Senior Programme Manager

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, is dedicated to promoting sustainable urbanization and ensuring adequate housing for all. Established as a UN agency, it operates globally, focusing on urban recovery, housing, and basic urban services. In Syria, UN-Habitat has been instrumental in supporting local authorities and communities in their recovery efforts, with offices in major cities including Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, and Deir Ezzor. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders to implement projects that address urban resilience and recovery needs, aiming to enhance living conditions and promote sustainable urban development.

Job Overview:
The Senior Programme Manager will play a pivotal role in leading UN-Habitat’s implementation of the Syria National Housing Support Programme. This position requires strategic, technical, and managerial leadership to ensure effective coordination with various partners, including UNDP, KfW, and government entities. The incumbent will oversee all aspects of programme planning, implementation, financial management, procurement, monitoring, risk management, and donor reporting. The role is crucial in addressing Syria's housing crisis, where a significant portion of the housing stock has been damaged or destroyed. The Senior Programme Manager will ensure that the programme not only rehabilitates housing but also strengthens the institutional and regulatory frameworks necessary for sustainable recovery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Programme Manager will be responsible for:

• Leading and managing the National Housing Support Programme, ensuring effective planning, implementation, and delivery.
• Managing programme resources, including budgets, staffing, procurement, contracts, monitoring, and risk management.
• Supervising the programme team, consultants, and technical partners.
• Acting as the primary focal point for donors, government counterparts, UN partners, and other stakeholders.
• Ensuring effective programme coordination, quality assurance, compliance, reporting, and accountability.
• Supporting strategic programme development, resource mobilization, and the design of future phases of the National Housing Programme.
• Ensuring compliance with UN rules, donor requirements, environmental and social safeguards, conflict sensitivity, gender equality, and do-no-harm principles.
• Performing other related duties as required to achieve the programme's objectives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in architecture, urban planning, housing, engineering, public policy, international development, project or programme management, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree with at least 9 years of progressively responsible experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. Additionally, candidates should have progressively responsible experience in programme or project management, housing, urban recovery, urban development, or a related field. Experience managing large, complex, multi-year donor-funded programmes is essential, along with experience working with government ministries, municipalities, development banks, and bilateral donors.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in a relevant field such as architecture, urban planning, housing, engineering, public policy, international development, or project management is required. Candidates with a first-level university degree and extensive experience may also be considered. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in urban development and project management principles, equipping the candidate with the necessary skills to lead complex programmes effectively.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, including programme or project management, housing, urban recovery, or urban development. Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, substantial budgets, procurement processes, and infrastructure contracts is highly desirable. Familiarity with working in fragile or post-conflict contexts, particularly in applying environmental and social safeguards and risk management, is also important. Experience with KfW, BMZ, or the United Nations system is a significant advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while basic proficiency in Arabic and German is desirable. Strong communication skills in English are essential for effective collaboration with international partners and stakeholders, while knowledge of Arabic can facilitate engagement with local communities and government entities. Basic German proficiency is considered an asset, particularly in contexts involving German governmental partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified at the senior level (ICS 11) and is a full-time role under an Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) for a duration of 12 months, subject to extension based on satisfactory performance, programme requirements, and availability of funds. The recruitment process is open to both national and international candidates, and UNOPS emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities. Candidates are encouraged to apply regardless of their background, and the organization is committed to creating an inclusive working environment.