Deputy Chief of Party, Iraq

Job Details

Description

This anticipated, long-term position and its qualifications are contingent upon final USAID solicitation requirements and the award of the program. This role is based in Baghdad, Iraq and is open only to Iraqi Nationals. Diverse leadership is a priority, and female professionals are encouraged to apply.

Job Summary

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day-to-day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include:

Excellence– We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom– We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion and the power of global collaboration. Transparency– We believe in open communication and clear decision-making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

The International Republican Institute (IRI) is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the anticipated USAID Iraq Civic Engagement Activity. The ideal candidate is an experienced senior manager who will work closely with the Chief of Party (COP) to oversee the project’s technical delivery and operational quality, aimed at creating a more politically engaged citizenry in Iraq. This full-time position will be based in Baghdad, with potential travel around Iraq. The DCOP will report directly to the COP and collaborate closely with USAID to implement this complex program. The DCOP will serve as IRI’s lead on the program team and will coordinate closely with in-country technical experts and US-based colleagues supporting implementation.

The successful candidate will be a creative and flexible leader with deep knowledge and experience in Iraq. Serving as both a technical and operational leader, they will be adaptive and responsive to the challenges in Iraq’s dynamic environment.

This long-term, key personnel position and its qualifications are contingent upon final USAID solicitation requirements and the award of the program. This role is based in Baghdad, Iraq and is open only to Iraqi Nationals. Diverse leadership is a priority, and female professionals are encouraged to apply.

Position Requirements

• A University degree or equivalent in fields relevant to civic engagement, civil society strengthening, and/or project management (political science, anthropology, sociology, statistics, and related fields); Master’s degree preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of recent relevant experience (within the last 12 years) in leading technical activities related to civic engagement.
• Program management and implementation leadership including experience implementing or overseeing large-scale, complex USG projects.
• Experience in leadership role, either as Chief of Party (COP), DCOP, Technical Lead, Director, or in a comparable senior leadership role.
• Strong management experience leading a team of technical and administrative staff.
• Fluency in Arabic and English required.
• Results oriented, mission driven and detail oriented.
• Experience with and knowledge of IRI systems and operations is preferred.
• This position is open only to Iraqi nationals.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Coordinating the COP, oversees the management of daily operations and ensures execution of project activities within Iraq’s dynamic context.
• Provides technical oversight in coordination with the COP. As directed, oversees the implementation of activities under project objectives, ensuring alignment with best practices and USAID standards.
• Leads and mentors project staff while collaborating with the COP to develop and implement strategic plans that enhance team performance and align with project goals and USAID requirements.
• Ensures the effective integration of relevant sub-sectoral technical aspects into the activity’s grants and technical assistance.
• Ensures that all activity components are results-oriented, deliverables meet high-quality standards, and reporting is relevant and timely.
• Ensure that all assistance is technically sound, appropriate for the country context, and compliant with local laws and regulations.
• Oversees regular evaluation and reporting in line with established indicators and program requirements.
• Regularly reviews progress and recommendations program adaptations in coordination with the COP and USAID partners.
• Prioritize the timely achievement of results across all areas while fostering synergies and cohesion among various project components.
• Utilize technology to effectively lead teams and coordinate activities across diverse locations. Travel to other locations within Iraq as needed.
• Actively participate in technical meetings and cultivate positive relationships with relevant government officials, partners, and implementing partners.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with program subcontractors ensuring technical excellence and compliance.
• Utilize flexibility in addressing project challenges and adapting strategies to changing circumstances.

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Political Science or related field.

Preferred

Masters or better in Political Science or related field.

Experience

Required

A University degree or equivalent in fields relevant to civic engagement, civil society strengthening, and/or project management (political science, anthropology, sociology, statistics, and related fields); Master’s degree preferred.   A minimum of seven years of recent relevant experience (within the last 12 years) in leading technical activities related to civic engagement. Fluency in Arabic and English required.

At least 7 years of relevant experience including program leadership experience