Project Coordinator

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’s Operations team implement international development projects on behalf of our clients. The project is to support the capacity development of the Iraqi Armed Forces through providing technical assistance to professional military education institutions in Iraq. This role serves three key purposes: 1) to support stakeholder/relationship management and engagement activities with the project partners and other stakeholders; 2) to facilitate the deployments of international consultants into Iraq; and to 3) provide support for engagements between English speaking technical experts and Iraqi beneficiaries.

ABOUT YOU:

You will have recent professional experience serving in the Iraqi Armed Forces (IAF) in a senior officer role (Lt. Col- Brigadier) and an extensive understanding of the culture and operational structures in the IAF. You are self-motivated and professional, comfortable working in a multi-cultural environment and working in English. Your key strength is building strong relationships and networks, as well as facilitating relationships between interlocutors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Building strong relationships with stakeholders and beneficiaries in the Iraqi Armed Forces (headquarters of the Military Academy (MA), the Military College (MC), the Defence University for Higher Military Studies (DUFHMS) and its Iraqi Staff College (ISC).
• Advise international technical experts on cultural and operational sensitivities, facilitating relationships between the technical consultants and Iraqi partners.
• Provide ad hoc security and pattern of life advice to the technical experts during their deployments to Iraq.
• Facilitate the deployment of technical experts through collaborating with ARK’s travel coordinators including through supporting the provision of work visas for deploying personnel.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential

• Native Arabic language
• Professional English language
• Previous experience serving in the Iraqi Armed Forces at Lt. Col – Brigadier rank
• Excellent relationship building and stakeholder management skills

Desirable

• Have worked alongside coalition forces
• Have experience of Iraqi professional military education courses as either a participant or directing staff
• Previous experience working on a security sector reform programme

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.