Administration Senior Associate, Damascus, Syria

General Information

Position Title: Administration Senior Associate

Job Category: Administration

Duty Station(s): Damascus

Seniority Level: Associate

ICS Level: ICS 07

Contract Type: ICA - LICA - Support - Regular

Contract Level: LICA 7

Posting Start Date: 16-Sep-2026

Posting End Date: 01-Oct-2026

Duration: Ongoing

Job Highlight

Contribute to efficient office operations by supporting administration, logistics, and client-focused services.

About the Region

The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world's most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS' strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support.

About the Country/Multi-Country Office

The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) manages UNOPS' New York-based portfolios, delivering project and programme management, procurement, HR, and financial services to global partners, from the UN Secretariat to Member States. NYPO strategically positions UNOPS with these partners, fostering collaboration to achieve growth and leveraging expertise in global portfolio design and implementation. We support the broader SDGs and 2030 Agenda, primarily assisting the UN Secretariat and other New York-based UN entities with a global reach. NYPO encompasses the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC), focusing on explosive threat management, and the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC), providing diverse operational support to the UN system in New York.

About the Group

Background: UNMAS Syria Programme

UNMAS Syria, with its office based in Damascus, plays a central role in coordinating humanitarian mine action across Syria. UNMAS also actively supports the broader United Nations Country Team (UNCT) by enabling safe access for humanitarian and development operations. UNMAS also works closely with the Syrian Government which has designated the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management (MoEDM) as the national focal point for mine action. As part of its strategic support, UNMAS is actively coordinating advising on the establishment of a national mine action authority and mine action centre, by providing strategic and technical advice and developing a comprehensive roadmap for institutional development and technical capacity. In addition, UNMAS serves as the lead agency for the Mine Action Area of Responsibility ( MA AoR) in Syria, coordinating efforts under the broader humanitarian framework.

Job Specific Context

Background: UNMAS Syria Programme

Operating under the mandate of Security Council resolution 2165 (renewed in 2017 with SCR 2393), UNMAS deployed to Syria at the request of the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator in August 2015 and subsequently activated the Mine Action Sub Sector under the Protection Sector to address the impact of explosive hazards within Syria. UNMAS acted as the lead agency for the Mine Action Sub sector for Syria. Established in Damascus since 2018, following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Syrian Arab Republic, UNMAS strives to expand humanitarian mine action in Syria, with the aim of responding to high humanitarian needs. This includes humanitarian mine action activities prioritized in the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Syria: risk education, victim assistance, survey and clearance.

The conflict in Syria has been characterized by the extensive use of explosive weapons, which resulted in large-scale explosive hazard contamination, with the presence of diversified types of ordnances. According to the Syrian Arab Republic Humanitarian Needs Response Plan(HNRP) 2026, over 14.3 million Syrians are estimated to be at risk of explosive ordnance (EO) contamination; men, women, and children are exposed to the threat of grave injuries and death on a daily basis.

Mitigating EO risks and supporting survivors are a key priority given the scale of EO contamination with 2335 civilian casualties recorded between December 2024 and June 2026.

UNMAS play a central role in reducing harm through non-technical survey, EO disposal and clearance, inclusive risk education integrated with critical services such as education, agriculture, and cash/livelihoods, and sensitive community engagement, while facilitating referrals to survey and clearance actors where feasible.

Role Purpose

Support the effective delivery of protocol and administrative services by facilitating government liaison, immigration and official documentation processes, and day-to-day office coordination. Ensure services are delivered efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with UNOPS policies and procedures

Functions / Key Results Expected

Under the supervision of the Senior Support Services Officer, the Administration Senior Associate (Protocol and Government Liaison) will be responsible for coordinating administrative and protocol services, support in ensuring full compliance with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and strategies. The functional responsibilities encompass the following key areas:

A. Protocol, Government Relations & Liaison

• Maintain relationships with units in government ministries, agencies, and local authorities to facilitate official correspondence, scheduling, and coordination of meetings on behalf of UNOPS management and personnel.
• Maintain continuous dialogue with government departments on protocol matters and provide management with information and guidance on applicable protocol requirements and procedures.
• Process and facilitate residency permits.
• Handle processing of VAT exemptions and tax exemption approvals relating to project delivery.
• Coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration Department, Airport Authorities, and related Ministries.
• Support in establishing and maintaining monitoring tools and proper filing/archiving systems for protocol and administrative records.
• Assist with interpretation and translation during high-level meetings and field visits.
• Maintain up-to-date contact details of the ministries and local authorities with whom UNOPS has working relationships, including contact personnel and documentation requirements.

B. Administrative Services & Office Coordination

• Brief international personnel on general administrative matters relating to visas, security; provide advice and ensure administrative support as required.
• Coordinate administrative workflows and guide personnel on executing standard office transactions, processes, and client services in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations.
• Review travel authorizations, travel arrangements, itineraries, supporting documentation, and travel reimbursement requests.
• Provide administrative support for key events (e.g. conferences, VIP visits, UN Day), ensuring timely, high-quality delivery.

C. Knowledge Building & Sharing

• Conduct briefings for incoming and current staff on immigration formalities, protocol procedures, administrative rules, and diplomatic privileges/immunities in Syria.
• Participate actively in knowledge-sharing initiatives, Communities of Practice (CoPs), and operations meetings to contribute insights, updates, and lessons learned.

Skills

Communication, Document Management, General Administration, Government Relations, Visas

Competencies

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

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 3 years of relevant experience is require

Experience Requirements

Experience:

• Relevant experience is defined as experience in supporting administrative services, liaison/protocol services, and government relations.
• Experience in using collaboration and productivity tools (e.g., MS Office, G-Suite) required.

Desired

• Experience and proven track record in dealing with government ministries, immigration,
• Local authorities, and customs in processing official documents is highly desired.
• Experience working in UN system organizations or international non-governmental organizations in humanitarian or development contexts is desired.

Language Requirements

Language: English

• Proficiency Level: Fluent
• Requirement: Required

Language: Arabic

• 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.