Director, Country Office, Damascus, Syria

General Information

Position Title: Director, Country Office

Job Category: Leadership

Duty Station(s): Damascus

Seniority Level: Executive Level

ICS Level: ICS 13

Contract Type: Staff - IP - FTA

Contract Level: IP D-1

Posting Start Date: 28-Sep-2026

Posting End Date: 08-Oct-2026

Duration: One year with the possibility of extension

Job Highlight

Drive strategic leadership and operational excellence to deliver sustainable results and strengthen partnerships in-country.

About the Region

The UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) provides strategic leadership, performance oversight, and support to UNOPS operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine. MR is responsible for positioning UNOPS as a key development partner in the region through high-level engagement with regional bodies, UN coordination mechanisms, development banks, donors, and intergovernmental organisations. By fostering strategic partnerships and promoting operational excellence, the region supports country teams in delivering sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

Established in 2004, the UNOPS Amman Multi-Country Office (MCO) provides strategic and operational support to partners across Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen, and the Gulf countries. The MCO delivers solutions that address development, peace, and humanitarian challenges through infrastructure, procurement, project management, and human resources services. Working in close collaboration with national governments, UN agencies, and donors, the office supports efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals. Its portfolio includes large-scale operations focused on improving essential services, strengthening national systems, and enhancing resilience in complex and fragile settings.

Job Specific Context

UNOPS has been present in Syria since 2014, with an office in Damascus, sub-offices in Homs covering the Central and Coastal Areas, and in Aleppo covering the northern areas. UNOPS supports Syria's recovery by providing infrastructure rehabilitation, procurement and project management services in partnership with government institutions, UN entities and donors. UNOPS' work includes rehabilitating health facilities and schools, restoring essential services, strengthening local infrastructure, and providing renewable energy solutions across the country. Increasingly, UNOPS is expanding support towards early recovery, livelihoods and local capacity-building, helping bridge immediate humanitarian needs with longer-term recovery and reconstruction. Through implementation expertise and operational capacity, UNOPS is helping to translate donor funding and recovery priorities into tangible projects and practical, sustainable results on the ground.

Syria is navigating an important political transition following more than a decade of conflict, alongside significant humanitarian and displacement needs. The evolving environment presents new opportunities for recovery, reconstruction, and sustainable development, while continuing to require the international community to operate in a complex and rapidly changing context.

Against this backdrop, the Country Office Director leads UNOPS operations in Syria while also overseeing the organization's portfolio in Lebanon. The Director is responsible for positioning UNOPS to respond to evolving humanitarian, recovery and reconstruction priorities. Building strategic partnerships through networking, advocacy and communication of UNOPS expertise to develop opportunities with new and existing partners will be a main focus area.

During the development of the Country Office, the Director will draw on key capacities from the Amman Multi-Country Office, as provided by the Head of Programme and Head of Support Services, to strengthen programme delivery and operational management while the office progressively develops its own capacity and structures.

Role Purpose

Reporting to and under the general guidance and oversight of the Regional Director, the Country Office (CO) Director directs and manages all delivery and operations under the CO's scope - including liaison and engagement development activities and delivering timely and cost-effective services for sustainable results by partners and stakeholders. The CO Director also represents UNOPS on behalf of the Regional Director in the country covered by the CO.

Functions / Key Results Expected

People Leadership

• Create, foster and role model a culture of trust, empowerment and accountability across the Country Office (CO) locations.
• Build engagement and foster a diverse and inclusive work environment, respectful of all, and ensure that the highest standards of conduct are observed.
• Create, foster and role model a culture of respect and zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of authority, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. Ensure accountability for actions and perform duties in accordance with protection mechanisms and action plans, as expected by UNOPS policies, standards and commitments.
• Promote teamwork, collaboration and diversity by providing timely guidance and supervision to the team, to enable them to perform their duties responsibly, effectively and efficiently.
• Plan, recruit, manage and develop a flexible and diverse workforce, with the skills and competencies needed to ensure optimum performance.

Country Office Portfolio Management

• Develop the strategy for the entire Country Office, establish priorities and oversee the implementation of the portfolio, managing the operational risks associated with the Country Office portfolio of engagements.
• Lead the delivery of the UNOPS strategic plan through the CO annual plan.
• In collaboration with the CO team and partners, establish annual objectives and targets, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services.
• Guide, endorse and oversee the proposals and project document agreements in connection with identified opportunities across the Country Office.
• Set and endorse the objectives, performance measurements, standards and results expected to ensure timely and partner oriented services across the Country Office
• Monitor implementation, oversee progress toward annual objectives and make decisions to ensure the delivery of results as planned.
• Plan, propose to the Regional Director and allocate resources (human, financial and administrative) to achieve goals and ensure financial sustainability in accordance with UNOPS standards of ethics, integrity and accountability framework.
• Operate within the defined limits of authority on matters of Finance, Procurement and Human Resources and subject to any limits or conditions that may be imposed as per delegated authority.
• Manage overall HSSE performance across the entire CO while holding accountability for the implementation of all HSSE requirements.
• Oversee, monitor and direct appropriate measures to maintain the safety and security of UNOPS personnel and their eligible dependents, assets, property and information within the respective area of responsibility.
• Consult - as the most senior UNOPS person in-country - with the UNOPS Chief of Security act as the UNOPS Security Focal Point (SFP) within the country of operation, including participating actively in the Security Management Team (SMT) and performing duties on security as outlined in the Framework of Accountability in the UN Security Management System Policy Manual.

