Background

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises and disasters. Working with our vast network of experts and partners in over 170 countries, we help nations to create integrated and lasting solutions for people and the planet. 

UNDP Syria operates in a highly complex and challenging environment, shaped by over a decade of conflict, widespread displacement, economic instability, and recurrent natural disasters. The Syria Country Programme focuses on three critical areas: 1) Promoting socio-economic recovery and social cohesion; 2) Strengthening local governance and basic social services; and 3) Supporting climate change adaptation and natural resource management. The programme emphasizes an area-based approach to tailor interventions to the specific needs of local communities and supports the vision of sustainable peace and recovery for all Syrians. 

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022–2024 are fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. They prioritize resilience-building efforts while addressing the pressing humanitarian-development nexus. UNDP Syria aims to bridge immediate recovery needs with long-term development goals, focusing on inclusive governance, equitable access to basic services, sustainable livelihoods, and climate action.

In Syria, UNDP has adopted a highly principled approach to the delivery of its mandate in providing critical support to crisis-affected communities. Acknowledging the sensitivities of the operational context, UNDP’s activities in Syria are further informed by bespoke measures to mainstream a do-no-harm approach based on a thorough context analysis, to ensure effective safeguarding measures are applied across all areas of operation in response to the multifaced challenges of the Syrian context in terms of economic development, social protection, service delivery, local governance, as well as climate change. In this regard, UNDP Syria is looking for a Technical Officer who can support UNDP’s immediate interventions on Basic Services Delivery and Infrastructure Rehabilitation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Lead, manage, coordinate, and develop effective activity planning, implementation and monitoring 

• Act as a technical and project lead for the Basic Services & Infrastructure Rehabilitation project activities in the field office including, but not limited to, rehabilitation of schools, municipality buildings, social buildings, health facilities, water and sewage networks, roads as well as debris removal and recycling.
• Collect and analyze relevant technical information, data and/or statistics to support the identification of basic services priorities as well as delivery of project outcomes/outputs.
• Develop project documents and concept notes related to Basic Services & Infrastructure Rehabilitation using collected and analyzed data.
• Lead the preparation of BoQs and technical specifications for basic infrastructure projects in line with UNDP’s standards.
• Monitor progress of activities and report challenges and concerns in a timely manner.
• Oversee project finance, accounting, and other administrative works related to Basic Services & Infrastructure Rehabilitation activities. 
• Follow up on procurement needs, ensuring value for money, transparency, and competition as per UNDP rules and regulations, including preparing or clearing terms of references and technical specifications.
• Contribute to and coordinate implementation of all basic service delivery-gender related work. 
• Manage risks at the local level and inform Area Manager about any issues that would impede implementation. 
• Ensure all project documentation (progress reports, consultations, lessons learns and other technical reports, minutes of meetings, etc.) are properly maintained in hard and electronic copies in an efficient and readily accessible filing system. 
• Proactively engage with UNDP-led Early Recovery Sector in terms of needs assessments, joint programming, monitoring and evaluation and meetings.
• Actively liaise with local authorities, NGOs, community groups, cooperatives, civil society organizations, and local technical government entities to support project implementation.
• Coordinate with area office technical officers working on other projects to ensure integration and comprehensiveness in planning and implementation of activities. 
• Identify funding opportunities and support the Area Manager with programme resource mobilization efforts with donor partners, including the development of advocacy/communication tools in support of resource mobilization.
• Implement the required activities under the direction of Area Manager in line with the area office strategy, Country Office Strategy and CPD. 
• Perform any other duties related to goals and objectives as requested by the supervisor.

Strategic partnerships and coordination with key stakeholders

• Map, identify, and prioritize potential partners, engaging in discussions and negotiations with stakeholders such as government bodies, local authorities, private sector entities, microfinance institutions (MFIs), associations, NGOs, and community-based organizations (CBOs).
• Substantively contribute to the harnessing of effective partnerships and lead the identification and onboarding process for implementing partners.
• Provide technical support to the implementing partners and act as a liaison between UNDP and the partners.
• Support the Area Manager in key operational procedures, including drafting grant and partnership agreements, processing payment requests, and handling other essential operational tasks.

Facilitate knowledge building and management

• Provide technical advice and facilitate capacity-building activities for partners and team members to foster discussions at the governorate level and enhance coordination among stakeholders.
• Assist the communications team in identifying success stories and creating communication materials, including human interest stories, audio-visual content, and key messages that reflect on-ground implementation progress.
• Promote knowledge sharing among UNDP staff and field project teams to ensure effective dissemination of experiences and insights.
• Promote advocacy for UNDP’s work and opportunities for collaboration in addressing development trends in coordination with partners, stakeholders, and UNDP communications staff. 

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization

Institutional Arrangement

Under the direct supervision of the area manager and technical guidance of the relevant Programme Manager(s) for Basic Services & Infrastructure Rehabilitation

Competencies

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies :

Required Skills and Experience

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.

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.