National/Local Project Assistant – Erbil

Location: Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Type of Contract: National/Local Part time, 50%
Languages Required: English, Kurdish (Arabic and advantage)

Application Deadline: 26 January 2023
Starting Date: As soon as possible

About CPI

The Cordoba Peace Institute – Geneva (CPI) is a Swiss non-governmental non-profit organization working on peace promotion.

CPI was established in Geneva in 2002 to foster research and dialogue on peace issues, and to promote joint projects which address tensions between people and communities holding different ideologies or worldviews. CPI has a particular focus and expertise in enhancing theoretical and practical conflict transformation resources in Muslim majority contexts.

CPI works with an extensive network of partners, including think thanks, civil society organizations, research centers, foundations, governments and individuals, to initiate and support activities that build trust and favor mutual respect and reconciliation. CPI provides a distinctive expertise and a culturally sensitive approach in dealing with conflicts. CPI has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations.

CPI has a track record of programs, mediation initiatives and training interventions focused on the promotion of the peaceful political participation of all sectors of society, including those with a religious reference. The activities of CPI cover West Asia, North Africa, the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, and East Africa.

CPI in Iraq

Since, November 2020, CPI has conducted a project in Iraq aiming to consolidate social cohesion through the implementation of two joint initiatives carried out by Iraqi actors. The first track focuses on creating the trusting environment necessary for the return of Iraqi refugees from Turkey; the second concerns the promotion of the “right to know” the fate of missing persons.

Role and Responsibilities

CPI is seeking a National/Local Project Assistant already based in Erbil whose responsibilities will include:

• Project logistics and administration: Supporting the effective logistical organization and administration of CPI’s activities in Iraq, especially in the Kurdish Region.
• Project coordination: Supporting the Country Director in the coordination of field activities including traveling with him in the project implementation area.
• Financial control and reporting: Gather, record, translate into English and file all receipts; carry out regular/monthly finance reporting to CPI Baghdad and Geneva based on internal CPI finance process; and ensure the compliance of all expenses is in line with donors’ rules.
• Activity reporting: Ensure production of regular, precise and analytical reports for donors (including photos and other records) of all activities and events in collaboration with the Project Team.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Contribute to and maintain effective and responsive M&E systems, in collaboration with other staff, and ensure M&E reporting is both meaningful and available for sharing with donors.
• Project liaison: Keep in regular contact with CPI Baghdad and Geneva offices, with regard to the above responsibilities and other requirements that may arise.
• Other duties as appropriate within a small office requiring cooperation and flexibility.

Skills and Experience Sought

• A degree in a relevant field, such as finance or accounting, international relations, conflict studies, or political science.
• Experience of 2/3 years in project administration and finance management – advantageous to have experience of German or other major/government donor project management systems and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of conflict/peace and security issues.
• Understanding of issues related to our project in Iraq.
• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken) and Kurdish. Arabic also useful.
• Strong financial controlling, analysis and reporting skills.
• Good writing and synthesizing skills (reports, concept notes etc.)
• Excellent organizational skills, and close attention to detail.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word.
• Autonomy, self-motivation, flexibility and able to work in small polyvalent team.
• Authorization to work in the Kurdish Region of Iraq.