Programme Coordinator-Syria At INTERSOS

INTERSOS is an independent humanitarian organization that assists the victims of natural disasters, armed conflicts and exclusion. Its activities are based on the principles of solidarity, justice, human dignity, equality of rights and opportunities, respect for diversity and coexistence, paying special attention to the most vulnerable people.

Terms of reference

Job Title: Country Programme Coordinator

Code: SR-53-9285

Duty station: Damascus, with frequent visits to targeted governorates

Starting date: 28/06/2024

Contract duration: 7 months

Reporting to: Head of Mission

Supervision of: 3 Programme Managers (National), 1 Grants and Compliance Officer (International)

Functional Supervisor: Deputy Regional Director – Middle East

Type of duty station: Non-family duty station

General context of the project

As the Syrian crisis enters its thirteenth year, the scale, severity and complexity of humanitarian needs has reached its highest. With a population of 22.1 million inhabitants, Syria counts 16.7 million People in Need (PiN) in 2024, which represents an increase of 8% of PiN compared to 2023. Such deterioration of the humanitarian situation is related to multiple factors: protracted hostilities hampering humanitarian access and causing/sustaining displacement, where an escalation of active conflict and military operations was reported across multiple frontlines and in different areas across the country in the second half of 2023; direct and indirect consequences of the earthquakes that hit northern Syria in February 2023, which caused almost 5,900 death, more than 12,800 people injured and at least 265,000 displaced, extensively damaged essential infrastructures (e.g. homes, hospitals, schools, water systems, etc.) that had already been weakened by the conflict, disrupted essential food production and livelihoods – especially in rural areas, and led to widespread psychological distress and trauma; worsening economic crisis, with spiraling inflation, currency collapse, severe fuel shortage, and increasing reliance on humanitarian assistance; and continued erosion of basic service capacities due to almost none development investments. This multifaceted crisis sees self-sustained patterns of vulnerability, affecting disproportionately those most in need, where the inability of families and communities to meet their most basic needs has driven them to adopt negative coping strategies leading to extreme vulnerability. In particular, children and women are bearing the brunt of the conflict and are exposed to serious protection risks, experiencing persisting violence and abuse, including physical, psychological and sexual violence, neglect, as well as subjection to the worst forms of child labor.

General purpose of the position

The Country Programme Coordinator supports the Head of Mission in the development, definition and management of the mission program in accordance with INTERSOS strategies, plans and policies. Lead the development of new concept notes and project proposals in collaboration with the Deputy Regional Director and Senior Management Team of the Mission. Supervise, coordinate and provide quality support to Programme Managers in order to develop and implement the programme in the mission.

Main responsibilities and tasks

Strategy and representation

• Support the Head of Mission and SMT in the development, implementation and evaluation of the mission strategy, program and quality of projects in line with INTERSOS country strategy, policies and guidelines. Provide updated information, inputs and recommendation for new and ongoing interventions in the country
• In coordination with the technical referents and Deputy Regional Director lead the design and development of potential new funding opportunities and the new project concept notes/proposals drafting the narrative and contributing to the budget preparation
• Conduct regular context analysis (country’s socio-economic situation, donors trends, needs and gaps) in order to identify funding opportunities. Is accountable for properly studying data collected from the field and detect population’s needs, study the context, translate the strategic macro-objectives into concrete actions and analyze the consequences of an intervention of INTERSOS, evaluating risks and constraints and setting priorities
• In coordination with the Head of Mission, establish and maintain collaborative relations with relevant donors, project stakeholders, local partners and other organisations working in the area. Develop strategic partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders when possible
• In collaboration with the Head of Mission and technical referents, proactively participate and represent INTERSOS in meetings with relevant donors and stakeholders
• Support the SMT in maintaining productive working relationships within different coordination fora (sectors, working groups, INGO forum etc.) at national level

Implementation, reporting and quality control

• Supervise and keep updated workplans and related financial plans of projects with the contribution of Programme Managers and relevant team members.
• Support the preparation of quality narrative reports reflecting the progress and status of projects in a transparent, timely and professional manner, guiding and following up the Programme Managers and the Grants and Reporting Officer
• In coordination with all other departments, ensure the smooth running of operations and support the implementation of the programme
• Provide guidance and support the Programme Managers in project management and project cycle, work planning, activities, budget management and all operational and management aspects.
• Support in planning and monitoring the implementation of activities, budget follow up and achievement of results
• Monitor the level of progress achieved by each project. Supervise, plan, monitor, evaluate and ensure the quality of work and the achievement of high standards in terms of design, implementation and evaluation
• Lead the kick-off planning and final review meetings for each project
• Guarantee the application of INTERSOS procedures and compliance to donor policies, procedures and procurement for reporting and implementation, in collaboration with the Head of Mission and Deputy Regional Director
• Contribute to address in a timely manner all comments by donors on proposals in liaison with relevant staffs and HQ
• Guide the Grants and Compliance Officer and the Programme Managers to collaborate with Finance, Logistics, MEAL, and coordinate with SMT in the development of new proposals
• Ensure that contractual obligations and reporting deadlines are known and met by all departments
• Inform relevant staffs on issues identified and seek HQ advices on potential solutions that would meet donors’ compliances
• With the support of the Country Finance Coordinator supervise the management of budgets in line with donors and INTERSOS guidelines, supporting budget and program revisions when needed
• Organise regular program meetings
• Follow up expenditures through monthly programme review meetings and financial expenditure reports prepared by the finance department
• Support the Head of Mission and MEAL department in the set up and implementation of the projects’ MEAL plans and activities
• Provide supervision and feedback on the monthly Project Appraisal Tool (PAT), with the contribution of the Grants and Compliance Officer
• Supervise the regular update of IMP projects sections, with the contribution of the Grants and Compliance Officer
• Ensure high-quality donors’ reporting

HR management

• Is responsible for leading, supporting and supervising the Programme Managers and Grants and Compliance Officer strengthening their capacities and ensuring a regular evaluation through the Internal Review Process (IRP) tools. Provide coaching, identify training needs and evaluate the staffs under his hierarchical supervision
• In collaboration with the HR department and Head of Mission support the recruitment of new staffs
• In collaboration with the HR department ensure that Programme Managers respect INTERSOS rules and regulations and adhere to INTERSOS Fundamental Charter Values and Code of Ethics

Required profile and experience

Education

BA in International Affairs, Development, International Political Economy or other relevant field

Professional Experience

Minimum five years experience in humanitarian aid settings

Professional Requirements

• Ability to manage team
• Strong knowledge of proposal development and financial management
• Experience working with major grants and international donors
• Desirable experience in managing integrated projects
• Essential computer literacy (Word, Excel, main browsers)
• Good organizational and planning skills

Languages

• Fluency in English is required
• Fluency in Italian and Arabic are an asset

Personal Requirements

• Leadership, team management and cooperation
• Behavioral flexibility
• Negotiation skills and decision-making skills
• Diplomatic, interpersonal and good communication skills
• Ability to take initiative and work independently
• Understanding of humanitarian operations principles, standards and best practices
• Commitment to INTERSOS principles