Program Director

Job Description

The Program Director will provide management and operational oversight to a portfolio of programs operating in Iraq, with primary oversight for two key programs and management responsibilities for components of other programs implemented in Iraq. The Program Director will ensure compliance with all contract regulations and USG and IREX financial, procurement, human resources, and subcontracting policies and procedures, and liaise closely with IREX Global Operations and Management (GOM) to ensure compliance with local regulations for operating in Iraq. They will manage program staff and work closely with finance staff.

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

• Minimum of bachelor’s degree (master’s degree highly preferred) in management, education, higher education, business, sustainability, or a related field.
• Minimum of 14+ years of progressive experience or a master’s degree and 13 years of experience.
• In-depth knowledge of Iraq’s education sector, including at least 5 year’s experience working in basic or higher education or workforce development.
• Experience in establishing systems and overseeing program start-up and close-out; overseeing multiple program areas simultaneously; hiring, training and supervision of local personnel; financial management including budgeting; tracking, reporting, and accounting of finances and procurement.
• Demonstrated understanding of finance, contract compliance, sub-contracting and procurement is required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with partners, donors, and other relevant stakeholders and personnel associated with this program is required.
• Excellent management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally and provide written reports in English and Kurdish is required.
• Ability to communicate professionally in Arabic is required.
• Must demonstrate valid proof of unrestricted work authorization in Iraq/Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Your Daily Tasks

• Represent IREX and support its organizational development.  
• In collaboration with the HQ-based Project Director or Project Manager develop and communicate the overall project vision and values to staff, partners, and stakeholders.
• Oversee all components and day-to-day operations of the programs to ensure that activities are delivered on time and on budget while adapting as needed for changing conditions and to maximize progress toward the program objectives and goal.
• In coordination with IREX and the Senior Project Director, establish and ensure implementation of IREX operational policies and procedures and ensure that all operations are in compliance with IREX, USG, and local government regulations.
• Provide strategic leadership to project finance and compliance, procurement and contracting and administration functions.
• Provide direction, guidance, training and coaching to staff to ensure procedures are aligned with best practices and IREX and USG rules and regulations and are implemented effectively.
• Manage effective communication and coordination with IREX Country Operations home-office team.
• Review and provide input for project documents (team workplans, monthly and quarterly reporting and other reports and internal progress reports)
• Serve as IREX’s legal representative in the Kurdistan Region
• Travel throughout Iraq as needed.
• Oversee the workplan and task management for assigned programs and support staff to prioritize as needed based on changing context.
• Represent IREX in regular meetings with key stakeholders including education partners, private sector partners, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), and with donors and clients including the U.S. Embassy and Consulate, and the Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
• Accountable for the budget of assigned programs.
• Provide oversight for Iraq financial operations.
• Track new opportunities for IREX in Iraq and contributes to the design and development of proposals for new funding.
• Directly manage key staff.
• Provide technical and management guidance across the team.
• Other duties as assigned.

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

About the Organization

Who We Are

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $150 million and more than 750 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.