Background
1- Office/Unit/Project Descriptionย
The scale, severity and complexity of needs across Syria remains overwhelming. An estimated 70% of the countryโs population is in need as of the end of 2024. The increase in numbers of returnees to various Syrian governorates increases the pressure on the already existing overwhelmed services.ย
Six UN Organizations have developed a Joint Programme to Strengthen Urban and Rural Resilience and the Conditions for Recovery in Syria, with a current budget of approximately US$ 18 million during the period 2025-2026 to be impmented in Eastern Aleppo, Syria.
The United Nations Joint Programme (UNJP) enables the participating UN organizations to respond to peopleโs needs in the dynamic Syria context with the required early recovery and resilience programming that supports basic social services provision and livelihoods, while facilitating social cohesion and supporting the resolution of local disputes.
Against this backdrop, the Programme and Reportingย Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, and in coordination with the focal points of the Participating United Nations Organizations of the Joint Programme.
The Programme and reportingย Specialistwill be responsibe for the progress and annual reporting of the JP, and the overall programmatic support to the programme manager. Furthermore, will work to ensure the successful implementation of the Joint Programme strategies.
2- Scope of Workย
Summary of Key Functions:
Provide programme and project management support to the UN Joint Programme Ensure implementation of the Joint Programme Strategies Prepare progress, annual, and final reports for the Joint Programme Document lessons learned from the Joint Programme and share best practicesProvide programme and project management support to the UN Joint Programme
Working together with the Programme Manager, develop an overview of multi-year cost projections (i.e. for programme and operations), to support resource mobilization efforts. Prepare Multi-year/Annual work plans/budgets based on the guidance of the Programme Manager, ensuring compliance with the cost-sharing agreements. Ensure the budgets are accurately reflected in Quantum, supported with the required paper-trail. Continuous analysis and monitoring of the JP expenditure, commitments, and cash resources, to ensure alignment with approved workplans/budgets, third party cost-sharing agreements, and Joint Steering Committee decisions.ย Prepare periodic analyses, and forecast, to present to the Programme manager, to enable timely decision making.ย Based on analyses, if required prepare budget revisions, and ensure accurate reflection in Quantum, supported with the required paper-trail.ย Verification of the quarterly and annual Financial Expenditure Reports Act as focal point for due diligence requests from all UN participating agencies Ensure the required range of financial reports are relied upon to arrive at the most accurate picture of the JP financesEnsure implementation of the Joint Programme Strategies focusing on the achievement of the following results:
Thorough analysis and research of the political, social and economic situation in the country and preparation of substantive inputs to any strategy documents relevant to the UNJP
Identifying areas for support and interventions within the JP Identifying opportunities for collaboration and cooperation with other entities and partners, and support the design of such interventions; Business processes mapping and preparation of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures for strengthening Results-based Management in the Stabilization pillarPrepare quarterly progress, annual progress and final reports focusing on the achievement of the following results:
Prepare high-quality JP progress reports (quarterly and annual) in strict accordance with contribution agreements, the JP documents and UN policies, procedures and requirements in advance of due dates. Reports will be based on the M&E plan and overall framework, including results, partnerships, issues/concerns, risks and lessons learned. Ensure reporting is in accordance with donor requirements. Prepare presentations for the Joint Steering Committee on the progress of the JP implementation and achievementsDocument lessons learned from the Joint Programme and share best practices focusing on achievement of the following results:
Compile lessons learned and best practices Share information among Participating UN Organizations and stakeholders Share JP knowledge products through networks or global think-tanksThe incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization
3- Institutional Arrangement
The incumbent will work under the direct supervision and overall guidance of the UNJP Manager. And will also work in close collaboration with the focal points of JP Participating Organizations, and with the MPTFO in UNDP.
4- Competencies:
Please refer toย the competency framework siteย for the entire list of competencies and further explanations.ย
Ability to capture and sustain attention, interest and agreement of high-level, influential policy and decision makers and secure theirย
buy-in of high-level vision and objectivesย
Business Direction & Strategy Strategic Thinking Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond toย future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order to model what future developments and possible ways forward look like for UNDP. Business Development Knowledge Generation Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a stated need. Business Development Integration within the UN Ability to identify, and integrate capacity and assets of the UN system, and engage in joint work; knowledge of the UN System and ability to apply this knowledge to strategic and/or practical situations. Business Management Partnerships Management Ability to build and maintain partnerships with wide networks of stakeholders, Governments, civil society and private sector partners, experts and others in line with UNDP strategy and policies. Business Management Communication Ability 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.5- Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA Min. Education requirements
Advanced University Degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in social sciences (international development, development studies, political economy, and public policy) or a related field is required.
OR ย
First level University degree (Bachelorโs Degree) with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Min. years of relevant work experienceย Minimum 5 years (with masterโs degree) or 7 years (with bachelorโs degree) of relevant experience at the national or international level in programme and project management and implementation, and reporting. Requiredย skillsย Experience in complex fragile and/or conflict settings is required Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages Strong communication skills both written and verbal, excellent writing and organizational skills/experience. Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section Experience in handling web-based management systems- with knowledge and experience handling joint funds being an asset Previous experience of working with local non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations and community-based groups is desirable. Prior experience with multi-partner trust funds and/or multi-million joint programmes is desirable. Working experience with diverse and multi-cultural teams is desirable. Required Language(s)ย Proficiency in English โ both written and oral is required. Proficiency in Arabic โ both written and oral is required. Professional Certificates N.A6- The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers. A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position. Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as ย reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.7- ย Annexes to the TOR
Links to any relevant (non-confidential) materials that may help candidates gain a better understanding of the office/unit/project context.
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.ย
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.ย
Right to select multiple candidates
UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.ย 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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