Civil Society Capacity Development Technical Specialist and Coordinator – Iraq

ABOUT ARK:

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity, and hope for the future.

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.

Learn more about our impact here: https://www.ark.international/impact

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

ARK is recruiting an experienced Civil Society Capacity Development Technical Specialist and Coordinator to support the delivery of a prospective 5-year USAID-funded programme in Iraq. The programme aims to increase citizen engagement in the public sphere, especially among women and youth, while supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) to connect to and empower citizens and other CSOs, with the overall objectives of actively contributing to positive change on shared citizen-identified priorities and increasing the resilience of civil society organisations.

The role will lead programmatic activities related to the sustainability and resilience of CSOs and will be responsible for achieving results related to building the capacity of civil society on this front. The Civil Society Capacity Development Technical Specialist and Coordinator will support civil society development through grants, mentoring, and other enabling activities. S/he will support the Chief of Party to develop a strong vision and implementation using an evidence-based approach and act as a liaison between the programme and relevant CSOs. This will be a full-time position based in Iraq and will be contingent on award and funding.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead on the provision and oversight of technical direction and assistance in support of improved public outreach and information, coalition building, and improved organizational management capacity.
• Build capacity of local CSOs and grantees in multiple areas, including but not limited to strategy development, compliance, procurement, fundraising, finance, strategic communications, advocacy, gender sensitivity, and monitoring, evaluation, learning (MEL).
• Support technical trainers engaged in any area of CSOs capacity development.
• Coordinate and execute a small grants program to enable local sustainability and resilience of local CSOs and grantees.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential

• University degree in management, public administration, development, finance, or related field.
• At least 8 years of demonstrated experience and expertise in civil society strengthening, including capacity development; community mobilization; and civil society-related training and facilitation.
• Previous work experience with civil society in Iraq.
• Advanced interpersonal and communication skills.
• Full professional fluency in Arabic and English.
• Legal right to work in Iraq.

Desirable

• Previous USAID experience and extensive experience with USAID rules and regulations.

MORE ABOUT OUR COMPANY:

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.

Our People

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organisations, journalism and the private sector.

An ARK Person Is:

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognise our limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together, and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions and we want to hear those of others too.

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the centre of its development and stabilisation work and is thus committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related-personnel are expected to share this commitment, and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.