National Programme Officer~Syria

National Programme Officer Syria – 100 %

The National Programme Officer is working as a member of the Syria Programme team under the overall guidance of the Regional Head of Cooperation and under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer Iraq & North Syria, and is in close coordination with the Regional Advisors on Water & Sanitation, Protection & Migration and Education & Income. She/He contributes to the overall Syria programme and manages a number of projects and partnerships as part of the Swiss Cooperation Programme Middle East 2019-2022 with a particular focus on the domains W&S, P&M and E&I, but also other domains required for emergency interventions such as health or shelter.

Duties & Responsibilities

The list of tasks includes the following:

Project Cycle Management:

• Manage all humanitarian and development projects under the assigned domain(s) of the Swiss Cooperation Programme Middle East 2019-2022 in the respective country. If necessary, manage projects from other domains, or from other Swiss Government actors.
• Ensure the full project cycle management of humanitarian and development projects in all operational and financial aspects (the latter together with the finance team), from planning and identification, to monitoring of implementation and evaluation following SDC’s Project Cycle Management guidelines and defined processes in cooperation with the partners in their area responsibility.
• Identifying possible partnerships in consultation with the line manager and the thematic support of the respective Regional Advisor.
• Preparing appraisal documents and internal funding applications (PKD, entry proposals, credit proposals, etc.).
• Conducting project monitoring, steering and closing including regular field visits and internal report writing.

Context analysis:

• Monitor permanently the context and media coverage including social media communication (e.g. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook) related to the specific thematic and geographical responsibility.
• Actively transmit relevant information immediately to concerned Embassy staff.
• Report on the main context changes during dedicated meetings (e.g. staff meeting).

Relationship management, coordination and policy dialogue:

• Ensure collaboration and coordination with all engaged internal actors at the Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan including participation in relevant meetings
• Develop and maintain a network with national authorities, national and international partners, relevant experts, decision-makers and other involved stakeholders.
• Represent the Embassy of Switzerland in national and/or international meetings and coordination platforms in line with the Embassy’s defined objectives and priorities.

Portfolio planning, strategic steering, and reporting:

• Contribute to the overall operational, administrative and financial planning, monitoring and steering of the respective country portfolio as part of the Swiss Cooperation Programme Middle East 2019-2022.
• Prepare policy and strategy positions, speaking notes, programmatic documentation and context analysis. Manage domain related and project-specific reporting and ensure the timely preparation and compilation of relevant documents.
• Plan, coordinate and manage delegations, events and meetings that are thematically closely linked to the assigned domain.

General:

• All employees are expected to fulfil tasks not included in their job description, if deemed necessary by the line manager or the line hierarchy.

Requirements

• Master degree in Social Sciences, Political Science, Law, Economics or related field with additional training and qualification in humanitarian aid or development cooperation
• Minimum of 10 years of successful development and humanitarian aid related work experience with an international organization, NGO or bilateral cooperation agency
• Experience in fieldwork and readiness to undertake missions (including, but not limited to Syria)
• Excellent oral and written skills in English and Arabic. Knowledge of other languages (French or German) is an additional asset
• Proven knowledge of the political, economic and social situations of the region, in particular for Syria. In-depth understanding of the Syria Crisis and underlying dynamics
• Familiar with international standards and requirements relating to development cooperation and humanitarian aid
• Active network of actors (public, private or international organizations) in the region
• Solid practical knowledge of project management (PCM from identification – formulation – implementation – monitoring and evaluation), including budget and contract management, and project administration
• Able to work in an autonomous, proactive and results oriented way
• Able to work under pressure in a changing regional context. Able to show adaptability to change
• Strong analytical skills, ability to set priorities in a complex political framework and to report on complex realities
• Ability to reflect strategically and to translate into operations
• High cultural sensitivity
• High motivation and commitment to work for a governmental development and humanitarian agency
• Teamplayer with good communication skills
• Empathic attitude toward beneficiaries and colleagues
• Computer skills (MS Office, internet research)

Employment conditions

• Diverse, creative and stimulating work environment
• Competitive salary and social benefits. Depending on academic degree and professional experience
• Further training opportunities

Place of work: Amman, Embassy of Switzerland in Jordan

Beginning / Duration: September 2022 or upon agreement, one-year renewable local contract

Deadline: 16.07.2022