People and Culture Manager

Background**:**

The Syria Education Programme II (SEP II), funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and running until September 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 People and Culture Manager will lead the programme's people management function, ensuring effective workforce planning, recruitment, employee relations, performance management, staff wellbeing and organisational culture across SEP II Programme, while ensuring all functions are aligned with Chemonics UK policies and FCDO regulations.

The role will serve as a strategic partner to programme leadership, developing systems, policies and initiatives that strengthen staff engagement, organisational effectiveness and operational efficiency.

The People and Culture Manager will oversee all aspects of human resources management while leading internal process improvement initiatives related to people systems, workforce planning and staff support. They will work closely with programme and operational leadership to ensure the programme maintains high standards of compliance, accountability and employee experience while supporting a positive and inclusive organisational culture.

This role is a management position within the Operations Team and contributes to broader organisational planning, risk management and business improvement initiatives.

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):

• Human Resources Management

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, orientation, performance evaluation cycle and offboarding processes.

• Prepare all long-term and short-term employment agreements and amendments.

• Manage contracts, employee benefits, leave administration, payroll inputs and staff grievances.

• Review staff’s monthly timesheets for completeness, accuracy and appropriate approvals, before transmission onto the project finance team.

• Review and verify staff monthly travel and other reimbursable expenses, and coordinate with the Finance Team to ensure approved amounts are accurately included in the monthly payroll and staff compensation.

• Ensure legal compliance with Syrian labour law, Chemonics policies and FCDO regulations.

• Maintain up to date HR records and ensure GDPR/data protection compliance.

• Lead employee relations processes and support managers in resolving workplace issues.

• 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.

• Support programme Senior Leadership in developing and implementing workforce planning strategies and policies to ensure programme staffing structures remain fit for purpose.

• Support succession planning and organisational capacity development efforts.

• Laise with Life and Medical Insurance provider by maintaining and updating records for employees

• Foster a culture of inclusion, accountability and continuous learning.

• HR Systems and Process Improvement

• Lead the development and implementation of systems that improve workforce management and employee experience.

• Maintain HR dashboards, reporting tools and workforce analytics.

• Develop systems to monitor leave balances, training participation, performance review completion and employee development plans.

• Oversee management of learning and development budgets and staff training funds.

• Develop and improve onboarding, induction and staff tracking systems.

• Lead the development and implementation of HR-related policies, procedures and standard operating processes.

• Identify efficiency opportunities and streamline internal processes that support workforce management and organisational effectiveness.

• Maintain up to date HR internal records and update records and contracts.

• Lead employee registration, updates and deregistration with the Syrian Social Security Institution and ensure timely submission of all required documentation and statutory contributions.

• Compliance

• Ensure HR compliance frameworks and controls are maintained and operating effectively.

• Provide guidance to managers on HR compliance, safeguarding and policy implementation.

• Ensure complete and audit-ready personnel files, payroll documentation and statutory employment records are maintained in accordance with donor and organisational requirements.

• Deliver training to staff on HR policies, safeguarding, code of conduct and compliance matters.

• Monitor HR risks and recommend mitigation measures.

• Team Management and coordination

• Provide HR guidance and support to managers and employees across the programme, promoting good people management practices, employee engagement, and compliance with HR policies and procedures.

• 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 People and Culture Manager reports to and is directly supervised by the Deputy Team Lead – Operations and Risk.

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, beneciaries, 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 conict of interest, and will maintain condentiality regarding program activities.

Safeguarding and Child Protection:

At Chemonics Tanmia, the safety and well-being of children and vulnerable individuals are paramount. To uphold this fundamental value, the organization implements stringent safeguarding protocols during its recruitment process and onboarding. This includes detailed background and reference checks for selected candidates/s, ensuring the highest standards of safety and protection against any form of harm or exploitation. These thorough procedures underscore Chemonics’s unwavering commitment to creating and maintaining secure environments for the most vulnerable.

How to apply

To apply please fill out this form: SEP II Job Application Form by 27th of Jul 2026 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/