Good Governance Expert

Intervention background

Since 2003 the EC has supported the reconstruction of Iraq with over one billion Euros. This support has been mainly channelled through the UN system in the period 2004-2007. From 2008 onwards, multilateral funding has been progressively replaced by bilateral support, reflecting the Iraqi Government’s increased capacity for dialogue and leadership in the management of reconstruction efforts. In order to move progressively towards a regular multi-annual programming for Iraq, the EU defined a two-year integrated assistance package for the period 2009-2010 with a total budget of € 65.8 Mio. This programme focuses on capacity building in two main areas: basic services and good governance. Starting from 2011, the EU development cooperation is based on a three-year Joint Strategy Paper which aims at building Iraqi capacity to improve the management of Water and Education services, and to uphold Good Governance.

In the area of Good Governance, the EU’s overall contribution to the governance sector in Iraq (constitutional and electoral process, rule of law and human rights, public administration reform…) amounts to approximately € 190 million to date. Since 2005 one of the EU’s top priorities in Iraq has been to help increase the capacity of the Iraqi Government and civil society to strengthen democracy, ensure respect for human rights, including the rights of women and persons belonging to minority and ethnic groups, boost the rule of law, combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability. The EU’s response strategy for the years 2011-2013 aims to improve the functioning of the public sector, in order to increase state capacities to deliver basic services as well as to create the conditions for socio-economic growth. More citizen-oriented and efficient public administration, based on improved management and performance, is not only the key to a strengthened state-society relationship but also to achieving sustainable development and combating poverty. Therefore good governance and support to civil service reform, especially with regards to rule of law institutions represent the focus of the Joint Strategy 2011-2013. Specifically, the Strategy aims at contributing to: i) public sector modernisation; ii) administration of the justice system, and iii) local governance.

Global objective

The overall objective is to contribute to the formulation of the upcoming EU Good Governance Programme, the only project in the 2012 Annual Action Programme of the EU for Iraq.

Specific objective(s)

1. To provide technical advice and assist in the analysis of needs and formulation of the EU’s upcoming engagement for Good Governance under the Joint Strategy Paper.

2. To outline implementation options for sector support, with reference to potential implementing partners and their capacities and experience in Iraq.

3. To prioritise implementation options based on:

a. highest leverage (best value for money including administrative costs) of available budget (maximum €22 Million).

b. Complementarity with past, ongoing and planned EU (Commission and Member States) or non EU- funded activities in the sector, including through the UN and the World Bank

c. Complementarity with the Government of Iraq priorities and strategic plans, including potential for co-financing.

d. Strengths and weaknesses of potential implementing partners and proposed technical solutions.

e. Feasibility with the available resources at the EU Delegation.

Key qualifications

- A university degree or equivalent qualification in a field relevant to Good Governance, Public Administration and the Rule of Law.

- At least 10 years proven professional background in the management or reform of public institutions, or providing technical advice and capacity building to public bodies.

- Experience working in Iraq will be an advantage.

- Good understanding of the reconstruction and development context in Iraq.

- Strong experience in programme identification and formulation, including Project Cycle Management (PCM) methodology. Experience of EU cooperation programmes and projects will
be an advantage.

- Excellent negotiation/facilitation and interpersonal skills, analytical capability and the ability to work in a multi-cultural environment;

- Excellent knowledge of English spoken and written.

- Knowledge of Arabic will be an strong asset.

- Proficiency in use of computers and office software packages.

For more information please refer to the attached ToR.

NB: Candidates complying with the above qualifications in bold, are requested to send their respective CVs to mrp[at]bseurope.com with subject “Application // Iraq- Good Governance”. CVs not fully complying with the minimum requirements (in bold) will be disregarded ipso facto and shall not receive mail feedback.