Alliance Building, Networking and Advocacy for Business Development

• Keep abreast and assess the needs of national governments and other UNOPS partners operating in the geographical coverage area, to identify and plan with them areas for leveraging UNOPS services/competencies in project service delivery and management that will facilitate their achievement of sustainable results.
• Build and strengthen strategic partnerships in the geographical coverage area through active networking, advocacy and effective communication of UNOPS competencies in project service delivery and management to develop opportunities and engagements with new and existing partners.
• Keep the Regional Director informed/advised on opportunities and/or challenges and risks to strengthen UNOPS capacity for portfolio management and business development in the geographical area.

Service Delivery and Quality Assurance

• With the support from the CO Head of Support Services and the CO Head of Programme, ensure appropriate arrangements for building excellence of business processes and quality standards.
• Build capability and ensure direct operational support for the units within the CO.
• Monitor and supervise the overall timely and cost-effective delivery of the Country Office portfolio(s) according to partner expectations, approved budgets and full cost recovery.
• Take overall responsibility for financial decisions, and exercise financial control, to ensure the fiscal health/sustainability of the Country Office portfolio
• Provide advice to the Regional Director, peers and Country Managers on opportunities to further enhance UNOPS' contribution to the achievement of partners' results in the geographical area.
• Ensure internal performance and quality management for the Country Office, including tracking, monitoring and reporting on project delivery and financials.
• Evaluate performance to measure efficacy and alignment of the Country Office with organizational/regional strategy and compliance with UNOPS standards of accuracy, transparency and accountability, and ensure that service delivery reinforces business development objectives.

Representation and Inter Agency Coordination

• Represent UNOPS in relevant inter-agency and external meetings/bodies to promote the organization, influence policy discussion and identify potential areas for UNOPS partnership and engagement.
• Represent UNOPS in the UN Country Team (UNCT), and support the UNCT programming and advocacy activities.
• Participate actively and effectively in UNCT meetings, and contribute to the formulation and implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, Integrated Strategic Framework, and Delivering as One within the country of the main office for the Country Office.
• Is accountable to the Resident Coordinator for actions as part of the UNCT, makes substantial contributions to the UNCT's work, and assumes a leadership role as relates to UNOPS' mandate.
• Participate in UNCT initiatives to strengthen UN coherence, inclusiveness, and aid effectiveness, including ensuring UNOPS' active role in the Operations Management Teams (OMTs) and other senior management groups of the country team.
• Keep the UN Resident Coordinator abreast of UNOPS activities within the country through regular communication, including a formal regular reporting on business acquisition and implementation of activities led by UNOPS as part of the UNSDCF.

Risk Management

• Drive high-quality, well-informed decisions that align with organizational goals for effective and measurable outcomes to the regional assessment exercise for UN Resident Coordinators.
• Ensure corporate reporting, information flow and appropriate escalation of awareness of emerging risks and topics.
• Champion risk management through a 'tone at the top' leadership approach, promoting alignment with applicable standards and policies.

Knowledge Management and Innovation

• Lead the development and introduction of innovation to ensure UNOPS is continually incorporating best practices and approaches in the delivery of project services.
• Ensure the dissemination and sharing of best practices and lessons learned for corporate, regional and national development planning and knowledge building.
• Lead the planning, implementation and organization of capacity building of personnel, partners and stakeholders.
• Establish priorities, in consultation with the Regional Director, for targeted investments in growth and innovation and as a member of the UNOPS global management team, contribute to the identification and implementation of innovation and continuous improvement in support of organizational excellence and world-class performance.
• Share knowledge with peers in other regional/country teams and corporate practice groups to ensure a coordinated corporate delivery of services and synergies.

Skills

Innovation Management, Organizational Leadership, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Strategic Alliances, Strategic Partnerships, Strategic Thinking

Competencies

Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.

Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 12 years of relevant experience OR
• Master's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 10 years of relevant experience is required.

Experience Requirements

Required

• Relevant experience is work in strategic and managerial leadership in public affairs, management, business development planning and operations in a large corporate or international organization, or related area.

Desired

• Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.
• Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

Language Requirements

Language: Arabic

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Language: English

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment. To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.