Iraq: Country Director, Iraq - COUNT01462-00001

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace around the world. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts around the world. Together we tackle the toughest problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. (To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https.org/about/careers).

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.

JOB BRIEF

The Country Director, Iraq plays a pivotal role in leading USIP’s multi-million dollar 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 Director, Iraq will design new systems as the Iraq program grows – and will ensure continuous improvement of existing systems and processes. The Country Director, Iraq 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 and sustain program and partnership opportunities in Iraq based on thorough needs assessments and in line with USIP mandate and strategy. The Country Director, Iraq will report to the Director of Middle East and North Africa Programs, based in USIP’s Regional Hub in Tunis, and work closely with the Director of Middle East Programs, based in USIP’s Headquarters Office in Washington DC. The Country Director, Iraq will be housed in Erbil, however the duty station can change based on circumstances and situations in the region. This role is expected to travel extensively within Iraq.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partnership Development

• 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;

• Serve as the main focal point for USIP’s partners in country.

Program Development

• Collaborate with the Director of Middle East and North Africa Programs to identify program opportunities in Iraq, based on thorough needs assessment and in line with USIP mandate and strategy;
• Identify strategic and innovative programming opportunities that align with the USIP mission to prevent, mitigate and resolve violent conflict.

Research Support

• Keep up-to-date on new research and programs as they relate to USIP’s program focuses;
• Support policy relevant research initiatives by helping to develop research priorities, identifying potential researchers and research institutions, shortlisting proposals, monitoring progress, and reviewing initial drafts.

Representation and Communications

• Ensure the highest level of communication and cooperation with relevant USIP departments/divisions/teams and external partners;
• 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;
• Ensure that USIP and interagency narrative progress reports are timely and effectively communicate program impact, and successes and challenges.
• Maintain USIP’s strong reputation for sound and transparent finance and administrative practices.

Program Implementation & Management

• Implement, design and monitor state of the art field operations for the Iraq program comprising of several diverse projects conducted throughout the country.
• Provide overall guidance in selecting and inspiring a high-performing team on the ground and operating in several locations.
• 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.
• Oversee the in-country program budget to ensure that program is operating within budget limitations and meeting goals and objectives, and that all budget reporting is accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date;
• Ensure that costs of in-country program needs (operations, staff, and project activities) are factored in submitted budgets and financial plans;

Operations/Office Management

• Travel, in coordination with the Director of MENA programs, to USIP HQ and Tunis Regional Office, within Iraq and other locations as required;
• Provide overall guidance in hiring and inspiring a high-performing team on the ground and operating in several locations.

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 working in at least two of the following areas: humanitarian and/or development assistance, conflict resolution, democracy and governance; international law and/or human rights activities.
• 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.

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.

U*SIP 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=c0b1a30f3834e8e06d304e6e6689ec4f