Programme Officer (Nationals Only) - UNOCHA

Background

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of Syria Humanitarian Financing, the Programme Officer provides substantial support and oversight to the overall project cycle management, administration and execution of varied and inter-related operational activities. In this role the incumbent will ensure high quality, accuracy and accountability of the work performed. The Programme Officer promotes a client, quality and results-oriented approach. The Programme Officer will also work in close collaboration with all members of the SHF, and other staff in other OCHA Syria units and in other UN agencies staff to exchange information and ensure consistent and quality service delivery. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Qualified female candidates are encouraged to apply.

This position is located within the (SHF) for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Syria. The post is based in Damascus, with possible travel to field locations. The incumbent reports to the SHF Program Cycle Manager and works closely with the various sections of the office.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the OCHA Head of Syria Humanitarian Financing Unit the incumbent is expected to perform the following tasks:

Ensure effective humanitarian programming cycle support to SHF partners, focusing on the achievement of the following results:

• Provide substantial assistance throughout the humanitarian programming cycle and support to implementing partners in the management of grants under the Humanitarian Pooled Fund (HPF), including tracking project progress reporting, conducting project revisions and monitoring.
• Conduct programmatic spot-check of projects to monitor implementation of HPF-funded projects, ensuring that implementation is in line with the project proposal and the grant agreement.
• Lead the review of the project proposals submitted to the HPF and give guidance to   implementing partners on the Grant Management System (GMS).
• Prepare the monitoring reports and ensure findings and results of monitoring visits are shared with appropriate stakeholders and partners in a timely manner; upload the report and recommendations/follow up action points on the appropriate GMS monitoring module.
• Set the reporting requirements of individual projects based on the HPF operational modalities and identify and set appropriate reporting timelines on GMS.

Ensure creation and maintenance of strategic partnerships with humanitarian partners, focusing on achievement of the following results:

• Support the establishment of new and strategic partnerships with humanitarian partners, to plan and implement effective programming as well as in the implementation of the SHF Partner Capacity Development Framework.
• Participate in the review of documents submitted under the eligibility process by organizations and drafting reports on the partner’s capacity, following up with the partner on additional documents or information required and responding to queries as necessary.
• Attend cluster and other humanitarian coordination for a as required to support awareness-raising and training on the HPF’s goals and objectives, grant management and eligibility procedures, monitoring and reporting, and Grants Management System (GMS).
• Conduct regular follow up with partners to ensure timely submission of narrative reports pertaining to HPF- funded projects and provides clear and consistent feedback to partners on implementation and progress.

Ensure effective coordination support to the relevant stakeholders, focusing on achievements of the following results:

• Support the SHF with the review and revision process of project proposals through consultation with cluster leads and other technical partners and advise partners on recommended revisions, and if needed, assist partners in revision drafting.
• Lead on the collection of information and preparation of information products on the SHF such as dashboards, newsletters and/or interim and annual reports by preparing and analyzing available project data as required.
• Support organization of the trainings / workshops / technical review and Advisory Board meetings by ensuring operational excellence in all SHF related events, including drafting minutes.
• Organize and lead the capacity building efforts for national NGOs, including organizing relevant trainings and information sessions.
• Provide support to the Head of Syria Humanitarian Financing Unit in the preparations of the Advisory Board meetings by ensuring operational excellence in all SHF related events, including drafting minutes.
• Support to the SHF and other team members on urgent tasks, as determined by the supervisor.
• Assist OCHA Syria SHF in identifying significant humanitarian issues and developing suggestions and approaches to problem solving and help meet organizational objectives and provide sound analytical inputs and support to the coordination of humanitarian action.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Professionalism

• Shows pride in work and in achievements.
• Demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter.
• Conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
• Motivated by professional rather than personal concerns.
• Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges.
• Remains calm in stressful situations.

Teamwork

• Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
• Solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise.
• Is willing to learn from others.
• Places team agenda before personal agenda.
• Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position.
• Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.

Client Orientation

• Research potential solutions to internal and external client needs and reports back in a timely, succinct, and appropriate fashion.
• Organizes and prioritizes work schedule to meet client needs and deadlines.
• Establishes, builds, and sustains effective relationships within the work unit and with internal and external clients.
• Actively supports the interests of the client by making choices and setting priorities to meet their needs.
• Anticipates client needs and addresses them promptly.

Planning & Organizing: 

• Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in political science, social science, international studies, public administration, economics, or any other related field is required. 

Or,

• First-level university degree in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• A minimum of two (2) years (master’s degree) or 4 years (First-level university degree) of progressively experience in project cycle management. 
• A minimum of two (2) years’ experience in pool fund mechanism is desirable.
• Former working experience on the Syria crisis and humanitarian assistance to Syria or work experience with a UN agency or NGO providing assistance to Syria is desirable. 
• Advance usage of Microsoft Office is asset.
• Proficiency in the use of web-based grants management system is desirable.
• Experience working with humanitarian financing is desirable
• Knowledge and/or experience in Humanitarian Programme Cycle (HPC) programming and cluster experience is desirable
• Experience in project design, management, implementation or monitoring and evaluation is desirable
• Experience with the United Nations/INGO is desirable

Language Requirements:

• Proficiency in both oral and written English and Arabic.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNOCHA values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNOCHA is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNOCHA does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Probation

For all new UNOCHA fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNOCHA under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNOCHA reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNOCHA at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.