Office/Unit/Project Description
The primary role of UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) is to help countries achieve sustainable development, reduce poverty, and promote democratic governance, peace, and resilience.
The work of UNDP in 170 countries around the world is anchored in diverse and effective partnerships, which are vital to two critical roles at country level: (a) as an integrator across policy, programmatic and organizational silos; and (b) as an operational backbone for the United Nations and other partners.
Over the last 14 years, the Syrian population has suffered catastrophic losses; the displacement of 14 million citizens from their homes; a collective grief for the half a million lives lost in conflict; despair for those who were missing, detained or imprisoned for their political opposition.
In response to the evolving situation in Syria after 8 December 2024, UNDP Syria has developed a new Programme Offer, outlining targeted activities to address the needs of the immediate and mid-term transition period (1 to 3 years) in the following three priority domains: (1) Governance and Basic Services, (2) Socio-Economic Recovery, and (3) Climate and Energy. Under these three headings are six projects, including for Social Cohesion and Protection.
In this context, UNDP Syria is looking for a Project Manager to lead Social Cohesion and Protection. The Social Cohesion and Protection project undertakes a range of activities to build partnershsips and social cohesion across divides between different ethnic and religious groups, support grassroots NGOs and civil society development, and works on the inclusion, protection and capacity building of people with disabilities, women, youths and other high-potential groups across projects.
Scope of Work
Ensure effective management of assigned project.
Day-to-day management of the project to ensure the selection and direction of activities and the achievement of project targets and results. Oversee and coordinate development and formulation of detailed implementation plans, procurement and human resources, communication, capacity building, monitoring and evaluation, and risk management plans for the project. Manage and monitor project risks, update the risk framework including social and environmental risks identified at the outset and track any necessary actions. Regularly update the status of identified risks by maintaining a comprehensive project risk log. Plan and develop project Annual Work Plans (AWPs) and establish Annual Targets in accordance with the Project Document and in close coordination with project stakeholders and the Project management unit team. Ensure that AWP activities suggested are in line with the overall direction set by the Project Document and lead to the timely achievements of project targets and results. Ensure implementation of activities as per AWP and agreed deadlines as well as according to detailed implementation, procurement and HR plans. Identify bottlenecks and develop solutions. Develop innovative improvements to enhance the performance of the project. Coordinate and prepare ad hoc thematic and substantive reports/analysis/briefs. Organize and participate in project level coordination meetings and/or technical working groups. Ensure compliance of all actions and activities with UNDP rules, regulations, policies, strategies and internal control mechanisms. Provide technical advice, draft papers/briefs/proposals in project’s technical focus. Ensure all project interventions integrate gender equality considerations and mainstreaming, to the extent allowed by the local context. Identify and pursue opportunities for synergies with other UNDP projects and external initiatives to enhance impact and expand the project's reach and impact.Maintain collaborative working relationships among key project partners and donors
Substantively contribute to the development of effective partnerships and lead the identification and onboarding process of implementing partners, both NGOs and private sector companies. Establish, maintain and facilitate strategic dialogue and teamwork between UNDP staff, project staff, area offices and government officials at national and local levels, in the project’s area of work. Establish strong collaborative relationship with implementing partners and stakeholders and identify and establish collaborative partnerships with ongoing initiatives. Ensure that the Project systematically builds capacities of stakeholders through innovation and best practices, access to knowledge and expertise and promote their application to project implementation.Maintain effective project monitoring, evaluation and reporting
Provide leadership and technical advice to the project team in developing baselines and indicators for monitoring and evaluation. Develop a clear and effective system for data collection, means of verification, information sharing, and reporting, and coordinate the finalization of a detailed results framework. Conduct field visits as needed to verify project activities against stated targets and provide regular field updates to the project management unit. Review and approve project documents prepared by the team and partners to ensure high-quality reports. Lead the development and conduct of mid-term and annual reviews, end-line assessments; coordinate independent evaluations, audits and organize evaluation meetings. Follow up on the implementation of decisions, recommendations, and required adjustments. Coordinate the preparation of corporate and donor reports in line with the reporting schedule and in accordance with UNDP and donor requirements. Ensure the timely provision of ad hoc reports and information requested by relevant stakeholders. Ensure the proper operational and financial closure of the project.Ensure effective management and supervision of the project team
Manage the Social Protection and Cohesion team. Assist the project team in setting clear, measurable performance and development goals. Provide regular feedback, guidance, and support to ensure team members meet their objectives, and conduct formal performance evaluations for project staff at scheduled intervals. Develop Terms of Reference for consultants and other roles, supervise consultants, and oversee the effective delivery of services to project stakeholders as needed. Promote skills development of project staff through coaching and mentoring.Facilitate knowledge capturing, management and dissemination
Ensure capturing and disseminations of lessons learnt during project implementation and facilitate the Project’s representation and/or participation in knowledge networks to draw on and share best practice and lessons learned. Facilitate knowledge building and management. Ensure that project communications activities are being implemented in close collaboration with the comms team.Other tasks:
The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.Institutional Arrangement
The Social Protection and Cohesion Project Manager reports to the Head of the Project Management Unit and collaborates closely with Area teams staff, HR, Procurement, Programme and other relevant departments as needed.
Competencies Core Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity
People Management
UNDP People Management Competencies can be found in the dedicated site.
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Direction & Strategy
Strategic Thinking
Develop effective strategies and prioritised plans in
line with UNDP’s mission and objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, opportunities
and potential risks; link the general vision to reality on the ground to create tangible targeted solutions; learn from a variety of sources to anticipate and effectively respond to both current and future trends; demonstrate foresight
Business Direction & Strategy System Thinking Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system. Business Direction & Strategy Effective Decision Making. Take decisions in a timely and efficient manner in line with one's authority, area of expertise and resources and take into consideration potential wider implications. Business Management Project Management Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals. Business Management CommunicationAbility to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience;
Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media, and other appropriate channels.
2030 Agenda: PeaceConflict Prevention,
Peacebuilding and
Responsive Institutions
Social Cohesion 2030 Agenda: PeaceConflict Prevention,
Peacebuilding and
Responsive Institutions
Community engagement for prevention, response, and social cohesionMinimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA Minimum Education requirements
Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Social Sciences, Conflict Studies, Sociology, Gender Studies, Political Science or another relevant field is required.
or
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree)in the areas stated above, in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Minimum years of relevant work experience Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) in project implementation and management (including budget management), coordination, monitoring and evaluation and communication. Required skills Proficiency in using office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), PowerBI, web-based management systems, and advanced skills in spreadsheet and database management. Proven experience and strong knowledge of project management principles. Experience working in fragile/conflict environments Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section Experience in social protection, inclusion and cohesion projects and do no harm’ principles in project implementation. Demonstrated experience and strong understanding of the complicated socio-political landscape of Syria at both the grassroots and national levels. Experience in working, liaising, and collaborating with UN agencies, governments, NGOs, civil society organizations, and international organizations. Previous experience with the UN or INGOs, especially in the social cohesion field. Precious experience with UNDP processes. Previous experience with international donor-funded projects. Experience in project monitoring and quality assurance Required Language(s) Fluency in written and spoken English & Arabic is requiredUNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality, and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups, and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply.
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
Equal opportunity
As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP 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.
UNDP 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
UNDP 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.
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP 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 UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
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