Country Representative, Iraq

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Position Title: Country Representative, Iraq
Location: Erbil
Country: Iraq
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. With a commitment to local leadership and partnerships, CRS aims to deliver impactful programs that address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Country Representative for Iraq will be responsible for the overall leadership and management of CRS operations in the country. This includes overseeing personnel, programs, financial resources, and relationships with various stakeholders such as NGO partners, government entities, and donors. The representative will guide the development of new programs, enhance staff and partner capacities, and ensure that CRS's mission and strategic objectives are met. The role requires a proactive approach to managing security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security risks and ensuring the safety of staff and operations. The representative will also play a crucial role in advancing CRS's reputation and impact in Iraq, particularly in the context of ongoing recovery and sustainable development efforts following conflict.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Country Representative will lead the vision, mission, and strategy for CRS Iraq, ensuring alignment with medium and long-term goals. Responsibilities include overseeing program implementation, guiding the development of new initiatives in humanitarian relief, social cohesion, and capacity building, and ensuring program quality through effective monitoring and evaluation systems. The representative will manage a senior management team, promote a culture of continuous learning, and ensure compliance with donor regulations and local laws. Additionally, the representative will represent CRS to local authorities, negotiate funding opportunities, and foster strategic partnerships with national and international organizations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field, along with at least 10 years of experience managing complex programs. Preferred qualifications include eight years of progressively responsible management experience in politically sensitive environments, effective leadership skills, and a proven track record in resource acquisition and partnership building. Familiarity with the Middle East context is advantageous, as is the ability to represent CRS's Catholic, American identity effectively.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as International Development or International Relations is required for this position. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of international humanitarian work and the strategic management of programs in challenging environments.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in managing complex programs, with a strong preference for candidates who have at least eight years of relevant management experience in politically sensitive operating environments. This experience should encompass personnel, program, and financial management, demonstrating the ability to lead effectively in diverse and challenging contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this role, while proficiency in Arabic is considered a plus. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance the representative's capacity to engage with local communities, partners, and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Erbil, Iraq, and may require extensive travel within the country as well as occasional travel to regional or global events. The role is full-time and involves significant leadership responsibilities, including the supervision of senior management staff. CRS is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, and adheres to equal opportunity employment practices.