Chief of Party – 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 Chief of Party to lead on 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 Chief of Party will have responsibility for all aspects of the programme, including managing and engaging with partners, clients, and other stakeholders. The Chief of Party will oversee regular reporting to USAID and will be expected to maintain strong working relationships with other donor-funded civil society programming in Iraq. This will be a full-time position based in Iraq and will be contingent on award and funding.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Project Management

• Lead on overall program management.
• Provide, with the support of the Deputy Chief of Party, guidance, oversight and quality assurance for all programme activities and deliverables.
• Assume responsibility for on time and on budget delivery that is compliant and meets client objectives.
• Lead preparation of work plans and budgets; staffing plans; performance improvement plans and other delivery plans as required.
• Work with the programme team and other supporting teams/functions to develop and implement plans for research, monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL), knowledge management, and communications.

Relationship Management

• Lead on regular interactions with programme staff, USAID Mission staff, civil society organizations, GOI officials, other donors, and all programme stakeholders.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders within government/s, other agencies, partners, civil society and other stakeholders.
• Ensure strong team-building and working relationships with relevant staff.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential

• A Master’s degree in the social sciences.
• Ten (10) years of work experience implementing civil society activities including engagement with legal frameworks, grants to local organizations, citizen engagement, and CSO financial and organizational sustainability.
• A least five (5) years of experience managing diverse teams.
• Strong coordination and communication skills to include a variety of stakeholders (national, international, government, non-government, international organizations, donors).
• Good understanding of current dynamics in Iraq pertaining to the civil society space.
• Experience managing a programme of similar size and scope in an insecure environment, preferably in Iraq.
• Full professional fluency in Arabic and English.

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.