Chief of Party - IQ Talent Marketplace

About the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.

Primary Function/Purpose

IFES is seeking a Chief of Party (CoP) for the five-year, USAID-funded Civic Engagement Activity in Iraq. The goal of this activity is to increase Iraqi citizens’ confidence in democracy, by promoting an environment where they are more informed, engaged, and active participants in Iraq’s democratic processes. This includes fostering awareness of governmental processes, promoting access to accurate media content, facilitating increased engagement with government entities at various levels, and empowering citizens to participate in public life. The activity is estimated at $30M and anticipated to start in February 2025.

The CoP will serve as IFES’ primary in-country representative and will be responsible for overall program implementation and achievement of USAID objectives. The CoP will provide vision and technical leadership, direct technical implementation, and maintain proactive contacts with stakeholders and the international community and oversee the management of the IFES country office in Baghdad, Iraq. The CoP will report to IFES’ Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

This is a full-time position based in Baghdad, Iraq and is contingent upon award.

Job Responsibilities

Technical Direction and Program Implementation:

• Serve as IFES’ senior technical advisor for the Civic Engagement Activity, providing technical support and advice to relevant program stakeholders and partners including but not limited to democracy champions, civil society organizations, university stakeholders, and other local partners.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and evaluation of program strategies and activities; evaluate strategies and activities on an ongoing basis to ensure maximum impact, proactively identifying appropriate next steps.
• Prepare and manage the implementation of the project annual work plan in fulfillment of the project’s strategic objectives and goals, and within the allocated budget.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with local stakeholders and the donor community to ensure successful implementation of the project and avoid duplication of efforts.
• Coordinate closely with project partners on program components.
• Lead development of technical reports, briefing papers, and IFES thought pieces, both program and non-program specific.
• Identify additional technical needs in-country, contributing to the development of project proposals, and engaging with the international donor community.
• Represent IFES in global, regional, national and sub-national events and in international meetings, at donor meetings and other fundraising activities, as speaker and/or spokesperson for IFES.
• Ensure the highest quality of program monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and communications.

Management

• Oversee the day-to-day management of IFES’ project and office operations in Iraq.
• Ensure, in conjunction with HQ team, compliance with IFES and donor rules and regulations.
• Oversee the recruitment and management of in-country office staff, as well as local and international technical consultants.
• Ensure the country office team is structured and resourced appropriately to ensure successful program implementation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Regional Director.

Position Scope

Under the guidance of, and reporting to, the MENA Regional Director, the CoP serves as primary in-country representative and directs the technical implementation of IFES programming in Iraq. In conjunction with HQ, ensures compliance with IFES and donor rules and regulations. Recommends policies, controls and procedures to guide performance. Leads project planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

Decision Making/Problem Solving

Identifies and analyzes problems or discrepancies affecting own work or work products. Works to overcome barriers and constructively deal with unexpected challenging situations. Develops or supports the introduction of new and improved methods or procedures, based on knowledge of procedures and logic.

Evaluates risk factors with potential to disrupt achievement of strategic goals and sets appropriate course of action in response. Investigates and analyzes current information from various sources and in various formats to inform decision making and the development of protocols and procedures. Leads development and oversees implementation of strategies to track and mitigate risk and its potential impact.

Fiscal Responsibility

Ensures the completion of program tasks in a timely manner and within the allocated budget. Provides input to HQ to determine budget projections and works with HQ to develop rectification plan to address variances. Ensures compliance with IFES and donors’ rules and regulations, particularly with regard to fiscal management. Oversees and approves local and international procurement in accordance with IFES policies, donors’ rules and regulations, and budget. Authority to regularly make purchases and incur expenses, subject to established controls and procedures.

RELATIONSHIPS: Serves as primary in-country representative of IFES with local and international actors. Develops, manages and maintains collaborative working relationships with senior level stakeholders within and outside IFES to ensure timely and successful achievement of projects’ goals and objectives. Represents IFES in global, regional, national and sub-national events and in international meetings, and at donor events and fundraising activities, as a spokesperson for IFES.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervises and mentors local staff and provides oversight and management of consultants and experts.

Education

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in international politics, international development, public policy, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 12 years’ experience in implementing democracy, human rights and governance programs, with an emphasis on civic engagement and advancing democratic culture.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience with USAID-funded activities in related program area.
• Familiarity with political, economic and social context within the Middle East and North Africa.
• Proven track record with democracy and governance programming in developing or transitioning countries; solid experience working with civil society and in designing and implementing civic programs.
• Strong experience in civic education and working with educational institutions.
• Demonstrated experience as an interlocutor on civic engagement with civil society organizations and representatives of government.
• Familiarity with the international donor community and experience as an action-oriented interlocutor with democracy-development actors at all levels.
• Demonstrated knowledge of USAID regulations and the implementation of USAID-funded project activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge in proposal and report writing and management of budgets.
• Prior regional experience strongly preferred.

Related Knowledge And Skills

• Prior experience managing an international office in a politically sensitive, fast paced and challenging environment.
• Ability and skills to promote and inspire effective collaboration between individuals, organizations and networks, demonstrating strong diplomacy skills and cultural sensitivity.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills to meet the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Experience living and working overseas, preferably within the MENA region and/or other transition environments.
• Knowledge of local/regional politics and development preferred.
• Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in English and Arabic required (written and spoken)

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

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