Director, Country Office

Job Posting Organization:
The UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services) is a self-financing entity of the United Nations that provides project management, infrastructure, and procurement services to a variety of partners, including UN agencies, international financial institutions, governments, and NGOs. Established to help organizations implement projects effectively and efficiently, UNOPS has been operational since 1995 and has a presence in over 80 countries. The organization focuses on sustainable development, humanitarian response, and peacebuilding, ensuring that projects align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNOPS employs thousands of personnel worldwide, working collaboratively to deliver impactful results in complex environments.

Job Overview:
The Director, Country Office position is a senior leadership role within UNOPS, responsible for driving strategic leadership and operational excellence in Syria. The Director will oversee the UNOPS operations in Syria and Lebanon, ensuring that the organization responds effectively to evolving humanitarian, recovery, and reconstruction priorities. This role requires a strong focus on building strategic partnerships, networking, and advocacy to enhance UNOPS' presence and effectiveness in the region. The Director will also be tasked with developing the strategy for the Country Office, establishing priorities, and managing operational risks associated with the portfolio of engagements. The position demands a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for collaboration with national governments, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to deliver sustainable results and strengthen partnerships in-country.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Country Office, ensuring alignment with UNOPS' mission and objectives.
• Develop and implement the Country Office strategy, establishing priorities and overseeing the operational portfolio.
• Foster a culture of trust, empowerment, and accountability within the Country Office, promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with national governments, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance UNOPS' service delivery.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of the Country Office, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery of services.
• Represent UNOPS in inter-agency meetings and external engagements, advocating for the organization's role in development and humanitarian efforts.
• Manage financial resources and ensure compliance with UNOPS policies and standards.
• Lead risk management efforts, ensuring that emerging risks are identified and addressed proactively.
• Promote knowledge management and innovation within the Country Office, sharing best practices and lessons learned. 1
• Ensure the safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security of UNOPS personnel and assets in the country of operation.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 12 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 10 years of relevant experience is required.
• Proven experience in strategic and managerial leadership in public affairs, management, business development planning, and operations in a large corporate or international organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural environments and experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.
• Strong understanding of the UN system and its operations, particularly in developing countries.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline, with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience, or a Master’s degree or equivalent with at least 10 years of relevant experience. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in management, public affairs, or related fields, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to lead complex projects and initiatives effectively.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in strategic and managerial leadership roles, particularly in public affairs, management, and business development within large corporate or international organizations. Candidates should have a minimum of 10 to 12 years of relevant experience, with a preference for those who have worked in multicultural environments or within the UN system in developing countries. Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is also highly desirable, as it aligns with the operational focus of UNOPS in Syria and the surrounding region.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this position. Candidates must demonstrate strong communication skills in both languages, as they will be engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, UN agencies, and local partners. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to navigate the multicultural landscape of the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified at the Executive Level (D-1) and is a full-time staff position under a Fixed-Term Appointment (FTA) contract type. The initial contract duration is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and organizational needs. UNOPS emphasizes diversity and inclusion in its workforce and encourages applications from qualified women and candidates from underrepresented groups. The organization has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse, and all candidates must undergo background checks as part of the recruitment process. Applications must be submitted before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessments.