Common Services Coordinator (Open to Tier 1 & 2 Applicants)

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Assad regime has ended with extraordinary speed and having endured seemingly perpetual suffering loss and oppression, the Syrian people now face the prospect of a new future. Over the last 14 years Syrians have suffered catastrophic losses; the displacement of 14 million citizens from their homes; a collective grief for the half a million lives lost in conflict; despair for those who were detained or imprisoned for their political opposition. Syrians have lived through the severity of protracted crisis with no real signs of a political process or solution, existing within a complete lack of accountability for the suffering endured.

For the first time in more than a decade the prospect of peace exists, albeit a precarious possibility that is complicated by the tolls and divisions endemic to protracted crisis conditions. The end of the Assad regime now presents the opportunity for a new Syria that Syrians themselves must be supported to determine.

It is paramount that UNDP together with the wider UN family, supports the Syrian people on a path towards peace and stability. The gains made to counter risks of further dissolution and to safeguard basic services and civil space in the transitional period, will determine much for the prospects of a peaceful transition to a new government of the Syrian people’s own choosing. The actions of UNDP to identify and respond to these immediate and critical needs of the Syrian people, appropriate to the conditions on the ground, will offer a vital channel of support to the collective efforts of the UN to protect and uphold a route towards peace.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the knowledge frontier organization for sustainable development in the UN Development System and serves as the integrator for collective action to realize the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end poverty, reduce inequalities, and build resilience to crises and disasters. Working with our vast network of experts and partners in over 170 countries, we help nations to create integrated and lasting solutions for people and the planet.

UNDP Syria operates in a highly complex and challenging environment, shaped by over a decade of conflict, widespread displacement, economic instability, and recurrent natural disasters. The Syria Country Programme focuses on three critical areas: 1) Promoting socio-economic recovery and social cohesion; 2) Strengthening local governance and basic social services; and 3) Supporting climate change adaptation and natural resource management. The programme emphasizes an area-based approach to tailor interventions to the specific needs of local communities and supports the vision of sustainable peace and recovery for all Syrians.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) and the UNDP Country Programme Document (CPD) 2022-2025 are fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. They prioritize resilience-building efforts while addressing the pressing humanitarian-development nexus. UNDP Syria aims to bridge immediate recovery needs with long-term development goals, focusing on inclusive governance, equitable access to basic services, sustainable livelihoods, and climate action. Similarly, the next CPD (2026-2030) will take the above priorities and the changing context into account.

The Programme Team is responsible for the design, oversight, and quality assurance of all projects and programmes, ensuring full alignment with the priorities set out in the Country Programme Document (CPD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The team plays a central role in advancing UNDP Syria’s three programmatic pillars: socio-economic recovery and social cohesion; local governance and social basic services; and energy, environment, and disaster risk reduction. By providing technical expertise and high-level advice, the team ensures that all programme outcomes contribute to the strategic objectives of UNDP and the broader UN system.

Programme staff actively engage with diverse stakeholders, including government entities, development partners, civil society, private sector actors, and UNDP’s regional and headquarters offices, to foster partnerships, share knowledge, and catalyze innovative solutions. The team leads resource mobilization efforts, develops strategic partnerships, and identifies opportunities for new initiatives, including joint programming. Throughout the programme cycle, the team adheres to UNDP’s quality standards and policies, ensuring the effective implementation of activities that align with the strategic direction of the Country Office and the broader UN cooperation framework. By maintaining strong partnerships with governments, development institutions, UN agencies, and donors, the Programme Team plays a pivotal role in addressing Syria’s recovery and resilience needs.

Within the Syria Country Office (CO), the Operations Team provides essential backbone support services, including finance, programme finance management, procurement, human resources, digital services, logistics. The team also ensures compliance with corporate policies and provides demand-driven common services to other UN agencies in Syria. Administrative support, including protocol, visa facilitation, and travel, is provided to UNDP staff and project personnel.

The Management Support Unit supports corporate alignment, and quality assurance. It collaborates with programme teams on results monitoring and reporting while providing strategic guidance to ensure high standards of delivery.

The Security Unit advise on the protection of, and minimizing the risk to, UNDP staff, eligible dependents, property and operations in all locations and at the same time enabling UNDP programme delivery throughout the country.

The Strategic Communications Team supports all programme interventions by managing public outreach, knowledge sharing, and advocacy efforts to highlight UNDP Syria’s impact and mobilize support for its mission.

The Partnerships & Reporting unit spearheads resource mobilization, manages donor relations, and develops strategic partnerships while ensuring transparent reporting and communication on programme outcomes to donors and stakeholders.

