Head of Mission – Syria

COOPI in Syria

COOPI has been active with its humanitarian action in Syria (Damascus) since 2016. The protracted crisis in Syria has intensified needs over the past year through a complex and deepening socio-economic crisis, knock-on effects of Covid-19, cholera outbreaks and major losses in the food production sector. In 2024 COOPI has been providing FSL, Early Recovery and Protection support in Aleppo, Raqqa, Homs, Hamas, Rural Damascus and Dara’a implementing programs funded by different donors (UNHCR, OCHA, ILO, UNDP and AICS). COOPI main office is based in Damascus and COOPI teams are present in two field offices: one in Hama and one in Aleppo.

Purpose of the role

The Head of Mission (HoM) provides leadership and strategic direction of COOPI’s operations in the country in collaboration with the Regional Coordinator, and is responsible for the implementation and development of the country programme in line with COOPI’s organisational and country strategy, policies and procedures. The HoM is also responsible for the management and capacity building of the staff, securing donor funding and to represent the organisation to the government, donors, and other appropriate bodies – including clusters, UN agencies and the media.

Main responsibilities

Organization and management

• Strategy and planning: verify and proposes to the Regional Coordinator the intervention priorities to consolidate the organization’s opportunity to be more involved in the country. Contributes to the definition of the Country Strategy;
• Programme extension: coordinate and lead the elaboration, writing and documents’ preparation for presenting new projects;
• Visibility: cooperate with the Communication and Fund-Raising office for all communication, awareness and fundraising activities implemented in and for the country;
• Procedures: coordinate and monitor the projects, guaranteeing the correct implementation in conformity with the contractual obligations and donors’ procedures, and in line with COOPI’s procedures and management standards;

Administration and finance

• Economic and financial management: is responsible for the country’s economic result. Supervises the financial management in collaboration with the Country Administrator and ensure – through the administrative function – that all financial reporting deadlines and donor/COOPI’s procedures are respected. Participates to the projects/coordination budget preparation. Has the signature for all COOPI’s bank accounts in the country.

Logistics

• Country office management: is responsible for all different aspects related to the country office management, such as economic and financial situation, local regulations, office organization charts, logistics, local and expatriate personnel management, in conformity with the organization’s guidelines. Guarantees the respect of the country’s legislation and administrative regulation.

Safety and Security

• Staff security: is responsible for the expatriate staff security, for the correct implementation and respect of the general security rules.

Human Resources

• Staff management: is responsible for the local staff management. Participates and supports the Regional Coordinator and the Human Resources office in the selection of the expatriate staff. Coordinates and monitors the country’s expatriate staff management.

Reporting

• Is responsible to supervise the preparation of projects reports and all the monitoring documents requested;
• Ensures the transmission of all official and administrative project documents to the central headquarters.

Institutional relations

• Manages relations with the main institutional donors for the ongoing projects. Represents COOPI in the country/area by engaging in relations with institutions, NGOs, local and international organizations and partners to guarantee the quality implementation of the projects. Is responsible of the organization’s reputation in country.

Requirements

Essentials

• University degree in relevant subjects;
• A minimum of five years of relevant working experience is required;
• At least three years of demonstrated successful experience in international relief and development in a similar position is required;
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication, negotiation skills, multi-tasking and organizational skills;
• Experience in liaising with governmental/local authorities, IOs and NGOs;
• Demonstrated ability to work in stressful environments and under pressure;
• Experience in working in conflict-prone environments a plus;
• Proven capacity in managing a team is essential;
• Monitoring and evaluation skills, analyse financial and project data and make strategic decisions based on this analysis;
• Fluency in English language;
• Computer literate.

Plus

• Experience in logistics, procurement and security matters is a strong advantage;
• Previous work experience in MENA Region is a plus;
• Previous work experience with COOPI is a plus;
• Experience in managing complex consortium/partnerships is an advantage;

We reserve the right to close the vacancy prior to the application closing date, once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Please note that only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled, thanks for understanding.

COOPI Cooperazione Internazionale is an Italian secular and independent humanitarian organisation fighting against all forms of poverty to improve the world. Founded in 1965, today COOPI is present in 33 countries in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East, with both emergency and development projects carried out by expatriate staff – an average of over 240 people per year – and national staff. The main institutional funders are the European Union – ECHO and INTPA – USAID, UN agencies, the Italian Government, local authorities and other European Governments.