Administration Senior Associate, Damascus, Syria

## Administration Senior Associate, Damascus, Syria - Organization:UNOPS - United Nations Office for Project Services - Office:UNOPS Damascus, Syria Position Title:Administration Senior Associate Job Category:Administration Duty Station(s):Damascus Seniority Level:Associate Contract Type:ICA - LICA - Support - Regular Contract Level:LICA 7 Posting Start Date:16-Sep-2026 Posting End Date:01-Oct-2026 Contribute to efficient office operations by supporting administration, logistics, and client-focused services. The UNOPS Global Portfolios Office (GPO) brings together diverse expertise to help partners deliver impact worldwide. With hubs in New York, Geneva, and Vienna, and expert teams operating globally, GPO leads multi-regional initiatives that advance sustainable development, climate action, and peacebuilding - including in some of the world's most challenging environments. By leveraging our collective expertise and global networks, GPO supports UNOPS' strategic priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals across more than 130 countries. We work closely with major global partners - including governments, international financial institutions, and UN agencies - to deliver a wide range of services, such as project management, fund management, hosting services, and HR support. About the Country/Multi-Country Office The New York Portfolios Office (NYPO) manages UNOPS' New York-based portfolios, delivering project and programme management, procurement, HR, and financial services to global partners, from the UN Secretariat to Member States. NYPO strategically positions UNOPS with these partners, fostering collaboration to achieve growth and leveraging expertise in global portfolio design and implementation. We support the broader SDGs and 2030 Agenda, primarily assisting the UN Secretariat and other New York-based UN entities with a global reach. NYPO encompasses the Peace and Security Cluster (PSC), focusing on explosive threat management, and the Sustainable Development Cluster (SDC), providing diverse operational support to the UN system in New York. Background: UNMAS Syria Programme UNMAS Syria, with its office based in Damascus, plays a central role in coordinating humanitarian mine action across Syria. UNMAS also actively supports the broader United Nations Country Team (UNCT) by enabling safe access for humanitarian and development operations. UNMAS also works closely with the Syrian Government which has designated the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management (MoEDM) as the national focal point for mine action. As part of its strategic support, UNMAS is actively coordinating advising on the establishment of a national mine action authority and mine action centre, by providing strategic and technical advice and developing a comprehensive roadmap for institutional development and technical capacity. In addition, UNMAS serves as the lead agency for the Mine Action Area of Responsibility ( MA AoR) in Syria, coordinating efforts under the broader humanitarian framework. Background: UNMAS Syria Programme Operating under the mandate of Security Council resolution 2165 (renewed in 2017 with SCR 2393), UNMAS deployed to Syria at the request of the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator in August 2015 and subsequently activated the Mine Action Sub Sector under the Protection Sector to address the impact of explosive hazards within Syria. UNMAS acted as the lead agency for the Mine Action Sub sector for Syria. Established in Damascus since 2018, following the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Syrian Arab Republic, UNMAS strives to expand humanitarian mine action in Syria, with the aim of responding to high humanitarian needs. This includes humanitarian mine action activities prioritized in the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Syria: risk education, victim assistance, survey and clearance. The conflict in Syria has been characterized by the extensive use of explosive weapons, which resulted in large-scale explosive hazard contamination, with the presence of diversified types of ordnances. According to the Syrian Arab Republic Humanitarian Needs Response Plan(HNRP) 2026, over 14.3 million Syrians are estimated to be at risk of explosive ordnance (EO) contamination; men, women, and children are exposed to the threat of grave injuries and death on a daily basis. Mitigating EO risks and supporting survivors are a key priority given the scale of EO contamination with 2335 civilian casualties recorded between December 2024 and June 2026. UNMAS play a central role in reducing harm through non-technical survey, EO disposal and clearance, inclusive risk education integrated with critical services such as education, agriculture, and cash/livelihoods, and sensitive community engagement, while facilitating referrals to survey and clearance actors where feasible. Support the effective delivery of protocol and administrative services by facilitating government liaison, immigration and official documentation processes, and day-to-day office coordination. Ensure services are delivered efficiently, accurately, and in compliance with UNOPS policies and procedures Functions / Key Results Expected Under the supervision of the Senior Support Services Officer, the Administration Senior Associate (Protocol and Government Liaison) will be responsible for coordinating administrative and protocol services, support in ensuring full compliance with UNOPS rules, regulations, policies, and strategies. The functional responsibilities encompass the following key areas: A. Protocol, Government Relations & Liaison - Maintain relationships with units in government ministries, agencies, and local authorities to facilitate official correspondence, scheduling, and coordination of meetings on behalf of UNOPS management and personnel. - Maintain continuous dialogue with government departments on protocol matters and provide management with information and guidance on applicable protocol requirements and procedures. - Process and facilitate residency permits. - Handle processing of VAT exemptions and tax exemption approvals relating to project delivery. - Coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration Department, Airport Authorities, and related Ministries. - Support in establishing and maintaining monitoring tools and proper filing/archiving systems for protocol and administrative records. - Assist with interpretation and translation during high-level meetings and field visits. - Maintain up-to-date contact details of the ministries and local authorities with whom UNOPS has working relationships, including contact personnel and documentation requirements. B. Administrative Services & Office Coordination - Brief international personnel on general administrative matters relating to visas, security; provide advice and ensure administrative support as required. - Coordinate administrative workflows and guide personnel on executing standard office transactions, processes, and client services in full compliance with UNOPS rules and regulations. - Review travel authorizations, travel arrangements, itineraries, supporting documentation, and travel reimbursement requests. - Provide administrative support for key events (e.g. conferences, VIP visits, UN Day), ensuring timely, high-quality delivery. C. Knowledge Building & Sharing - Conduct briefings for incoming and current staff on immigration formalities, protocol procedures, administrative rules, and diplomatic privileges/immunities in Syria. - Participate actively in knowledge-sharing initiatives, Communities of Practice (CoPs), and operations meetings to contribute insights, updates, and lessons learned. Communication, Document Management, General Administration, Government Relations, Visas Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for