Job Title: Technical Advisor II – Governance, Iraq

Job Location: Baghdad

Reports to: Head of Programming

Salary Grade: 10

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary

Responsible for engagement with government and civil society, you will be based in Baghdad, providing technical advice, guidance, and support to CRS Iraq leadership and its local partners in the capital and governorates in South and Central Iraq on a wide range of issues in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices.

Your strong network or relationships, technical knowledge, advice and guidance will contribute to determining how effective, adaptive and innovative CRS’ programming is as we increase partnerships and programs particularly in central and southern Federal Iraq with the strategic goal of contributing to a more resilient and participatory democracy.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with CRS senior leadership (Country Representative, Chief of Party, Head of Programming and Operations) to contribute to the implementation of CRS Iraq strategic action plans and priorities including standards, tools, and best practices particularly in Civic Engagement and Social Cohesion projects that effectively engage partners, donors and government.
• Establish and maintain relationships with donors, peer organizations, research and other institutions. Participate in forums in the area of Civic Engagement to collect and share best practices and promote CRS’ work.
• Contribute to capacity strengthening initiatives in Civic Engagement programming for staff and partners through developing learning and training strategies and agendas/curriculums, conducting trainings and workshops, and mentoring and coaching.
• Contribute to knowledge management and learning through collecting and analyzing program data, evaluating strategic projects, assisting with measuring program impact, capturing and sharing lessons learned and best practices, and research and internal reports.

Help ensure a cross-sectoral approach to elevating civic literacy through integrating gender and protection mainstreaming.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in International Development, Law, Human Rights, Peace Building, Conflict Management, Political Science, Public Administration or other related field;
• Minimum five (5) years of relevant professional experience managing and implementing rule of law, democracy, human rights and governance projects;
• Previous experience implementing USAID/USG-funded programs, especially in civic engagement
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation and training applying adult learning principles and practices.
• Experience with program monitoring and evaluation, including applying data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written;
• Fluency in English and Arabic is required.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, knowledge-sharing networks.

 Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 40% of the time, primarily to different governorates in Central and Southern Iraq.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
• Strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented

Preferred Qualifications

• Iraqi nationals are strongly preferred and encouraged to apply;
• Significant prior experience with relationship building with Iraqi government officials;
• Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based and civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and partner with communities, civil society organizations, and government representatives, donors and other stakeholders;
• Strong experience in conflict sensitivity, protection mainstreaming, and maintaining project adherence to Do No Harm;
• Strong diplomatic and negotiation skills;

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.