Program Coordinator- Northern Iraq Job Skills Development Program - Iraq

Job Description

Program Coordinator

Northern Iraq Job Skills Development Program - Iraq

World Learning is a leading international non-profit organization advancing education, inclusive development, and people-to-people exchange through programming around the world. We are seeking an experienced

Program Coordinator for an anticipated U.S. Embassy-Baghdad funded Northern Iraq Skills Development Program. The program will build on existing World Learning Iraq programming – including our 10-year history implementing Iraqi Young Leaders Exchange Program (IYLEP) as well as our Basrah Employment and Entrepreneurship Program. This new program will provide an opportunity to expand our jobs skills and mentoring activities to involve youth and mentors in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, targeting Halabja, Garmain, and Charmo universities.

The Program Coordinator will be responsible for leading program implementation, coordinating with program assistants, and providing administrative and quality control oversight. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of coordinating youth development programming, experience successfully recruiting youth to participate in skills development programs, a strong network with private and public sector organizations, and ability to leverage their network to identify mentors and learning opportunities for youth. The Coordinator will also possess exemplary communication skills, an energetic and positive attitude, and ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds. The position will be a long-term consultancy of at least 8 months requiring up to full-time work depending on programming needs. The position is located in the Iraqi Kurdistan region and the successful candidate must be willing and able to travel within the region. Fluency in Arabic and English is required.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project. Interested candidates should submit their CV or resume and cover letter (in English) to: recruitment@worldlearning.org. Please include [Northern Iraq Job Skills Development Program] on the subject line as well as a note in the email body explaining your qualifications for the position. Only finalist candidates will be contacted. No telephone enquiries please. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and qualified candidates should apply as soon as possible.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of program activities, working closely with Program Officer in the Washington, DC office that manages the overall program;
• Lead recruitment of 150 youth participants and mentors. Select and notify shortlisted candidates to be interviewed and compile notes and submit to DC office. Interview shortlisted candidates using application procedures; contribute to participant selection choices, led by Program Officer;
• Communicate with selected participants, ensuring prompt, timely, and clear communication. Ensure participants receive and understand necessary forms required by World Learning and the donor; Collect completed forms and keep organized and complete files in compliance with WL systems;
• Serve as in-country point of contact for participants, their parents, mentors. Conduct orientation sessions with mentors and conduct monthly mentor check-ins using materials developed by World Learning;
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key program stakeholders (private sector companies, community organizations, and education institutions);
• Arrange program events, trainings, and logistics. Oversee program events and logistics undertaken by Program Assistants;
• Promote the program and program themes (youth employment, entrepreneurship, volunteerism, mentoring);
• Manage and supervise part-time program assistants working remotely in program cities; Conduct orientation meetings and weekly check-ins;
• Comply with World Learning’s financial and systems, policies, and procedures. Participate in all training activities for application, administration, and finance processes;
• Submit monthly program reports with complete monitoring and evaluation (M&E) on program activities to DC office;
• Submit monthly detailed expense reports with backup receipts and documentation in a timely manner
• Serve as in-country points of contact for the program with the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad;
• Communicate and coordinate with World Learning’s Country Representative for Iraq;
• Represent World Learning at meetings with universities, ministry, private sector, and community organizations;
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s preferred;
• A minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in the successful implementation of donor-funded youth, economic or workforce development, livelihood, or formal or non-formal education programs;
• Expierence in project coordination, managing work plans and activities for INGOS or NGOs, knowledge of monitoring and evaluation preferred;
• Resident of Kurdistan and strong knowledge of Northern Iraq with rich and extensive network in private sector, community organizations, and universities/technical and vocational schools;
• Demonstrated knowledge establishing systems and leading project start-up under limited time constraints; demonstrated knowledge and expierence implementing USG funded programs;
• Knowledge and awareness of the security situation and ability to assess, navigate, and monitor risks;
• Excellent communication and diplomatic skills with track record of collaborative and responsive management;
• Professional level of verbal and written fluency in English and Arabic required;
• Strong leadership and personnel management skills. Commitment to inclusive programming that encourages full participation of individuals regardless of gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or other marginalized status.

World Learning is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action/veterans/ADA employer, committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.

About the Organization

Why World Learning

Eighty years ago, a group of young Americans sailed to Germany on a cultural exchange program. They returned home with lifelong friendships, a broader understanding of the world, and the ability to empathize with people from other cultures. This was the beginning of The Experiment in International Living. It was also the beginning of World Learning.

The Experiment in International Living is still a vibrant part of World Learning today. But as global needs have grown, World Learning has grown too. Today World Learning operates the SIT graduate school, study abroad programs, and leads international development and civic activism programs throughout the world.

In 60 countries with an annual budget of $145 million, World Learning empowers people and strengthens institutions that help people learn, grow, and thrive.

Nobel Peace Prize winners and heads of parliament have earned master’s degrees at our School of International Training. College students spend a semester abroad in our Study Abroad program. Judges, police officers and other community leaders hone their skills through our international exchanges. Activists in Myanmar learn community organizing through our international development program.