Women for Women International: Country Director, Iraq

The Country Director is the official representative and leader of Women for Women International in Iraq. The Country Director has broad responsibilities for shaping the vision and strategy for the Country Office, providing high level oversight over all areas of program implementation, conducting fundraising and advocacy, cultivating strategic partnerships and playing a leadership role in the local, national, regional and international movements for women’s advancement.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight, Program Management and Compliance

1. Provide strategic oversight to the design and successful implementation of all programs offered by Women for Women International including sponsorship, rights and life skills training, business and vocational skills training, and microfinance where available.
2. Ensure that all data collection, monitoring, evaluation and reporting on any aspect of the program is conducted in a timely manner and according to the highest possible standards.
3. Work closely with the senior managers on all aspects of programming to ensure efficiency and accountability and to appropriately address challenges as they arise.
4. Ensure effective grant management, budget utilization and fulfilment of annual targets.
5. Ensure country office compliance with all organizational policies, procedures and program guidelines.
6. Participate in strategy development for the organization and the country office as required.

Financial, Administrative and Human Resource Management

1. Responsible for facilitating annual planning and budgeting for the country office in collaboration with the local staff and HQ.
2. Ensure that costs are managed in line with approved budgets.
3. Review and approve monthly financial statements and budget variance reports.
4. Develop and maintain country office security plans to ensure safety of staff and assets.
5. Ensure that country office staffing is maintained at appropriate level and within budget.
6. Participate in the recruitment, hiring and on-boarding of all senior manager level positions.
7. Responsible for leading the Senior Management Team and holding regular meetings with the senior staff.

Fundraising & Representation

1. Develop fundraising opportunities and cultivate new donor relationships.
2. Develop and maintain working relationships with local and international partners, relevant government agencies and community leaders.
3. Lead and represent the organization to external audiences and stakeholders.

• Minimum of 10 years work experience ideally in the INGO/NGO sector, of which at least 5 years at a Managerial level.
• Master’s Degree or equivalent post-graduate qualification in relevant field (or 15+ yrs experience in lieu of advanced degree).
• Demonstrated experience of managing teams of 10 or more staff members in a participatory style.
• Demonstrable understanding and experience of gender issues and proven commitment to addressing gender inequalities in all key areas of responsibility.
• Familiarity with managing budgets, financial reporting, grant writing and reporting.
• Excellent administrative and organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and teambuilding skills.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• High level of maturity and cultural sensitivity.
• Knowledge of the political, economic and social context of Iraq.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.
• Strong computer skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Email applications.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic is required.
• Strong preference for an Iraqi national.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Iraq to program sites and internationally as required.

Application Instructions

All interested candidates should submit an updated CV, cover letter and 3 professional references to:.  Please put “Country Director” in the subject line.

 Applications will be considered on a rolling basis; we are seeking to fill this position as quickly as possible. Only short listed applicants will be invited to interview. No telephone inquiries please.

Women for Women International provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

 Additional information