Country Director, BRIDGE [Baghdad, Iraq]

Position title:    Country Director, Bolstering Reconstruction in Iraq through

Development, Growth and Employment (BRIDGE)   

Position Location:  Baghdad, Iraq

Reports to:  Deputy Director of Programs, Program Strategy & Implementation

Contract term:  2 years with possibility of renewal

Deadline: ongoing

The BRIDGE Project:

The Bolstering Reconstruction in Iraq through Development, Growth and Employment project (BRIDGE) is a 5 year $17 million initiative that addresses the urgent need for short-term stabilization in Iraq by supporting a transition to new livelihoods for conflict-affected male and female Iraqis, including ex-combatants.  Working in high-growth economic sectors, BRIDGE will support Iraq’s vocational education and training institutions to offer market-oriented training that will provide employment opportunities and higher incomes for these marginalized populations.  The project will also support critical reform of Iraq’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector in collaboration with other actors.

The project is being implemented by a consortium of two Canadian organizations, led by World University Service of Canada (WUSC) in partnership Canadian Leaders in International Consulting (CLIC).   

Nature and Scope:

The Country Director oversees the strategic and operational implementation of the BRIDGE project in Iraq. The Country Director manages relationships with key stakeholders, including with national and local Governments, project partners, local partners, the private sector and the funder.   

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Programs at WUSC and accountable to the Project Consortium Committee, the BRIDGE Country Director is responsible for the following:

Technical Direction & Project Management

• Provide technical and managerial direction and guidance to the initiative, in line with the project’s expected outcomes and WUSC policies and procedures;
• Develop key project planning deliverables (i.e, Annual Workplan) using results-based management approaches and tools;  
• Develop specific strategies for cross-cutting themes (capacity building, gender equality, private sector engagement, environmental sustainability) for the initiative;
• Maintain open and effective communication amongst strategic partners and project team members in Canada and Iraq;
• Oversee day-to-day coordination and delivery of project activities in conjunction with staff, technical advisors, volunteers and partners;
• Convene and coordinate the project steering and advisory committees at regular intervals and as may be needed

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Oversee the establishment and effective implementation of a results monitoring system for the project in accordance with the Consortium partners' best practices and procedures;
• Regularly monitor progress towards results, ensuring appropriate course correction and iterative management;  
• Work with team members to produce regular reports to key stakeholders, including WUSC/CLIC consortium and the donor agency;
• Maintain regular communication with WUSC and CLIC colleagues in Canada to ensure appropriate support;

Human Resources Management

• Manage the project team in Iraq including its project offices in Baghdad, Basrah, Anbar and, possibly Mosul;
• Supervise, guide and evaluate the work of project staff and consultants;
• Oversee human resources management issues such as employment policies and practices and subcontracting, are in compliance with local laws and regulations;  
• Work with colleagues and partners to ensure the effective mobilization, orientation and coaching of volunteers and technical advisors;

Financial & Office Management

• Lead overall project budget planning and execution according to WUSC policies and procedures and in compliance with donor agreements.
• Establish and oversee a financial management system for the project in close consultation with the WUSC Finance team;
• Ensure that the project complies with relevant local taxation, banking controls, and labour laws;
• Under the guidance of the WUSC finance team, regularly update, monitor and report on the local project budget in order to ensure regular reporting to the donor by WUSC HQ;
• Oversee the establishment, equipping and operations of the Project field offices in Baghdad, Basrah, Anbar and Mosul;
• Maintain and direct the required administrative and project infrastructure of staff, field offices and equipment as well as make decisions on administrative policy, planning and procedural matters;

Risk Management & Security Preparedness

• Actively assess and monitor the risk profile of the initiative; identify specific risks and appropriate mitigation strategies;
• Ensure the application and relevancy of WUSC/ CLIC security policies, procedures and preparedness to the operational context of the project;

Donor Liaison & Coordination

• Establish a strong working relationship with the donor and its representative(s) at the Canadian Embassy in Baghdad including on strategic planning and information sharing;
• Meet with GAC HQ and assigned Project personnel as required in conjunction or consultation with the Consortium partners;
• Coordinate regularly with other development actors to ensure harmonization and synergy with similar initiatives;
• Ensure GAC approval of official communications via communiques, brochures, radio spots or other media in Iraq

Communications and Promotion

• Represent the Project in official communications in Iraq
• Develop and implement a Communications strategy in Iraq in consultation with the Consortium Committee
• Develop promotional materials as appropriate for dissemination or use in Iraq

Qualifications:

Education

• A post-graduate university degree in international development, project management or a relevant field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience and Competencies

• A minimum of ten years of progressively more responsible assignments related to management of development initiatives;
• A minimum of five years overseas working experience, preferably in MENA;
• Experience working in a conflict environment;
• Knowledge and experience in technical and vocational education and training, curriculum development and education reform;
• Proven experience engaging the private sector in development programming;
• Demonstrated capacity to work in cross-sectoral collaboration;  
• Experience managing technical advisors considered an asset;
• Experience working with international development donor agencies;
• Knowledge of  Results Based Management (RBM) and environmental and gender policies and reporting requirements;
• Proven technical, financial, administrative and organizational skills;
• Knowledge of donor financial and narrative reporting procedures and requirements;
• Proven experience managing a large, multi-disciplinary and international  team of staff;
• Diplomatic skills and the knowledge of cross-cultural, inter-personal communication;
• Proven experience of adaptability to a challenging and constantly changing environment requiring iterative planning on a regular basis;
• Proven knowledge of and commitment to the concepts of Gender Equality;
• Experience in capacity building with local partner organizations and a commitment to a participatory partnership approach to development.

Language

• Superior oral and written skills required in English.
• Working knowledge of Arabic a strong asset.

Background:

WUSC is a leading Canadian international development organization that works with and through its southern partners to promote sustainable development. Founded in 1957 and currently working in 22 countries worldwide with an annual budget of approximately $45 million dollars, WUSC’s mission is to foster human development and global understanding through education and training. Our internationally recognized programs support youth, women and other marginalized populations, focusing on three thematic areas of education, employment and empowerment. Globally, WUSC works with a network of higher education institutions, civil society organizations, private sector partners, professionals, students, volunteers, faculty and community leaders that can be leveraged to support our work.

CLIC is a management consulting firm operating in the Middle East that provides capacity building and governance expertise. CLIC's extensive experience in capacity building, knowledge of the cultural landscape, and extensive networks in the region will build and strengthen local partnerships. CLIC is renowned for its hands-on, interactive, and up-to-date adult learning training methodologies.

Applications:

WUSC offers a  dynamic international  work environment with a  diverse intercultural workforce.   We  offer employees  exciting opportunities  to apply their skills and gain experience all while  making a difference  for youth around the world. We  believe  youth have the potential to provide for their families, build strong communities, and create positive social change for future generations.   Employees at WUSC  work hard  to create lasting change in education, employment and empowerment.  

WUSC is an equal opportunity employer.  We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  No telephone calls please.

If you wish to apply for this position, please follow this link to register on WUSC’s candidate database.