Project Officer – Women, Youth Rights and CSOs Participation

[Erbil,Iraq ]

Responsibilities:
General description:

Under direct supervion of the Projects Manager (PM), the position holder will be responsible for the development, management and monitoring of the women, youth rights and CSOs participation project, in line with NPA’s overall strategies, plans and policies and in coordination with the management team.

 

General duties:

·        In coordination with the PM, ensure coordination with all relevant stakeholders, local and national authorities and other organisations engaged in the development initiatives and working groups in Iraq.

·        Assist the PM and other NPA units in the process of partner identification and verification.

·        Maintain active coordination and cooperation with local partners, I/NGOs and other stakeholders.

·        Be the principal day to day link between NPA and its partners.

·        Closely follow up the status of women and youth  human rights situation as well as the CSOs in Iraq and keep the PM and the management team updated accordingly.

·        Interact with local communities amd authorities and may/should the occasion arise, have to act variously as advocater, moderator, and/or mentor. These functions require on the part of the position holder, an ability to relate to the needs and aspirations of the underprivileged in a manner that is both supportive and respectful of culture and traditions.

·        Under overall guidance of the CD Iraq, and in cooperation with the PM, ensure adequate risk management in NPA project activities, including streamlining integration of risk and security management perspectives in all strategic and programmatic processes.

 

Specific duties:

·         Oversee the implementation of the project activities in accordance with plans and activity budget.

·         Assist the PM in Developing and monitoring work plans, budgets, and progress reports that NPA donors require, and other reports required from partner organizations.  

·         Contibute in monitoring project expenditures, and, with the PM and finance team, develop monthly expenditure projections.

·         Monitor grant agreements and sub-agreements with partners.

·         Work with the PM to monitor and revise budgets, as needed.

·         In liaison with the MEAL unit, prepare and regularly update the Project Monitoring Plan (PMP).

·         Participate in grant opening meetings, conduct required preparation for the meeting and strictly follow up the decisions made in the meeting.  

·         Support the partner organizations in the process of proposal writing, budgets, logical framework and implementation plans. Review and provide input regarding partner contracts and budgets (originals and amendments).

·         Organise project kick off and steering committee meetings on quarterly basis,provide materials to partners and organise the agenda in liaison with DPM.

·         Oversee contracts agreements with the partners, ensure timeliness and quality reporting of both financial and narrative reports, in cooperation with the other NPA departments. Follow up on partners budget spending plan and organise payment requests for instalments.

·         Conduct regular visits and communication with partners on a daily basis to follow up project activity implementation and provide coaching and mentoring when required.

·         Participate in conducting assessment meetings with potential local partners for soliciting their proposals and concept notes to NPA. 

·         Assist NPA team in the process of partners’ capacity building assessment, development of capacity building plans and tools and help partners in designing their organisational development plan.

·         Assist team members and partners in both financial and narrative proposal and reporting to ensure good quality, timeliness, accuracy, achieve donor demands and improve project implementation.

·         Act as focal point for communication between partners and NPA departments.

·         Support the PM and contribute in preparing project proposals, reports and information material.

·         Participate in giving inputs and updates for different reports such as Final Narrative Report, Quarterly Report, among others.

·         Represent NPA in formal events such as conferences and meetings conduct by stakeholders.

·         Develop and maintain proper soft and hard copy archive system for all projects under his/her responsibility.

·         Other duties assigned by the Programme Manager and/or the Country Director in relation to programme.
Authority/ Decisions:

Typical decisions the holder of the positions makes
Reference is made to the NPA Regulation for Delegation of Authority, Quality Management and Guidelines for the NPA Iraq Office.

Additional Considerations:
The Project Officer is to abide by the policies and personal code of conduct by the Norwegian People’s Aid and represent the organisation in a loyal and responsible manner.

The position is based in Erbil, Iraq with travel to other areas of operation as required.

Note, travel to other provinces will be essential.

• Minimum 3 years experience in development work and preferably university degree in political scince, social sciences, human rights, gender and women studies, or other relevant advanced educational degree.
• At least one year of relevant experience in women and youth empowerment or (S) GBV programmes in Iraq.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of women and youth rights and participation Iraq.
• Experience working with NGOs, INGOs, the UN agencies and understanding of the unique, complex operating environment in Iraq, KRI and the Middle East.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the international and regional convensions on the women and youth rights and participation.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding in project, financial and partner grant management, program monitoring and evaluation and very good report writing skills (in English).
• Knowledge and understanding on related legislative frameworks and the Iraq and KRG action plans on Women Empowerment and Combating (S)GBV, as well as the action plan of youth participation.
• Proficiency in English, Kurdish and Arabic language skills, both written and verbal.
• Good interpersonal skills, good communication, organizational and analytical skills and ability to work well in a team.
• Good understanding of local partnerships and capacity building to ensure quality implementation and minimize risk.
• Able to work effectively under, and adapt to difficult conditions.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation.
• Excellent computer skills.

Willingness and ability to travel within KRI and other parts of Iraq, as well as outside the country.

Required qualifications:
Education:
Must have:

·         Relevant university degree or equivalent experience.

·         Good English and Arabic language skills, both written and verbal.

·         Good understanding of ICT systems and experience with MS Office applications, including Excel.
Experience:
Must have:

·         At least 3 years of proven experience in development programming including in one or more of the following sectors: Human Rights, Democracy and Political Participation, Political Processes GBV, Protection, Youth Participation, Freedom of Expression.

·         Strong communication, organizational, analytical and leadership skills, with ability to work well in a team, especially in local partnership.

·         Experience as a successful project manager in an international context working with local partners.

·         Experience of long distance (remote) management tools and working with local NGO partners, including capacity building and organizational support to partners.

·         Strong knowledge of cultural and political contexts in the Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Other qualifications:
·         Strong technical and coordination skills, with the ability to lead, inspire and build competence of implementing partner staff and achieve results through others.
Personal Competencies:
·         Self-driven with integrity, initiative and ability to think and work independently

·         Strong communication, networking and interpersonal skills

Experience:
Must have:

·         At least 3 years of proven experience in development programming including in one or more of the following sectors: Human Rights, Democracy and Political Participation, Political Processes GBV, Protection, Youth Participation, Freedom of Expression.

·         Strong communication, organizational, analytical and leadership skills, with ability to work well in a team, especially in local partnership.

·         Experience as a successful project manager in an international context working with local partners.

·         Experience of long distance (remote) management tools and working with local NGO partners, including capacity building and organizational support to partners.

·         Strong knowledge of cultural and political contexts in the Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Interested and qualified consultants can submit their CV and Letter of Interest.

Applications should be sent via email to [email protected] with “PO-Erbil” in the subject line no later than July 18th 2021. CVs received after the closing date will not be considered.
NPA will Receive CVs only in PDF or Word Format, any link to CVs will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.