Project Officer in the Cooperation Section

The European Union Delegation to the Iraq, Baghdad is looking for:

Project Officer in the Cooperation Section (post 421495)

We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organizations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The EU Delegation to Iraq in Baghdad works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully-fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the Iraqi government in areas that are part of the EU’s remit.

We offer

Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Cooperation Section in the Delegation (European Commission – Directorate General for International Partnerships).

Upon recruitment, the successful candidate will occupy a specific job function as Project Officer for the thematic area of economic development and diversification. In this job function, the successful candidate will serve in the Cooperation Section with a specific focus on private sector development, job creation, economic governance, climate change, and others. The successful candidate will provide high quality co-ordination and management of EU cooperation programmes and projects in Iraq, as well as other tasks under the supervision of the Head of Cooperation.

This job function may be changed in accordance with the needs of the Cooperation Section.

Following main tasks and duties are currently required: 

·         Jointly with Cooperation Section colleagues, lead on the thematic area of economic development with a specific focus on private sector development, job creation, economic governance, climate change, and others.

·         Prepare sound fact-based sector analyses, sector strategies, briefings and position papers.

·         Contribute to the preparation of Commission Decisions on Community assistance to Iraq in the priority sectors defined by EU-IRAQ strategy with a focus on economic development, by providing analysis, proposals, reports and appraisals, elaborated in close co-ordination with the Iraqi authorities (PMO, COMSEC, Ministry of Planning and sectorial ministries, et al), the International Donors Community, International Organisations (UN Agencies, World Bank, etc.), Civil Society, Private Sector, other International and National stakeholders and actors involved.

·         Contribute to all aspects of the Project Cycle Management (PCM): project identification, formulation, implementation, assessment.

·         Contribute to contracting processes in indirect management with International Organisations and direct management (procurement and grants).

·         Ensure the pro-active supervision of the project implementation process and accurate project performance follow-up with Iraqi stakeholders and implementing partners.

·         Monitor contractual obligations (via periodic reviews, reporting as well as evaluations, third party monitoring, results oriented monitoring, audits, expenditure verifications et al.), gather and handle external expertise.

·         Attend project management and monitoring meetings, elaborate progress and evaluation reports on projects and project achievements and propose action if and when needed.

·         Participate in technical meetings with Government counterparts and technical level co-ordination structures such as relevant sector platforms, sector donor coordination fora et al.

·         Prepare comprehensive briefings and succinct speaking points for the Head of Cooperation / Head of Delegation for high level meetings.

·         Establish and maintain good and effective contacts and collaboration with the Iraqi Authorities and Institutions, with representatives of the EU Member States, the International Donors Community, the International Organizations (UN Agencies, World Bank, etc.), with the private sector, Civil Society, and other external partners and/or interlocutors involved in the Iraqi reform process.

·         Comply with the instructions of – and maintain close contacts with – the European Commission Services in Brussels, notably DG INTPA. Provide contributions to briefings, reports, etc.

·         Participate in and provide support as required to in country missions of the Cooperation Section as well as incoming missions and visits by members of the European Commission and/or other EU Institutions.

·         Contribute to the production of the publications about EC assistance to Iraq and to the dissemination of the results and achievements of projects at workshops, seminars, conferences and other public events in order to enhance EC visibility.

·         Extract and disseminate best practices and facilitate exchange of experiences.

NB: the above list is indicative , not exhaustive

We look for a highly motivated energetic person who is able to handle several strands of work in parallel in a high-pressure environment. An ability to work well with others is vital.

•             Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment.

•             Good interpersonal and negotiating skills.

•             Willingness and capacity to adapt smoothly to difficult living conditions

•             Flexibility to work under pressure, to adapt to atypical working hours and to respond quickly to new demands

•             Capacity to work both autonomously and as a member of a team

•             Ability to deal helpfully and courteously with people and to build productive and cooperative working relationships.

•             Be a holder of a valid passport.

The successful candidate will be working in the Delegation's premises, located in the British Embassy compound, in the International Zone. The working hours are Sunday to Thursday from 08.30 to 16.00 hours.

The base salary will depend on relevant and verified employment experience.  There is a competitive benefits package, subject to certain conditions, including personal leave days and public holidays, health insurances and a retirement savings plan.

Minimum requirements / eligibility criteria (necessary for the application to be considered)

·        University degree. Preferably in one of the following fields: Economics, Social Sciences, Law, Political Science, Public Administration.

·        Minimum of 5 years proven professional experience pertinent to the duties announced in this vacancy

·        Minimum of 3 years proven professional experience as project manager

·        High level of proficiency in English, written and oral

·        Arabic native speaker

Assets / selection criteria (basis for awarding points to select the best applicant)

·        Professional experience in the management of external aid

·        Knowledge of the Project Cycle Management (PCM) (identification, formulation, up to assessment)

·        Experience and/ or familiarity with European Commission procurement, grant and financial management rules and procedures.

·        Experience and/ or familiarity with International Organisation (UN, UN Agencies, World Bank) and their modus operandi (project and financial management).

·        Sound knowledge of the International Non-Governmental Organisation (INGOs) and National Civil Society Organisation (CSOs) and their modus operandi.

·        Proficiency of Kurdish

·         Capacity to focus on priorities and to perform duties with speed and accuracy without immediate supervision.

·         Capacity to deal with sensitive dossiers and to make sound, logical and well – argued judgements taking into account the impact of decisions.

·         Resilience to stay positive and focused despite setbacks and challenges.

·         Communicating effectively with clarity and confidence, verbally and in writing, with sensitivity and respect for others. Capacity to draft short effective press releases will be an asset.

How to apply

Please submit your application, consisting of a cover letter, Europass format CV to the functional mailbox DELEGATION-IRAQ-VACANCY@eeas.europa.eu (Reference 421495) no later than 13:00 hours on 18/06/2023. Only complete applications received on time to the functional mailbox will be considered.

The successful candidate will be subject to a medical check, background check, security check.

The process

After the deadline for applications, the eligible applications will be admitted to the Selection by the Committee set up for this purpose.

Depending on the number of applications received, successive phases of Selection may include shortlisting of candidates based assessment of the information provided in the cover letter, CV and talent screener; practical testing and interviews. The 3 best candidates will be invited to the final interview.

Only candidates admitted to each successive selection phase will be contacted individually. The Delegation will use the same means of publication as for this job advertisement to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed and that a candidate has (or has not) been recruited.

The Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure. During the selection process, please do not contact the members of the Selection Committee, but address your questions and comments to the Delegation’s Administration.