science, Development, Public Administration, or Gender. A first-level university degree combined with additional qualifying experience may also be considered. A project/programme management certification would be beneficial.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in programme management, which includes experience in programme design, coordination, monitoring, evaluation, and donor reporting. Experience in gender-related areas is essential, and familiarity with the Syrian context or the Arab States region is desirable. Candidates should also have experience in UN coordination and policy analysis, as well as in leading and coaching staff in international environments.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of another UN language, such as Arabic or French, is considered desirable and may enhance a candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and involves managing a team of three technical personnel. UN Women is committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employment decisions are based on qualifications and competence. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy regarding conduct incompatible with its aims, including discrimination and harassment. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks, including verification of academic credentials and employment history. Applicants must complete all sections of the application form to avoid disqualification from the recruitment process.