Iraq: Country Manager, Iraq - COUNT01417-00001

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front row seat to the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

We are a nonpartisan institute chartered by Congress to tackle the world’s toughest problems. Working in conflict zones around the world, our staff advise and support the military, government officials and community leaders – to promote knowledge and practices that prevent, mitigate and resolve violent conflict. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

JOB BRIEF

The Country Manager plays a pivotal role in leading the Iraq program on the ground. S/he must move seamlessly between the high-level country strategy and tracking / overseeing critical programs and metrics. While some programs and systems are in place, the County Manager will design new systems as the Iraq program grows – and will ensure continuous improvement of existing systems and processes. The Country Manger will have experience with standards of monitoring and evaluation of field programs and will work closely with various experts on the MEA team in this regard. The incumbent will identify program and partnership opportunities in Iraq based on thorough needs assessments and in line with USIP mandate and strategy. The Country Manager will report to the Middle East and North Africa Programs Director, based in USIP’s Regional Hub in Tunis, and work closely with the Middle East Programs Director, based in USIP’s Headquarters Office in Washington DC.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design, implement and monitor state of the art field operations for the Iraq program.
• Select, manage and inspire a high-performing team on the ground.
• Work with the Middle East and North Africa Programs Director to identify program opportunities in Iraq, based on thorough needs assessment and in line with USIP mandate and strategy;
• Manage and implement the designated program activities in Iraq in line with established goals, objectives, and partnership agreements, within program timelines and in a manner that meets program standards and objectives.
• Manage the in-country program budget to ensure that program is operating within budget limitations and meeting goals and objectives;
• Ensure that costs of in-country program needs (operations, staff, and project activities) are factored in submitted budgets and financial plans;
• Act as a main focal point for USIP’s partners in country;
• Identify and maintain critical stakeholder relationship as they relate to program focus;
• Oversee, contribute to, and deliver monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad hoc reports for both internal and external program stakeholders, including responsibility for the development, editing and timely submission of any donor progress reports that may be required, in close coordination with HQ and/or other counterparts who are providing key inputs;
• Ensure the highest level of communication and cooperation with relevant USIP departments/divisions/teams and external partners;
• Support efforts to represent the program in internal and external events and to disseminate information about USIP’s programs and research findings;
• Provide project briefings to governmental or other organizations on key subject matter areas;
• Travel, in coordination with the Director of MENA programs, to USIP HQ and Tunis Regional Office, within Iraq and other locations as required;
• Keep up-to-date on new research and programs as they relate to USIP’s program focuses;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in political science, international affairs, law, or related field required; equivalent work experience may be substituted for master’s degree;
• A minimum of ten years of relevant work experience;
• Minimum of six years of relevant experience working in/on Iraq.
• Expertise in at least two of the following areas desired: peace processes; inter-communal conflict; on-violent action and peace; dialogue, negotiations and mediation;
• Relevant experience in managing country programs, including project management, personnel management, and proposal development and report-writing;
• Experience implementing adaptive programs in highly complex and dynamic environments;
• Experience working with local and international civil society groups and donor organizations;
• Creativity and strong analytical skills;
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently in complex and difficult situations;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English, including the ability to deal effectively with counterparts on all political, social, and economic levels;
• Arabic language skills highly desirable.

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:

1. Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary history.
2. Cover letter
3. Resume

PLEASE NOTE:

• This is a Fixed-Time Term Personal Services Contractor position.
• Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience and with USIP pay scale.

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:

1. Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary history.
2. Cover letter
3. Resume

For questions about this position please email recruitment@usip.org. Do not send resumes or attachments to this email address.

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To apply for this position, please use the following URL:
https://ars2.equest.com/?response_id=6b40921467e966b75e76a344bd5663b0