Technical Officer - Banking Sector

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 worldwide. 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 3,300 employees. The ILO is committed to promoting gender equality and diversity among its staff and actively encourages 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, a project funded by KFW. This five-year project aims to enhance access to financial services for both existing and start-up SMEs, thereby improving job creation, particularly for youth and women. The Technical Officer will play a crucial role in implementing project components related to access to finance for SMEs, focusing on building the capacity of Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) to develop SME-specific financial products and services. The role involves collaborating with national partners, conducting assessments, and providing technical support to ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices. The incumbent will report to the Chief Technical Advisor and work under the supervision of the ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq, receiving guidance from the Regional Enterprise Specialist and other units within the ILO.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) in implementing project components related to access to finance for SMEs, focusing on PFIs. This includes developing SME-specific products, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and training staff.
• Identify and negotiate with potential national project partners, establishing cooperation agreements to facilitate systemic change in the financial sector.
• Conduct compliance and AML/CFT assessments of PFIs, ensuring adherence to Central Bank of Iraq regulations and international standards.
• Support ICBG and PFIs in developing compliance policies and monitoring tools.
• Prepare and submit technical reports on project implementation for donors and partners.
• Coordinate with other agencies on entrepreneurship development activities and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
• Draft and provide technical input for policy briefs and knowledge products.
• Share good practices and lessons learned in the field of SMEs and financial inclusion.
• Prepare training materials and deliver training sessions on banking compliance and AML/CFT. 1
• Participate in national and international forums to promote the ILO's approach to financial inclusion and entrepreneurship. 1
• Organize meetings and events related to access to finance and entrepreneurship. 1
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

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 a relevant field, combined with two additional years of relevant experience, will be accepted. Candidates should have a strong understanding of SMEs development, financial inclusion, and entrepreneurship, as well as knowledge of banking compliance and AML/CFT frameworks. Excellent communication and analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced level university degree (master’s or equivalent) in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Development Studies, or other relevant fields. A first-level university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent) in one of the aforementioned fields, along with two additional years of relevant experience, will also be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least five years of relevant professional experience at the national and/or international level, particularly within the banking sector. This experience should include access to finance for SMEs, local economic development, and entrepreneurship. Familiarity with ILO enterprise development work is an asset, as is experience in banking compliance, AML/CFT, and conducting compliance assessments of financial institutions.

Languages:
The position requires an excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract type is Fixed Term, with a duration of one year and the possibility of extension based on various factors, including the availability of funds 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 form, and candidates may be contacted for a written test or interview. The ILO has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual exploitation and abuse and conducts background verifications for candidates under consideration.