Senior Programme Manager – Syria & Lebanon

Are you a senior programme professional with deep contextual understanding, strong strategic judgement and the ability to build trusted relationships in complex settings? Do you combine programme leadership with donor engagement, resource mobilisation and a commitment to rights-based, locally led change? Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke (MS) is looking for a Senior Programme Manager to lead and further develop our engagement in Syria and Lebanon.

About the role

You will be MS’s key focal point for a portfolio of three to four Danida-funded country programmes, including MS’s engagement with youth driven partners in Syria and Lebanon. You will hold responsibility for programme quality, strategic development and resource mobilisation across the portfolio. Working across MS and the wider ActionAid federation, you will turn contextual insight and strong partnerships into effective programmes and new funding opportunities.

Your main responsibilities

• Lead MS’s programme engagement and partner dialogue in Syria and Lebanon within the wider Danida-funded portfolio.
• Lead programme planning, implementation, monitoring, learning and adaptation with partners and ActionAid teams.
• Ensure sound grant and financial management, including budgets, risks, disbursements and donor reporting.
• Lead donor engagement, fundraising and the development of new proposals.
• Turn regional political, economic and social developments into strategic advice and programme decisions making sure, that young people are involved and included.
• Represent MS in relevant donor, policy and coordination forums and contribute to advocacy and communications.

Required qualifications

• At least six years’ experience in programme and project cycle management, including five years in a low- or middle-income country and experience from an NGO, civil society organisation or similar setting.
• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programmes and building trusted partnerships across cultures and locations.
• Strong grant and financial management skills, including budgeting, risk management and narrative and financial reporting.
• Experience with institutional donors and developing high-quality proposals and reports, including for Danida or the EU.
• Strong analytical, communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to turn strategy into action.
• Fluency in Danish and English and willingness to travel internationally for five to six weeks per year.

Desired qualifications

• Direct professional experience from Syria or Lebanon is highly desirable; substantial experience from the wider MENA region will also be considered.
• Professional working proficiency in Arabic.
• Experience with rights-based, locally led programming and the humanitarian–development nexus.
• Experience with young people, social movements, youth activism or campaigning.

Working at MS

You will join an informal, mission-driven workplace with committed colleagues, professional sparring and room to use your expertise. We offer flexible working hours, the possibility of working from home, professional development, paid leave between Christmas and New Year and a vegetarian lunch scheme.

Location and employment terms

The position is full-time and based at MS’s office at Fælledvej 12 in Copenhagen. It is a two-year fixed-term contract with the possibility of extension, with preferred start in 1 January 2027 or alternatively, 1 February 2027. You will join the International Programme and Partnerships team and report to Lisbeth Petersen, International Director for Programme & Partnerships. The role involves approximately five to six weeks of international travel per year. Salary and employment conditions follow the Danish collective agreement and the applicable AC agreement.

How to apply

Apply through our online recruitment system with your CV and a short motivation letter by Tuesday 10th November 2026, at 23:59 CET. First-round interviews will be held in week 48 & second-round in week 49. Questions can be directed to Lisbeth Petersen, International Director for Programme & Partnerships, at lpe@ms.dk.

About Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke

Mellemfolkeligt Samvirke (MS) works in Denmark and internationally to challenge inequality and strengthen people’s ability to claim their rights and shape their communities. MS is the Danish member of the international ActionAid federation. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of background, identity or personal circumstances.