Syria lead / SBC Programme Manager (contingent on funding)
Location:
Based in Damascus, Syria with business travel on a need basis (overseas travel should be expected for 30% of time)
Reporting Manager:
Programme Director
Start date:
December 2026/ January 2027
Duration:
One year renewable
Type:
Fixed Term Grade D
Remuneration:
USD 250 per day, up to a maximum of 220 working days per year.
Application Deadline:
21 October 2026
Work Permissions:
Must have permission to work in country of application and ability to travel internationally.
Other special considerations
Expected to work core operating hours of 10am-4pm GMT
Other special considerations
English and Arabic essential, French a bonus
In this role, you will generate new funding for the organisation and lead a portfolio of projects from start to finish of implementation. You’ll play a key part in helping our clients achieve measurable social and building strong, lasting relationships as well as a sustainable pipeline of work.
MAGENTA is a leading Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) agency that specialises in understanding human decision-making processes in order to design solutions for relevant and impactful solutions to some of the most challenging problems of our time. We implement programmes across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America and The Caribbean using the latest in behavioural science principles and a rigorous approach to research, strategy, campaign design and implementation.
We help social-impact focused organisations across the world, including UN agencies, INGOs, governments and the private sector. Whether we are aiming to shift parenting practices to improve children’s outcomes or to understand how social norms underpin corruption, we always go the extra mile to ensure we can create positive impact for some of the most underserved populations in the world. Our culture is driven by curiosity, transparency, authenticity and innovation. We are people driven by a keen desire to deliver social impact and who thrive in fast-paced environments.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The SBC Programme Manager will report to a Programme Director or Senior Programme Manager. Typical tasks include:
- Develop and maintain strong relationships and positioning with clients and strategic partners
- Secure new business with follow-on work for existing programmes and expansion in new countries.
- Lead the planning and timely implementation of a portfolio of MAGENTA SBC programmes to ensure timely billings management
- Lead all quality assurance of programme implementation from a technical and operational perspectives.
- Secure relationships with technical service providers and suppliers (production, data collection, partnerships etc.) to support the programme implementation.
- Line management of Programme Officers and Interns where necessary
- Contributing to fostering a creative and solutions-oriented team culture with ownership and accountability.
REQUIREMENTS
- Relevant degree from a top tier university required; Masters preferred
- 6-10 years professional experience in the development sector, with at least 2 years with a focus on social and behavioural change, strategic communications, social marketing, campaigns, and/or community engagement
- Proven track record in generating new business and build strategic partnerships
- At least 4 years of experience managing multi-cultural and results-driven teams and projects.
- Substantial knowledge of international development and/or humanitarian system, institution, foundations and donors, and of compliance requirements, experience working with the UN and governments strongly desired.
- Ability to work effectively, respectfully and successfully with governments, clients, partners, and other stakeholders in complex settings.
- Excellent written and spoken English required. Fluent spoken and written Arabic and/ or French and/or Spanish is a plus.
- Technological and software fluency, including Office 365, Claude, PowerBI.
- Demonstrated curiosity about AI and emerging technologies, with hands-on experience applying them to real work – e.g. using AI for research synthesis, drafting, data analysis, workflow automation, or “vibe coding” simple tools/prototypes – and a track record of proactively teaching yourself new digital skills
COMPETENCIES
- A high-level strategic thinker, with a keen desire to learn and consume new information; genuinely excited by AI and new technology, and always looking for the next skill, tool or trick to pick up
- Robust logic chain analytics and strong general analytical skills.
- A fast, self-directed learner who actively builds new skills rather than waiting to be trained – comfortable experimenting with AI, no-code and “vibe coding” tools to solve problems and work smarter
- Demonstrated ability to develop others;
- Excellent communicator able to manage conflicts and develop constructive solutions;
- A service-oriented manager, able to recognise and meet client needs;
- Ability to multi-task and manage competing priorities;
- Demonstrated desire for excellence and an ability to inspire others to attain professional excellence;
- Willingness to live, work and travel in developing/post-crisis settings;
- Good sense of humour, personable and demonstrated ability to build networks;
- Entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to get hands dirty;
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Willingness to live, work and travel in developing/post-crisis settings;
- MAGENTA has a flexible working policy which promotes periods of remote working in the year
How to apply
Apply before 21 October 2026. Applicants should submit a two-page CV and letter of motivation here
The letter of motivation should briefly describe your relevant experience in SBC, programme management, business development, and strategic partnerships, including one specific example of a programme or assignment you have led, outlining the context, your role, and the results achieved