Syria – Head of Programmes

COOPI is looking for a Head of Programmes in Syria

COOPI has been active with its humanitarian action in Syria (Damascus) since 2016. The protracted crisis in Syria has intensified needs over the past year through a complex and deepening socio-economic crisis, knock-on effects of Covid-19, cholera outbreaks and major losses in the food production sector. In 2024 COOPI has been providing FSL, Early Recovery and Protection support in Aleppo, Raqqa, Homs, Hamas, Rural Damascus and Dara’a implementing programs funded by different donors (UNHCR, OCHA, ILO, UNDP and AICS). COOPI main office is based in Damascus and COOPI teams are present in two field offices: one in Hama and one in Aleppo.

Description of the role

The Head of Programmes (HoP) is the focal point for COOPI programs in Syria. He will be responsible for defining programs, drafting intermediate and final project narratives and budgets. He will manage the supervision, monitoring and coordination of ongoing projects and support the Head of Mission in relations with donors and partners. He will report directly to the Head of Mission.

Main responsibilities

Project Development

• Lead the definition and implementation of the country program strategy, with the support of the HoM, Project Managers and MEAL team
• Review priorities and strategies of main institutional donors and propose the submission of project proposals according to COOPI’s expertise and geographical presence
• Lead the development of new project proposals (current donors include ECHO, EU, AICS, DAFT/ACNP, SDC, OCHA-SHF and various UN Agencies)
• Write proposals to donors based on Country Strategy and in coordination with HoM
• Review priorities and evidence from ongoing and closed grants
• Collaborate with Country Admin and Logistics Manager for logistical and financial requirements

External coordination

• Meet regularly with donors and partners, consolidating the position of COOPI in the country
• Engage new potential donors and partners, working closely with the HoM and Project Managers
• Manage donors visits, liaising with the HoM and Project Managers
• Ensure participation at Clusters/Sectors/Working groups fora
• Represent COOPI in relevant fora and ensure institutional positioning of the Organization in the Country

Monitoring & Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

• Approve M&E plans for projects in alignment to planning documents and to Logical Frameworks
• Provide required inputs for the development of data collection tools, questionnaires, surveys, as required by the projects
• Provide quality assurance of M&E reports (e.g. surveys, Monitoring Reports, PDM)
• Use collected data/lesson learnt to enhance internal learning with the HoM and Project Managers for proposal development
• Use M&E data, innovation and evidence collected in the on-going and past projects for engaging new donors and partners
• Ensure linkages and learning among technical advisors
• Carry out field monitoring missions in the areas of interventions
• Ensure the financial monitoring of the projects and monitor the respect of COOPI’s and donor’s procedures.

Project Reporting

• Ensure a final review of all project narrative reports (interim, quarterly and final)
• Ensure the submission of reports according to internal and external submission deadline
• Ensure that sources of verification of accomplished activities are meet quality standards and are available

Human Resources Management

• Identify HR needs in the framework of existing and/or new programmes
• Provide essential inputs to the definition of ToR and Job descriptions for programme staff members
• Participate in the recruitment process for projects staff upon request of the Head of Mission and Project Managers and HQ support the recruitment process of national staff
• Support the definition of HR plan for new approved programmes
• Provide continuous training on the job and capacity development, including mentorship and coaching, of staff assigned under the humanitarian programmes
• Provide evaluation of performance of staff members, as required by COOPI’s HR Manual.

Communication and visibility

• Support for the production and distribution of communication and visibility tools and products for COOPI in Syria
• Gathering the necessary data and information in collaboration with the field teams to produce communication products.

Requirements

Essentials

• University master’s degree in relevant subject (post graduate degree required)
• A minimum of 3 years of work experience in project formulation, implementation and coordination with an International NGOs
• Experience in working with different Donors (ECHO, EU, AICS, DAFT/ACNP, SDC, OCHA-SHF and various UN Agencies)
• Good knowledge of humanitarian standards and principles
• Excellent report and proposal writing skills in English
• Proactive aptitude in terms of planning and coordination with different bodies, institutions and reference points
• Target oriented and problem-solving aptitude
• Strong managerial skills
• Good leadership skills, aimed at managing and motivating a team
• Positive ability to bear stressful and complicated situations
• Diplomatic and confidentiality skills
• Advanced IT skills
• Embrace COOPI’s vision and mission.

Desired

• Previous experience in Somalia or the East Africa region is an asset
• Knowledge of Italian is a plus

We reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the application closing date, once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled, thanks for understanding.

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian secular and independent humanitarian organisation fighting against all forms of poverty to improve the world. Founded in 1965, today COOPI is present in 33 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East, with both emergency and development projects carried out by expatriate staff – an average of over 240 people per year – and national staff. The main institutional funders are the European Union – ECHO and INTPA – USAID, UN agencies, the Italian Government, local authorities and other European Governments.