Technical Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce of approximately 3,400 employees. The ILO is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity within its workforce, actively encouraging applications from women and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Technical Officer position is part of the ILO's initiative to promote Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq, specifically through a project funded by KFW. This five-year project aims to enhance access to financial services for both existing and start-up SMEs, with a focus on creating job opportunities for youth and women. The Technical Officer will play a crucial role in implementing project components related to access to finance for SMEs, working closely with Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) to build their capacity in developing SME-specific financial products and procedures. The role requires collaboration with national partners and stakeholders to ensure effective project execution and to contribute to the overall objective of improving Iraq's private sector development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Officer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including assisting the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) in implementing project components, building capacity among PFIs, developing action plans for project activities, identifying and negotiating with national project partners, preparing technical reports, coordinating with other agencies on entrepreneurship development, drafting policy briefs and reports, synthesizing good practices, preparing training materials, participating in stakeholder consultations, and organizing meetings and events related to access to finance and entrepreneurship. The role also involves providing technical support and advice to national implementing partners and ensuring compliance with ILO policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced level university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Development Studies, or a related field. Alternatively, a first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of these fields, combined with an additional two years of relevant experience, will be accepted. The position requires at least five years of relevant professional experience at the national or international level, particularly within the banking sector, focusing on access to finance for SMEs and local economic development. Experience working directly with financial institutions is mandatory, and familiarity with ILO enterprise development work is considered an asset.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Economics, Finance, or Development Studies. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in these fields, along with additional relevant experience, may also be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of financial services and SME development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience, which should include significant exposure to the banking sector and a focus on access to finance for SMEs. Candidates should have experience in local economic development, entrepreneurship, and business start-up development, including the provision of non-financial business development services. Direct experience working with financial institutions is essential, and familiarity with the ILO's enterprise development initiatives will be advantageous.

Languages:
Candidates must have an excellent command of both written and spoken English and Arabic. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, including national partners, financial institutions, and project beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension based on the availability of funds, the continuing need for the functions, and satisfactory performance. The ILO values diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The recruitment process includes an online application, and candidates may be contacted for written tests or interviews. The ILO has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background verifications for candidates under consideration. Additionally, the ILO does not charge any fees during the recruitment process.