Project Manager (div/f/m) - IQ Talent Marketplace

The Berghof Foundation is an independent, non-profit organization supporting people in conflict in their efforts to achieve sustainable peace through conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Headquartered in Berlin, the organization is run by a diverse team and works with local partners around the world.

Berghof Foundation is seeking a project manager in Basra to support with enhanced community and climate resilience in Iraq through inclusive dialogues, community-based youth advisory mechanisms, and sustainable infrastructure initiatives addressing climate security risks.

The project entails a number of components mainly:

• Create a joint space in a rehabilitated social infrastructure for inclusive climate-security activities in Al-Zubair, fostering a culture of cooperation and dialogue.
  • Enhance capacities and awareness of youth in Al-Zubair in relation to climate security.
  • Increase community resilience to one jointly identified climate-related security risk (e.g., through improvement of water infrastructure) in Al-Hatamiyah sub-district.

Your main tasks:

• Project Implementation: Lead the successful implementation of the project in Iraq, including overseeing the physical rehabilitation of the Zubair youth center, its various workstreams and activities such as workplans, annual plans, and MEL implementation. Ensure that all project activities are executed according to plan, on time, and within budget.
• Integration and Coordination: Ensure the integration of the project within the wider country/regional program.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Regularly consult with stakeholders and partners, and take the lead in designing, facilitating, and implementing multi-stakeholder dialogues and initiatives. Maintain a proactive engagement strategy to ensure stakeholder buy-in and collaboration.
• Logistical Coordination: With support from the procurement focal point, manage all logistical oversight for project activities, ensuring that resources are efficiently allocated and that all events and activities are smoothly executed.
• Donor Reporting and Proposals: In coordination with the Project Manager in Berlin, co-lead the preparation of donor reports, concept notes, and project proposals. Ensure a consolidated plan is in place for the entire project cycle, including accurate financial calculations and adherence to donor requirements.
• Local Partner Management: As the in-country project lead, maintain regular communication with all local partners to ensure accuracy and quality in project implementation. Provide guidance and support to partners to build their capacity and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Conflict Analysis and Monitoring: Conduct regular conflict analysis, monitoring, and assessment of the conflict dynamics in selected governorates. Utilize this analysis to adapt project strategies and ensure relevance to the evolving context.
• Internal Coordination and Communication: Ensure excellent coordination and communication with local project, partners, and all project stakeholders within the organization, including regional departments, MEL, communications, finance, and others. Foster a collaborative environment that supports project success.
• Travel: Frequent travel within Iraq is required to the project’s areas of operations (e.g., Salahaddin), with limited travel outside of Iraq if needed.

Your knowledge, experiences and skills:

• Educational Background: You hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university in a relevant field such as Peace and Conflict Studies, Political Science, International Relations, or a related discipline.
• Relevant Work Experience: You have over 5 years of relevant work experience in project management, with a strong emphasis on regional expertise in Iraq.
• Familiarity and experience with Infrastructure and rehabilitation regulations and implementation would be a strong asset.
• Regional Expertise: You bring substantial expertise and a deep understanding of the political, social, and cultural dynamics of Iraq.
• Remote Communication & Cooperation: You have proven experience in managing projects and teams remotely, demonstrating strong communication and coordination skills across different locations.
• Language Proficiency: You possess excellent verbal and written language skills in both English and Arabic, enabling you to effectively communicate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Liaison Experience: You have experience liaising with high-level authorities and key individuals, demonstrating the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships.
• Technical Skills: You are proficient in using Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, and Teams, to manage project documentation, reporting, and virtual collaboration.

Additional skills:

• Strong ability to co-lead a project and to work with a partner organization
• Strong communication skills via online and hybrid formats
• Curiosity and strong empathetic/intercultural skills
• Ability to work under time-pressure
• You have experience in project MEL and adaptive programming

What you can expect from us:

• Highly experienced and engaged community of practice
• Highly relevant, insightful and challenging tasks
• Confidence based flexible working hours
• Flexibility regarding office vs. mobile working solutions
• If needed – advisory services regarding visa matters and travel conditions