The Strategic Policy unit provides high-level guidance and ensures alignment of UNDP Syria’s programmes with corporate priorities, international frameworks, and the evolving needs of the Syrian context, focusing on resilience, recovery, and sustainable development.

The Area-Based Programme unit tailors interventions to local needs through decentralized planning and implementation, prioritizing community-driven recovery, resilience-building, and sustainable development across Syria’s diverse and complex regions.

The Risk Management Unit identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks associated with programme implementation, particularly in Syria’s complex operating environment, to safeguard resources, maintain compliance, and uphold UNDP’s integrity and accountability.

The Joint Programme Unit coordinates collaborative initiatives with UN agencies and partners, ensuring alignment with the broader UN strategic framework and maximizing the impact of multi-agency programmes in Syria.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the Operations Manager, the Common Services Coordinator (Damascus) is responsible for effective implementation of the common services and cost recovery mechanisms to be consistent with UNDP rules and regulations. The Common Services Coordinator promotes a client-focused, quality and results-oriented approach in the operations of Damascus CO. The Common Services Coordinator will work in close collaboration with OMT members to successfully deliver the required services.

The Common Services Coordinator ensures implementation of operational and financial management strategies, and adapts processes and procedures, proper implementation of common services with other UN Agencies, management of common services budgets and related financial transactions, and organization and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system and ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the UN Hubs on operational matters.

UNDP adopts a portfolio approach to accommodate changing business needs and leverage linkages across interventions to achieve its strategic goals. Therefore, UNDP personnel are expected to work across units, functions, teams, and projects in multidisciplinary teams in order to enhance and enable horizontal collaboration.

• Ensures implementation of operational and financial management strategies, and adapts processes and procedures
  • Full compliance of operations with UN/UNDP rules, regulations and policies in Admin, HR, Procurement & finance, implementation of corporate operational strategies;
  • Full compliance with UN/UNDP rules, regulations, and policies of financial activities, financial recording/reporting system; implementation of effective internal controls, proper functioning of a client-oriented financial resources management system;
  • Supports the accounting, administrative and logistical functions in the HUBs to achieve the UN objectives;
  • Ensures efficient and effective Invoicing and the use of correct budget line (Chart of Accounts-COA) CO business processes mapping and elaboration of the content of internal Standard Operating Procedures in the HUBs under the supervision of the OMT Chairperson and the Operations Manager;
  • Liaise with UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) on implementation of the minimum operating security standards (MOSS) in all HUBs;
  • In coordination with UNDSS and Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC), implement/ improve the common security telecommunication system in the Hub
  • In coordination with the OMT chair, the OMT WGs, the BOS Taskforce, and the RC office, coordinate/support in the planning and implementation of the BOS in Syria
• Ensures proper implementation of common services with other UN Agencies .
  • Implementation of common services in line with the latest developments in common services and the best practices.
  • Secretariat support to Operations Management Team (OMT) meetings and preparation of the minutes of meetings.
  • Follow up on all OMT meetings decision.
  • Develop annual work plans with related budgets that respond to the needs of different UN Hubs and submit them for approval to the Hub operations working group and to the OMT;
  • Monitor the implementation of approved quarterly work plans;
  • Coordinate between the UN HUBs Coordinators and relevant units in the CO for the implementation of the approved work plans, as needed.
  • Liaise closely with the respective operations team to ensure the day-to-day running of UN HUBs.
  • Communicate with the government authorities on operational and administrative issues of the HUBs.
  • Serve as focal point to facilitate communications with International Civil Service Commission, United Nations Global Centre for Human Resources Services and other UN bodies in HQs for the policies feedback on the shared services as needed.
  • Ensure that UNDP rules and regulations pertaining to efficiency, transparency, competitiveness and value-for-money are adhered by the UN Hub Coordinators when procuring goods and/or services;
  • Assist in the preparation of relevant Memorandum of Understandings for common premises and common services, as needed.
• Ensures the management of common services budgets and related financial transactions, and organization and functioning of the optimal cost-recovery system
  • Liaise with all UN HUBs Coordinators to prepare quarterly work plans along with related budgets before submission to the OMT for approval;
  • Establishment of common services budgets in Quantum/UNALL and ensure Proper planning and monitoring of common services budget;
  • Implementation of cost-recovery mechanisms for management of common services budgets and other services (HR, procurement, finance, etc.) provided by UNDP CO to UN Agencies;
  • Proper tracking of expenditure and verification of related financial transactions and payments in accordance with UNDP rules and regulations;
  • Preparation of regular reports along with analysis of financial situation including total expenses, income received and outstanding contributions to UNDP;
  • Monitors effective delivery of common services budget;
  • Calculates cost recovery due in respect of services provided to UN Agencies. Enter and track related bills into Quantum/UNALL;
  • Supervises the work of UN Hubs and staff of UN Agencies assigned to support the common services as identified and delegated in the work plan including administrative staff, drivers and security guards, etc.;
  • Supervises the work of the Common Services Associate including financial and administrative duties related to the Common Services Budget and LCSSB
  • Coordinates procurement plan for all activities in Hubs, support preparation of invitations to bid (ITB), and Request for Quotation (RFQ), compiles and tabulates bids for submission to Contracts, Assets and Procurement Committee;
  • Ensures compliance with the UN rules and regulations pertaining to efficiency, transparency, competitiveness and value-for-money when procuring goods and/or services;
  • Conducts any operational assignment related to the HUBs coordination as needed.
• Ensures facilitation of knowledge building and knowledge sharing in the UN Hubs on operational matters
  • Organizes /conducts training for the UN Hub Coordinators on operational and financial matters;
  • Synthesis of lessons learned and best practices in the Hubs;
  • Sound contributions to knowledge networks and communities of practice;
  • Conducts regular communications with HUB coordinators on issues endorsed by OMT.
• The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.
• Supervisory/Managerial Responsibilities: Supervises the Common Services Associate and the work of UN Hubs and staff of UN Agencies assigned to support the common services.

