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://www.usip.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 Program Officer, Iraq (PO) contributes to the mission of the Institute in the Middle East by leading the design, management, monitoring and evaluation, as well as day-to-day activities for the projects “Promoting Participatory Governance Processes in Nineveh Province” and “Strengthening Iraqi Minority Communities through Advocacy and Political Engagement”. The PO leads as well on forging and sustaining relationships with key actors including but not limited to providing technical assistance to the Institute’s partners such as Sanad, the Alliance for Iraqi Minorities (AIM), national/government stakeholders, and local reconciliation processes. The PO also develops and updates informational material, leads drafting of periodic reports, conducts research, assists with program database, and supports budget and contract management activities.
The duty station of the Program Officer is Erbil. S/he will report to the Program Manager of Iraq. This position is open for applicants of all nationalities.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Project & Team Management
- Lead implementation of project activities in line with established goals, objectives, and partnership agreements;
- Oversees and manages the project, including but not limited to providing technical assistance to the Alliance for Iraqi Minorities (AIM), national/government stakeholders and local reconciliation processes;
- Provide day-to-day management of AIM’s activities;
- Manages the program budget to ensure that the program is operating within its budget limitations in order to meet its goals and objectives, tracks budget and financial project expenditures;
- Ensure all project staff follow USIP policies and procedures in terms of security, finance, administration, and operations;
- Identify and evaluate problem areas or constraints that may inhibit attainment of program objectives;
- Manages and mentors program assistant based in Erbil and trains Administrative Assistant as needed;
- Travel throughout Iraq for events and activities as well as other locations in the region as required;
Reporting & Research
- Leads reporting on the project’s quarterly reports and other reports as needed;
- Develops, updates and edits various program documents highlighting USIP’s work in Iraq;
- Provide research support for topics related to national budget processes, minority rights and advocacy strategies, reconciliation, and stabilization as required;
- Develop programmatic success stories into pieces for website to demonstrate impact;
- Supports the drafting of proposals;
Thematic Expertise
- Maintains up-to-date and relevant understanding of key developments in Iraq;
- Knowledge of Iraqi minority context, participatory governance or advocacy is a plus;
M&E
- Oversees the overall monitoring and evaluation strategy in coordination with other team members;
- Provides support on the monitoring plans for USIP programs and initiatives, including the tracking of indicators;
Relationships
- Liaises and supports as needed USIP’s strategic partner in Iraq, Sanad for Peacebuilding, in project design, monitoring and report writing;
- Represent USIP at USG donor meetings and in working groups related to protection and social cohesion and other relevant platforms;
- Liaises with AIM in Erbil and Baghdad, as well as with local and national government stakeholders to ensure relationships are maintained and strengthened;
Performs other duties as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in international relations or related field or equivalent experience required.
- A minimum of six or more years of relevant professional experience required.
- Management and supervisory experience desired.
- Demonstrated experience on Iraq. Significant time working in the country or region is preferred.
- Strong research and analytical skills.
- Excellent writing and oral communications skills, as well as cross-cultural skills, media skills, and the ability to deal with counterparts on every political, social and economic level.
- Relevant knowledge of project and personnel management and capacity building approaches to local partners.
- Familiarity with drafting and negotiating proposals and writing reports for USG agencies.
- Knowledge of Technical expertise relevant to the region such as IDPs, stabilization, resilience, reconciliation, and capacity building approaches desired.
- Professional fluency in English language is required.
- Prior experience working in the MENA region a plus.
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:
- Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary history.
- Cover letter
- 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.
How to apply:
To apply for this position, please use the following URL:
https://ars2.equest.com/?response_id=fc49adb044facc98795064a44ee74788