Iraq Country Manager

Benefits: This is a full-time, Level 3 salaried position with benefits including international health insurance, housing allowance, and travel to home country allowance.

Travel required: Frequent travel within Iraq with some travel to other Middle East countries as needed.

Organization Description
Partners Relief & Development aims to see children affected by conflict and oppression living free, full lives. We respond with Emergency Relief through the provision of food, shelter, medical care, and basic necessities during a crisis. We also invest in Sustainable Development that transforms community wellbeing, improves health and education, and provides a nurturing environment for children.

Job Description
The Iraq Country Manager supports the vision and mission of Partners Relief & Development by leading programs and projects in Iraq through strategy development & implementation, representing Partners through stakeholder relationships, project management, ensuring quality and risk management, and monitoring safety and security in the region.

Essential Functions:
● Strategy Development & Implementation – strategic planning; lead and manage all Iraq programs including development, advocacy, humanitarian programming, and MEAL programs; lead regular context analysis and suggest program revisions as needed.
● Representation & External relations – regularly liaison with external stakeholders; ensure positive working relationships with all stakeholders; represent Partners at high-level meetings and participate in sectoral working groups in coordination with the country team.
● Project Management – implementation of strategic plans and projects; coordinate development of proposals and reports; ensure systems and operations support country strategy and procedures and regulations are implemented with full transparency; ensure adequate staffing for effective project delivery; promote team spirit, and a culture of respect, responsibility, transparency, and openness; ensure all country permits, licences, and registrations are up to date as required; identify new partners and ensure all partners are following plans, policies, and procedures and implementing them in a quality manner; oversee country budget and ensure project implementation is in line with the budget; ensure all program implementation and operation adhere to organizational guidelines and policies.
● Quality & Risk Management – ensure organization policies and guidelines are known and respected; promote participation and accountability to local authorities, partners, and donors; manage risks and coordinate risk mitigation measures; develop periodic country reports including data analysis, annual reports, donor reports, and stories to be shared with communications teams and reporting departments.
● Safety & Security – monitor and analyse the safety and security of the environment and ensure country staff are informed; ensure implementation of safety and security procedures and that all employees are in compliance; help manage security incidents under the supervision of the ME director.

Other Functions:
● Assist with other projects as needed and as assigned by the ME Director.
● Attend staff meetings and organizational gatherings as requested.

Position Requirements:
● Master’s degree in Project Management, Business Administration, Political Science, or International Relations with at least 3 years of relevant experience, OR Bachelor’s degree in same mentioned fields with at least 6 years of relevant experience.
● Excellent communication skills in both written and spoken English required.
● Excellent leadership skills including staff management, mentorship, and staff development, providing guidance and support for team members.
● Have a solid understanding of complex operational environments, including demanding compliance requirements.
● Experience with developing and implementing strategies, plans, and programs.
● Demonstrated experience working with civil society organizations and managing programs based on partner collaboration.
● Good political intuition and understanding of political dynamics.
● The ability to work under pressure and with a changing project environment.
● Excellent financial management and reporting skills.
● Basic computer and IT skills (MS Office, Email, etc)
● Be flexible and pro-active in response to humanitarian crises.
● Have sensitivity to cultural differences as needed and the ability to work in a culturally diverse team.
● Work within a Christian framework with sensitivity to various religious expressions and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications:
● Experience in coordination with NGOs and local authorities.
● Ability to respond to sensitive complex situations.
● Knowledge of the MENA region, particularly Iraq and Syria
● Previous experience with development and emergency programs in support of local civil society.
● Experience with crisis management.
● Experience with fundraising and donor relations.