Operations Associate (Capacity Building), Damascus

General Information

• Position Title: Operations Associate (Capacity Building)
• Job Category: Crisis, Resilience & Security
• Duty Station(s): Damascus
• Seniority Level: Associate
• ICS Level: ICS 07
• Contract Type: ICA - LICA - Support - Regular
• Contract Level: LICA 7
• Posting Start Date: 08-Nov-2026
• Posting End Date: 18-Nov-2026
• Duration: Ongoing

Job Highlight

The role is to support the Capacity Building team that works closely with the Ministry of Emergency and Disaster Management (MoEDM) and the Syrian National Mine Action Centre (SNMAC) in developing sustainable national operational capacity for humanitarian mine action.

About the Region

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.

About the Group

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.

Job Specific Context

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.

Role Purpose

The Operations Associate will support the UNMAS Capacity Building Team in the delivery of institutional strengthening and operational capacity development support to the Syrian National Mine Action Centre (SNMAC) and associated national stakeholders.

The incumbent will serve as the primary national liaison between the Capacity Building Team and SNMAC on day-to-day operational matters, supporting planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and follow-up of capacity development activities. The position will help strengthen national mine action governance, operational management systems, coordination mechanisms, accreditation processes, quality management structures, and operational planning capabilities in accordance with International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and emerging National Mine Action Standards (NMAS).

Functions / Key Results Expected

Key Responsibilities

Operational Coordination and Liaison

• Serve as the principal day-to-day liaison between UNMAS Capacity Building Team and SNMAC.
• Facilitate information exchange between the Capacity building team, SNMAC, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Coordinate meetings, working groups, technical discussions, and follow-up actions.
• Support preparation and implementation of joint workplans and capacity development activities.
• Assist in coordinating field visits, mentoring missions, assessments, and monitoring activities.

Capacity Building Support

• Support implementation of the SNMAC Capacity Development Plan.
• Support the Monitoring of progress against agreed capacity development objectives and milestones.
• Assist in tracking recommendations arising from assessments, missions, and technical reviews.

Operational Planning and Monitoring

• Support the development and the monitoring of annual and quarterly workplans.
• Assist the CB team in establishing SNMAC’s operational planning, prioritization, and tasking procedures.
• Monitor implementation of operational activities and identify challenges requiring management attention.
• Support collection and analysis of operational performance information.
• Contribute to preparation of operational reports, briefing notes, presentations, and progress updates.

Accreditation, QA/QM and Standards Development Support

• Support the coordination of accreditation assessments and verification activities.
• Supportthe Quality Management Mentors and wider Capacity Building Team in developingf Quality Assurance and Quality Management systems.
• In cooperation with the Quality Management Mentors and wider Capacity Building Team assist SNMAC in drafting National Mine Action Standards and associated SOPs.
• Monitor implementation of agreed standards and procedures.
• Support dissemination and awareness of NMAS among national stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

• Support organization of national coordination meetings and technical working groups.
• Assist with preparation of meeting agendas, minutes, action trackers, and follow-up reports.
• Support engagement with the Mine Action Area of Responsibility (AoR) and relevant coordination mechanisms.
• Assist the Capacity Building team with the translation of documents, emails, minutes of meetings and other relevant materials, as required.
• Provide interpretation support to the Capacity Building team during meetings, mentoring sessions and field missions, as required

Administrative and Programme Support

• Support logistical arrangements for training events, workshops, missions, and meetings.
• Maintain activity trackers and monitoring tools for capacity-building activities.
• Support preparation of programme documentation, mission reports, and donor reporting inputs.
• Assist in maintaining records related to training, mentoring, accreditation, and institutional development activities.
• Support translation and interpretation requirements where necessary.

Reporting

• Reporting to the Capacity Building Advisor

Skills

Data Collection, Facilitation, Meeting Planning, Microsoft Office, Reporting, Stakeholder Engagement

Competencies

Respect

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 diversity and inclusion.

Collaboration

Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.

Partnerships

Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).

Excellence

Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.

Adaptability

Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.

Decision-making

Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.

Communication

Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

• Secondary school (or equivalent) with 7 years of relevant experience OR
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in any discipline with 3 years of relevant experience is required.
• Minimum of IMAS L2 EOD is required. Certificate is to be submitted as part of the application. (EOD qualification must be from organizations that train and educate EOD specialists in accordance with IMAS standards - Test and Evaluation Protocol 09.30/01/2022. Individuals are responsible for providing proof of completion.)

Experience Requirements

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in operations, programme support, coordination, project management, or related fields.
• Experience working with government institutions or national authorities is highly desirable.
• Experience supporting capacity development or institutional strengthening programmes is desirable.
• Field experience within mine action, emergency response, security, or humanitarian operations is essential.
• Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders in complex operational environments is desirable.

Language Requirements

Additional Information

• UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.
• UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
• Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to proceed to the next stage of the selection process, which may include various assessments.
• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of a wide range of nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We strive to sustain and strengthen this diversity, fostering an inclusive working environment where all personnel are treated with respect and have equal access to opportunities.
• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to a fair and transparent selection process and welcome diverse perspectives, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.
• We are committed to enabling all candidates to perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require support or reasonable accommodation to complete any assessment, please inform our human resources team upon receiving your invitation.
• To uphold these standards, background checks are conducted for all final candidates to help ensure that individuals with a history of such conduct are not hired. By applying for a position with UNOPS, candidates acknowledge and consent to these verification processes.

Terms and Conditions

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.
• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.
• For more details about the contract types, please click here.
• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.
• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA), sexual harassment, and other forms of abusive conduct, including discrimination, abuse of authority, and harassment.