Operations Manager

Main purpose

Is responsible for ensuring the effective coordination of operational functions supporting UPP's programmes across Syria. Is the focal point between programmes and logistics, administration and HR departments, ensuring that operational systems are responsive to programme needs while remaining compliant with organisational policies and donor requirements.

Supports the Country Director in the day-to-day operational management of the mission and ensures efficient coordination between programme implementation, logistics, administration, fleet, accommodation, security arrangements.

Responsibilities

Programme

·  Lead the overall operational management of the Syria mission, ensuring effective collaboration between programme and logistics, administration and finance, and HR departments departments to enable timely and efficient project implementation. Act as the central operational focal point, fostering communication, problem-solving, and alignment across functions

·    Coordinate day-to-day operational planning by facilitating regular coordination meetings, monitoring progress against agreed action points, and proactively identifying and resolving operational bottlenecks that may affect programme delivery. Ensure that all operational functions are adequately prepared to support project start-up, implementation, and close-out

·   Is the operational counterpart for Project Managers, translating programme needs into coordinated support from Logistics, Human Resources, Finance, and Administration. Oversee the timely delivery of operational services, ensuring that procurement, recruitment, transport, accommodation, and other support activities are planned and executed in line with project implementation schedules and donor requirements

·  Support the starting of new projects and grants by ensuring operational readiness, coordinating start-up processes, and facilitating the efficient allocation of resources throughout the project lifecycle. Contribute to smooth project closure by coordinating operational close-out activities and ensuring compliance with organizational procedures

·   Strengthen operational systems and processes across the mission by monitoring the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), supporting the development and optimization of operational workflows, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and cross-departmental learning. Identify operational risks, recommend mitigation measures, and contribute to strengthening organizational preparedness, internal controls, and donor compliance requirements

Cross-Border and security

·   Support the Country Director and Security Manager in coordinating cross-border staff movements into and out of Syria, ensuring timely travel planning, visa and border-crossing arrangements, coordination with neighboring missions, and operational readiness for staff arrivals, departures, and travel logistics

·    Provide operational support to the implementation of security procedures by ensuring compliance with movement protocols, facilitating the dissemination of SOPs, and coordinating operational aspects of staff movements and security-related activities in close collaboration with programme and security teams

·   Manage guesthouses and office facilities, ensuring adequate accommodation, maintenance, service contracts, utilities, and office services are effectively coordinated and in line with operational standards

Logistics

·  Liaisie with the logistics department to prioritize operational requests and ensure that logistics support is aligned with programme implementation timelines

Accountability, safeguarding and compliance

·   Ensure that operational activities are implemented in compliance with donors requirements, safeguarding and PSEA standards, Code of Conduct, Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), and organizational policies, accountability and feedback mechanisms

Inter-Missions Coordination

Act as operational liaison with other UPP country missions within the SWANA region.

Responsibilities:

·        coordinating shared resources

·        facilitating regional procurement when applicable

·        supporting staff deployments

·        coordinating cross-border logistics

·        harmonising operational procedures where appropriate