Country Director, Bolstering Reconstruction in Iraq through Development, Growth and Employment (BRIDGE)

Position title:     Country Director, Bolstering Reconstruction in Iraq through Development, Growth and Employment (BRIDGE)                       

Position location: Baghdad, Iraq. (Possibility to be based in the region with frequent travel to Baghdad).

Reports to: Director of Programs

Contract term: 2 years, with the opportunity to renew

Application deadline: January 29, 2019

This is an unaccompanied Post

WUSC (World University Service Canada) is seeking an experienced international development Project Director to lead its operations in Iraq, overseeing the implementation of the BRIDGE project, a Canadian government funded project aimed at increasing employment for Iraqi youth through vocational skills training and enhancing private sector linkages.  

The BRIDGE Project:

The Bolstering Reconstruction in Iraq through Development,Growth and Employment project (BRIDGE) is a 5 year (2017-2022) CAD$17 million initiative that is addressing 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 is supporting 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 is aligned with will the ongoing reform of Iraq’s technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector in collaboration with other actors.  The first phase of the project is operating in Baghdad, Basra and Anbar governorates with anticipated expansion into newly liberated areas.

The project is funded by Global Affairs Canada and 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 national and local Governments, project partners, local partners, the private sector and the funder.

Reporting to the Project Steering Committee and the Director of Programs at WUSC, the BRIDGE Country Director will be 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;
• Develop key project planning deliverables (i.e. Initiative Inception Plan, 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;

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Establish and oversee a results monitoring system for the project;
• Regularly monitor progress towards results, ensuring appropriate course correction and iterative management;  
• Work with team members to produce regular reports to key stakeholders, including 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;
• Supervise, guide and evaluate the work of project staff and consultants;
• Oversee human resources management issues such as employment policies and practices, in line with local law;  
• Work with colleagues and partners to ensure the effective mobilization, orientation and coaching of volunteers and technical advisors;

Financial & Office Management

• Establish and oversee a financial management system for the project;
• Ensure that the project complies with relevant local taxation, banking controls, and labour laws;
• In conjunction with the finance team, develop and monitor the project budget and ensure regular reporting to the donor;
• Recruit, maintain and direct the required administrative and project infrastructure of staff, field offices and equipment as well as making decisions on administrative policy, planning and procedural matters;

Risk Management & Security Preparedness

• Actively assess 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, including planning, capacity building and information sharing;
• Convene Project Steering and Advisory Committees at regular intervals;   
• Coordinate regularly with other development actors to ensure harmonization and synergy with similar initiatives;
• Represent the Project in official communication and fora.

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

• Ten years of progressively more responsible assignments related to management of development initiatives;
• Five years overseas working experience, preferably in MENA;
• Experience working in a conflict environment an asset;
• 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, interpersonal 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.
• The ability to travel frequently to Baghdad, if not residing in Baghdad. It will be expected for the Country Director to spend approximately 75% of his/her time in Baghdad.

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, economic opportunity 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.