Deputy Country Director – IRAQ 91 views

About the InternationalFoundation for Electoral Systems (IFES): Together we builddemocracies that deliver for all. Our independent expertise strengthenselectoral institutions/systems and builds local capacity to deliver sustainablesolutions. As the global leader in democracy promotion, we advance goodgovernance and democratic rights by providing technical assistance; empoweringthe underrepresented to participate in the political process; and applyingfield-based research to improve the electoral cycle. We believe that trustedelectoral institutions deliver credible elections, effective governinginstitutions are accountable to the people they serve, all people safelyparticipate in civic and political life on an equal basis and technology,information and data positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFEShas worked in over 145 countries – from developing to mature democracies.
About this position: The Deputy Country Director (DCD) supports and collaborates with the CountryDirector (CD) to coordinate field office activities, administration and managementof the IFES Iraq office in Baghdad. S/he will also oversee select programobjectives, which will be determined in consultation with the CD. In addition,the DCD will be responsible for ensuring compliance with US government donorrules and regulations – especially related to financial management, reporting,and M&E. This position is based in Baghdad, Iraq.

Job Responsibilities:

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist the CD in ensuring timely execution of project activities within the allocated budget, including planning and implementation of activities in a changing environment.
• Oversee project management, including administration, finances, budgeting, reporting, and human resources at for multiple projects in the Iraq portfolio.
• Oversee any procurement in accordance with IFES policies as well as USG rules and regulations; liaise with HQ staff and contracts teams to ensure compliance.
• Prepare project deliverables, such as workplans and operational matrixes, in compliance with donor requirements
• Manage project monitoring and evaluation plans and oversee data collection and reporting, including the development and finalization of detailed quarterly, final, and other donor reports.
• Oversee specific project activities as directed by the CD and provide technical input as needed.
• Review planned and executed expenditures in support of activities for compliance with approved workplan, approved budget, and required documentation, and work with the CD and HQ staff to prepare financial projections, when needed
• Oversee the programmatic and financial aspects of all subawards in coordination with HQ staff.
• Monitor pending grant/contract actions and modifications and coordinate timely action and response with HQ staff.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, donors, and partners, particularly Iraq’s Independent High Elections Commission (IHEC), and IFES’ civil society partners.
• Participate in and provide briefings to Heads of Missions, Embassy staff, and donors on a variety of issues and in coordination meetings with other implementers.
• Participate in other coordination meetings with national and international stakeholders as required.
• Draft scopes of work and manage the coordination and deployment of international consultants when and where needed.
• In coordination with CD and HR, assist in recruitment of staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education: Master’sdegree in political or social sciences, public policy, internationaldevelopment, or related field strongly preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in international development, preferably in thearea of democracy and governance with preference given to those with experiencein the field of elections, governance, conflict mitigation, and/or development.Minimum of 3 years of experience with USAID and non-US-funded activities inrelated program area. Familiarity with political, economic, and social contextwithin the MENA region. Specific knowledge of election administration andexperience working with elections management bodies and civil societyorganizations, considereda plus.

Related Skills and Knowledge:

• Experience with financial tracking, forecasting, and Microsoft Excel-based spreadsheets.
• Demonstrated management experience, including personnel management, project administration and financial management skills. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and consistently meet tight deadlines.
• Technical knowledge and experience in area(s) of project focus. Broad knowledge of election administration and operations, and experience working with election management bodies in an advisory capacity at the national level. Solid experience in the field of civil society and inclusion program implementation in developing countries.
• Solid understanding of social media tools and applications, including analytics measurement.
• Knowledge of USAID and DRL donors’ financial regulations and contract compliance requirements. Detail oriented and organized.
• Ability to develop and manage effective local relationships by applying cultural awareness.
• Strong communicator, both verbally and in writing.
• Collaborative, team-oriented individual.
• Proven capacity to work well with minimal supervision.
• Experience in managing relationships with international donor community.

Language Skills: Fluency inspoken and written English required; Spoken and written Arabic preferred.

Physical Requirements/WorkEnvironment: The position is based in Baghdad, Iraq. Standard office work environment.Potentially flights from Baghdad to Erbil (pending security and COVID-19 situation). Reasonable accommodations maybe made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentialfunctions of the job.

“All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment/promotions and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

IFES takes affirmative action with respect to the employment and promotion of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and covered veterans. IFES will also take affirmative action on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

IFES is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor”