HR and Operations Manager | Damascus, Syria | SEP Project

Job Title/Role: HR and Operations Manager

Programme: Syria Education Programme II (Manahel)

Background:

The Syria Education Programme II (SEP II), funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and running until 2027, provides primary school children access to quality, inclusive and sustainable education in conflict-affected areas of Northwest Syria. The project provides comprehensive support to schools and teachers, including pedagogical supervision, learning assessments, psychosocial support, and safeguarding measures. The goal is to foster hope for future generations by investing in capacity-building and models that facilitate learning.

Position Overview :

The HR and Operations Manager will lead human resources and operations to ensure smooth, compliant and efficient support for the SEP II Programme. They will oversee recruitment, resource management and staff welfare, logistics, procurement, inventory, and office management while ensuring all functions are aligned with Chemonics UK policies and FCDO regulations.

The HR and Operations Manager will adhere to and act in accordance with Chemonics’ professional code of ethics, ‘Living Our Values’, and will make the principles of the code a part of Chemonics’ culture and operating procedures. They will remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality in all aspects, including safeguarding sensitive information related to recruitment, personnel, programme operations, and organisational strategy. Any data shared or discussed will be handled with discretion and in accordance with relevant data protection policies and ethical guidelines.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (Essential Functions): 

  1. Human Resources Management
    • Lead recruitment, onboarding and performance evaluations.
    • Prepare all long-term and short-term employment agreements and amendments.
    • Manage contracts, benefits, leaves, payroll and staff grievances.
    • Review staff’s monthly timesheets for accuracy and appropriate approvals, before transmission onto the project finance team.
    • Ensure legal compliance with Syrian labour law and FCDO regulations.
    • Maintain up to date HR records and ensure GDPR/data protection compliance.
    • Support line managers in effectively managing employee performance on an ongoing basis, including setting clear objectives, providing regular feedback, addressing performance challenges and promoting staff development in alignment with organisational and programme goals.
    • Ensure Employee Policy Manual is maintained and shared with all staff and policies and procedures are enforced as per the manual.
    • Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with Chemonics goals and values.
    • Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability and continuous learning.
  2. Strategic Operations Management
    • Support the Deputy Team Lead Operations in the development and implementation of business operations strategies, plans and procedures.
    • Oversee day to day office operations including IT, facilities, logistics, procurement and office administration and security.
    • Ensure smooth coordination between operations, finance and technical teams.
    • Troubleshoot operational issues and implement process improvements.
    • Ensure all operational functions are established and maintained in accordance with Chemonics and FCDO policies and procedures.
    • Liaise with Finance department to ensure timely processing of utility bills, goods and services payments, VAT claims etc. for procured goods & services.
    • Oversee asset management and inventory control to safeguard programme and company inventory.
    • Foster innovation and streamline processes to enhance operational efficiency and continuously improve workflows to ensure optimal use of resources and value for money.
    • Oversee Chemonics’ local entity registration in collaboration with local lawyers.
  3. Procurement and Logistics
    • Oversee the full procurement lifecycle including: the design of Terms of Reference (TORs), Request for Quotations (RFQs), Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Invitation to Tender (ITTs); advertisement; evaluation and selection; due diligence and vetting; and contract signing and provide support to the senior operation officer on leading this when needed.
    • Oversee the solicitation of quotations from suppliers and negotiate to maximise value for money.
    • Oversee procurement documentation and payments.
    • Ensure compliance with Chemonics and FCDO procurement policies.
  4. Documentation, Due Diligence and Compliance
    • Oversee a filing system in electronic and hard copy format for technical, logistics/procurement and administrative documents. Work with project and Head Office Programme Management Unit staff to ensure electronic filing system is in proper order and fully populated for efficient administration of the project.
    • Work with project technical staff and grants team as necessary to provide compliance and due diligence support and guidance to ensure operations are compliant and follow best practice.
    • Establish internal controls to ensure that the compliance tools and adherence throughout the project are effective and efficient in preventing, detecting, identifying, and correcting noncompliance with applicable rules and regulations.
    • Build capacity of staff and counterparts (subcontractors, vendors, etc.) through regular trainings on processes, regulations, organizational policies, code of conduct, and compliance matters.
  5. Team Management and coordination
    • Provide strong leadership and line management (on-the-job mentoring, coaching, capacity development, performance management and professional development) to the Senior Operations Officer and Operations and IT Officer.
    • Collaborate closely with:
      • Head Office to ensure HR and operational compliance and documentation.
      • Senior Finance Manager on employee-related financial matters.

Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications & Experience:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The qualifications listed below are representative of the required knowledge, skills, and/or abilities needed to perform the principal duties.

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, International Development, or related field.
  • CIPD or equivalent HR qualification preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years in HR and operations management, preferably in international development or humanitarian settings.
  • Experience managing multi-country HR operations and working with diverse teams.
  • Experience in international development or donor-funded programmes.
  • Strong understanding of the context, conflict and security situation in Syria, previous experience in Syria is strongly preferred.
  • Proven track record in systems improvement.
  • Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
  • Understanding of FCDO regulations and guidelines preferred.
  • Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proficiency in HRIS, payroll systems, and Microsoft Office.
  • High level of discretion and commitment to confidentiality and equity.
  • Fluency in Arabic, with strong speaking and writing skills in English.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and persuasively both orally and in writing, and deliver presentations, training, and facilitate meetings effectively.
  • Has the right to work in Syria and based or willing to be based in Damascus,

Reporting:

The HR and Operations Manager reports to and is directly supervised by the DTL – Operations and Risk.

Location:

This is a full-time position based in Damascus, Syria.

The HR and Operations Manager will adhere to and act in accordance with Chemonics’ professional code of ethics, “Living Our Values,” and will make the principles of the code a part of the programme’s culture and operating procedures. They will uphold Chemonics’ programmes’ safeguarding standards at all times and will promote a safeguarding culture among partners, beneficiaries, and staff. They will also foster and maintain good relationships with potential and actual project stakeholders, will disclose any affiliations that could be perceived as a conflict of interest, and will maintain confidentiality regarding program activities.

Application Instructions:

To apply please fill out this form: SEP II Job Application Form by September 30, 2025. If you are unable to access the link directly due to local internet restrictions, please consider using a VPN connection to access and complete the application form.

We will review the applications on a rolling basis. No telephone inquiries, please. Chemonics will contact finalists.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

Chemonics values the protection of your personal data. If you are in the European Union, please read our EU Recruiting Data Privacy Notice to learn how we process personal data. You may access the notice via the following link: https://chemonics.com/eu-recruiting-data-privacy-notice/

Further Information

Safeguarding & Pre-employment Checks

Chemonics is committed to safeguarding our staff, associated personnel, and our beneficiaries from all forms of harm including sexual exploitation, abuse, and sexual harassment. We respond with a survivor-centred approach if these forms of harm occur, perpetrated by persons representing Chemonics. Our safeguarding policy applies to all Chemonics staff and associated personnel, including the board of directors, consultants, interns, and sub-awardees both during and outside of working hours.

All our employees /consultants are subject to due diligence checks including but not limited to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) basic check or equivalent overseas police checks and the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme check

Our Culture

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture rooted in access, belonging, and connection for all our teammates.

Chemonics UK values and celebrates the diversity of our colleagues. We embrace differing perspectives, lived experiences and expertise and believe that everyone should be treated with dignity, respect, transparency and fairness.

We welcome and want to continue attracting diverse talent, recognising that each candidate is unique and ensuring that individuals or groups are not treated differently or less favourably on the basis of specific characteristics. Such characteristics include (but are not limited to) age, disability, gender including transgender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, and how Chemonics UK supports pregnant women and new parents.

Chemonics values the protection of your personal data. If you are in the European Union, please read our EU Recruiting Data Privacy Notice to learn how we process personal data. You may access the notice via the following link: https://chemonics.com/eu-recruiting-data-privacy-notice/.