National Project Officer

Introduction

The ILO in Iraq is implementing the Promoting Employment and Employability among Refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Host Communities focusing on Women, PWDs, and Youths in Northern Iraq project in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH to support the implementation of the “Employment Prospects for Socioeconomic Integration of Refugees, IDPs and Host Communities in Iraq” (EPSI) project. In coordination with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, the EPSI project aims to strengthen inclusive employment and entrepreneurship opportunities—particularly for marginalised groups such as refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and vulnerable host communities. Drawing on its expertise in labour market policy and vocational training reform, the ILO complements GIZ’s focus on policy advocacy, skills development, entrepreneurship, and short-term employment initiatives by addressing gaps in market-relevant technical and vocational education and training (TVET).

Specifically, with regards to employment and skills development services, the ILO is working on enhancing the institutional capacity of the public employment offices to provide better quality services for job matching and referrals and increase their outreach to job seekers from the targeted communities in Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Nineveh governorate. Moreover, the ILO is working towards putting in place better referral mechanisms to skills training and work-based learning opportunities, particularly for young people.

The objectives of the National Officer (NOA) is to support ILO’s expanding interventions related to employment and skills development services under EPSI project. The incumbent will identify synergies with other ILO projects including with the PROSPECTS and Social Protection projects. S/he will be directly involved in activities to enhance meaningful engagement of youths, refugees, IDPs women and Persons living with disabilities and their employment in Northern Iraq. The incumbent will also integrate work on their rights to work and rights at work.

Reporting Lines

The incumbent will be based at the ILO office in Erbil with frequent travel to the targeted governorates under EPSI projects. S/he will report to the EPSI Project Manager based in Erbil and overall supervision will be provided by the Country Coordinator in Iraq and the relevant Decent Work Team specialists at the Regional Office. The incumbent will work in close collaboration with the PROSPECTS team and the other ILO projects in Iraq.

Description of Duties

1. Provide technical inputs and professional services for EPSI project and participate in developing project implementation and communication plans paying special attention on the quality of technical inputs of all project interventions and conduct basic research and analysis and draft components of reports and presentations.

2. Provide technical support for EPSI project activities, including participation in field missions and meetings with  local partners. In addition, provide technical support and inputs for the project’s interventions in close coordination with the EPSI project manager

3. Work in close coordination and follow-up with relevant line ministries in Erbil, and directorates at target governorates, employers' and workers' organizations, NGOs in the planning and implementation of the employment services and skills components in Kurdistan Region and Nineveh Governorate as well as the work on youth employment and engagement. Ensure timely implementation of project activities and financial delivery in line with the workplan.

4. Provide timely, accurate and pertinent information on programme and budget matters for operational decision-making purposes through the strategic use of the results-based management. Use baselines, milestones and indicators to measure, analyse and report on performance. Monitor and verify accuracy of programming data.

5. Participate in field missions to monitor and report on programme implementation. Identify issues and propose corrective actions. Conduct frequent field visits to Dohuk, Sulymaniyeh and Nineveh Governorates to closely monitor the implementation of relevant activities and ensure submission of timely and quality reports by implementing partners.

Description of Duties (continued)

6. Participate in the preparation and conduct of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and consultative meetings, Implement capacity building interventions for selected local partner organizations in the relevant areas, including career guidance and counselling, job search, youth rights at work, using ILO tools. 

7. Coordinate with EPSI partners and other UN agencies, and represent the ILO EPSI Iraq team in meetings related to employment services, as requested by the Project Manager. Provide inputs to support the Office’s communication activities and contribute to the development of briefs, background information, technical reports and draft periodic progress reports on status of the overall activities of the project and prepare ad hoc human interest stories and posts on social media platforms to disseminate project achievements and increase ILO visibility.

8. Assist in drafting follow-up phases of the project and provide the necessary support for related fundraising initiatives.

9. Undertake any other duties or tasks requested by the PROSPECTS PM as needed.

Required qualifications

Education

First Level University degree in, economics, social sciences, development studies, education or other relevant field, Advanced University degree would be an advantage.

Experience

At least one year of relevant professional experience at the national and local levels implementing and/or supporting career guidance, employment services and livelihoods projects, Proven experience working with the UN or international organizations would be an asset.

Technical requirements: Good knowledge and experience in working in the field of vocational skills training and in youth programming would be a major advantage. Experience in working in the targeted governorates of Dohuk and Nineveh would also be considered 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

Candidates interested in the position should consider that the nine core competencies of the ILO, listed below, may be evaluated during the selection process: Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation and Collaboration.

• Good knowledge of tools used by the ILO and other international organizations on career guidance, career counselling, employment services, and skills training.
• Good Coordination and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Proven ability to take ownership of all responsibilities, to act with integrity and transparency by maintaining social, ethical and organisational norms.
• Good understanding of the local economic and political context of Iraq and the situation of IDPs and refugees.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of programme and budget, project administration and evaluation concepts and procedures and of the mandate and structure of labour market institutions in Iraq.
• Knowledge of the office’s financial rules and regulations, good knowledge of the context and challenges for the project areas of expertise.

Competencies (continued)

• Strong management and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to justify requirements and approaches to problem resolution and good drafting skills.
• Good ability to interpret project information and to identify and analyze problems with implementation.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to clarify information.
• Demonstrate collaborative and teamwork 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.