Competencies

Core Competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 2: Scale up solutions and simplify processes, balances speed and accuracy in doing work
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 2: Offer new ideas/open to new approaches, demonstrate systemic/integrated thinking
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 2: Go outside comfort zone, learn from others and support their learning
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 2: Adapt processes/approaches to new situations, involve others in change process
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 2: Able to persevere and deal with multiple sources of pressure simultaneously
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 2: Is facilitator/integrator, bring people together, build/maintain coalitions/partnerships
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 2: Facilitate conversations to bridge differences, considers in decision making

Technical/Functional Competencies:

2030 Agenda> Engagement and Effectiveness

• Crisis and Fragility Policy and Engagement
  • Humanitarian inter-agency coordination.

Business Management

• Communication
  • Communicate in a clear, concise and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience.
  • Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels
• Portfolio Management
  • Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization's programmers and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management

Operations - Finance

• Budget Management
  • Ability to support budgetary aspects of work planning process, drawing and management of team budgets.

Operations - Procurement

• Procurement Management
  • The ability to acquire goods, services or works from an outside external source.

Security Services

• Security policy awareness & implementation
  • Knowledge of security policy concepts and ability to apply to strategic and/or practical situations.

Business Management

• Portfolio Management
  • Ability to select, prioritize and control the organization's programmers and projects in line with its strategic objectives and capacity Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives with regular activities for optimal return on investment. Knowledge and understanding of key principles of project, programme, and portfolio management

Business Direction and Strategy

• Systems Thinking
  • Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

Required Skills and Experience

Education

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Finance, Economy, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field is required. OR
• A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree) in the areas stated above, in combination with 2 additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of advanced university degree.

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• A minimum of 2 years (with Master’s degree) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of progressively professional experience in the field of providing administrative, financial and operational services is required.
• Experience in the use of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.), and advanced knowledge of web-based management systems such as ERP is required.
• Previous experience with the UN/ UNDP or other international organizations is an asset.
• Experience in financial recording/reporting as well as implementation of effective internal controls and functioning of financial resources management systems is desired.
• Proven and significant experience in operational management, with a strong focus on HR and administrative services is desired.
• Proven and substantial experience in coordinating and collaborating effectively with diverse teams, stakeholders, and external partners to achieve organizational objectives is desired.
• Proven knowledge of procurement and logistics processes, preferably within the United Nations system or a similar international organization, is desired.

Language requirements:

Fluency in both Arabic and English is required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Probation

For all new UNDP fixed term appointments (FTA), including for staff members being transferred or seconded to UNDP under the Inter-Organization Agreement concerning Transfer, Secondment or Loan of Staff, on an appointment of more than one year, continuation of the appointment beyond the initial 12 months is contingent upon the successful completion of a probationary period.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited toread UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.

Misconduct Disclosure Scheme

“UNDP participates in the Scheme for the disclosure of safeguarding-related misconduct in recruitment processes within the humanitarian and development sector (Misconduct Disclosure Scheme).

In line with this Scheme, UNDP will contact previous employers of job applicants to request information about any investigations or findings of misconduct concerning allegations of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment (sexual misconduct) against the applicant, during or after their employment.

By submitting a job application, the applicant confirms to have understood and consented to UNDP contacting the applicant’s prior employers to request any such information on sexual misconduct concerning the applicant during UNDP’s recruitment process.”