National Project Officer

Introduction

The “Partnership for improving Prospects for forcibly displaced persons and host communities” (PROSPECTS), spearheaded by the Government of the Netherlands, brings together five agencies (IFC, ILO, UNHCR, UNICEF and the World Bank) to devise collaborative and innovative approaches for decent job creation, education and protection in contexts characterized by forced displacement. In Iraq, the ILO focuses its activities within the Dohuk and Nineveh Governorates – heavily impacted by the ISIL conflict, where as part of its components, it collaborates with different partners to enhance private sector functioning while addressing barriers for access to decent self-employment for FDPs. This is being implemented place through provision of entrepreneurship skills development trainings and availing access to affordable finance in a market where financial inclusion indicator doesn’t exceed 23% of its population – Findex report 2017. Additional funds will be allocated to expand work on entrepreneurship and financial inclusion in the Governorate of Nineveh.

The objectives of the National Officer position is to support ILO’s expanding interventions under PROSPECTS in the governorates of Nineveh and Dohuq, with  a particular focus on activities in the area of enterprise development and  financial inclusion  This will be achieved through supporting the delivery of clients’ needs assessments, coordinating with BDS providers and assessing their capacities and assessing existing financial service delivery within the targeted regions and closely coordinating with partner banks and microfinance institutions(MFIs) to ensure timely disbursement of loans.

Reporting lines:

The National Project Officer will work under the direct supervision of the PROSPECTS Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Officer in Erbil and the overall guidance of PROSPECTS Regional Chief Technical Adviser for Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq. The position will be based in the ILO office in Erbil, Iraq and will be supporting the entrepreneurship and financial inclusion component in both Nineveh and Dohuk, with specific focus on the expanded work in Nineveh.

Description of Duties

The NO will undertake the following tasks:

1. Coordinate with partner UN agencies, I/NGOs, Banks and MFIs, implementing partners, BDS providers to inform project annual work plans activities, especially for implementation of ongoing IAs with different partners.

2. Follow-up with relevant line ministries at national level, implementing partners, partner agencies, Banks/MFIs and NGOs, government offices and other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets.

3. Provide programmatic and administrative support to financial inclusion and entrepreneurship component.

4. Monitor the progress of Project activities by reviewing, verifying and analysing workplans, progress reports, final reports and other data for clarity, consistency and completeness. Follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities.

5. Participate in the preparation and conduct of seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings. Undertake missions to project sites independently or accompanying others.

Description of Duties (continued)

6. Brief ILO’s financial inclusion and entrepreneurship Officer and visiting officials and provide relevant information on project matters. Draft, edit, or translate (as needed) official correspondence, statements and speeches and other public information materials.

7. Lead in the preparation of briefs, background information, technical reports and draft periodic progress reports and statistical data on status of the overall activities of the Project.

8. Participate in the preparation and review of entrepreneurs’ applications for loans to be referred to relevant partner bank or MFI.

9. Conduct frequent field visits to the targeted areas in the governorates of Nineveh and Dohuq and monitor implementation  project  with partners as needed.

10. Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Prospects Regional Chief Technical Adviser or the Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship Officer.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, finance, business administration, development studies or a relevant field.

Experience

At least two to three years of professional experience within Northern region of Iraq in project implementation particularly within the financial sector and entrepreneurship support in Dohuk and Nineveh. Proven experience in working effectively with government bodies, private financial sector players, UN and other international organizations would be an asset.

Technical requirements

Good knowledge of the development field with particular focus on financial sector and entrepreneurship and good knowledge of local economic development, livelihoods support, financial inclusion and literacy as well as BDS provision. Knowledge of ILO enterprise development work/social finance is an asset.

Languages

Excellent command of Arabic (written and spoken) language and very good command of written and spoken English is needed. Proficiency in the Kurdish language will be a strong advantage.

Competencies

• Good coordination and organizational skills.
• Well established networks within KRI namely within the target governorates – Dohuk and Ninewa.
• Good analytical skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate collaborative and team work experience and ability to work effectively with a multicultural and interdisciplinary team as well as work on his/her own initiative.
• Ability to work independently, quickly, precisely, and take initiative and responsibility.
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline.
• Proficient in Microsoft Words, Power Point, Excel, web-browsers and database applications.
• Ability to deal with people with tact and diplomacy.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.