Programme Management Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
UN-Habitat is the United Nations agency mandated to promote sustainable urbanization and adequate housing for all. Established to address the challenges of urbanization, UN-Habitat works closely with government institutions, municipalities, and communities to support urban recovery, housing, basic urban services, municipal governance, and area-based development. In Syria, UN-Habitat has been actively involved in various projects aimed at enhancing urban resilience and recovery, with offices in key cities including Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, and Deir Ezzor. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable urban environments and improving living conditions for communities affected by conflict and disaster.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Specialist will play a crucial role in supporting the UN-Habitat programme in the Homs sub-office. This position involves managing the implementation of the project titled 'The Project for Integrated Urban Regeneration and Sustainable Waste Management in Homs City – Restoring the Heartbeat of Homs.' The specialist will be responsible for the overall planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of project activities, ensuring that they are delivered on time and meet the required quality standards. The project, funded by the Government of Japan, aims to revitalize urban spaces and improve waste management systems in Homs, thereby enhancing the overall urban environment and community engagement. The specialist will work under the supervision of the UN-Habitat Syria director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Country Director and will coordinate closely with various stakeholders, including local authorities, technical teams, and donors, to ensure the successful execution of project objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Programme Management Specialist will be tasked with leading the implementation and management of project activities in the Homs sub-office. Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing project planning, staffing, procurement, contracts, budgets, monitoring, reporting, and risk management.
• Supervising project personnel, consultants, and technical experts, ensuring effective coordination between the Damascus Country Office and Homs Hub.
• Supporting coordination with related Governorates, Municipalities, Donors, UN agencies, and other government and development partners.
• Implementing project activities, including urban public-space revitalization and municipal solid waste management improvements, along with capacity-building initiatives.
• Ensuring technical quality assurance, community engagement, monitoring, compliance, and accountability in line with UN-Habitat and donor requirements.
• Preparing donor reports, briefings, and other project documentation, while supporting project visibility, evaluations, and future programme development.
• Performing other related duties as required to ensure the successful delivery of project outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in urban planning, architecture, civil or environmental engineering, solid waste management, project management, international development, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree, provided the candidate has a total of seven years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields. The role requires a strong understanding of project management principles and practices, particularly in the context of urban development and recovery.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as urban planning, architecture, civil or environmental engineering, solid waste management, project management, or international development. Candidates with a first-level university degree may also be considered if they have additional qualifying experience. A solid academic foundation in these areas is essential for effectively managing the complexities of urban regeneration and sustainable waste management projects.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, urban development, engineering, infrastructure, municipal services, or a related field. Required experience includes managing complex, donor-funded projects, including oversight of budgets, procurement processes, contractors, and technical teams. Desired experience includes urban regeneration, municipal infrastructure, or environmental services, particularly in fragile or post-conflict contexts. Previous experience with the United Nations or projects funded by the Government of Japan is considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, while proficiency in Arabic is desirable. Basic knowledge of Japanese is also considered a plus, reflecting the project's funding source and potential collaboration with Japanese partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified as mid-level, with a contract type of Individual Contractor Agreement (ICA) for a duration of 12 months, subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The posting start date is September 30, 2026, and the application deadline is October 30, 202

• UN-Habitat emphasizes diversity and equal employment opportunities, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. The organization conducts background checks on final candidates to ensure a safe and respectful working environment.