JOB DESCRIPTION

Project title: ‘’EU Facility supporting policy dialogue and technical assistance in Iraq’’

Brief description of the project: The specific objective of this assignment is to strengthen public institutions and develop capacities for policymaking, planning, and implementation in view of engaging with non-state actors, responding to citizens’ needs and contributing to general socio-economic development including domestic revenue mobilization. Within this framework, the purpose of this contract is to provide on-demand technical assistance open to all Government entities targeted by EU interventions in Iraq through EU Special Measures and the EU multi-annual indicative program 2021-2026, as well as technical assistance directly to the EU delegation and support to the EU delegation for policy dialogue.

For an assignment: EU Team Europe Initiative (TEI): Supporting Iraq’s Digital Transformation

DAI is looking to recruit: NKE 2: SENIOR NON-KEY EXPERT: NATIONAL DIGITAL GOVERNANCE EXPERT (LOCAL EXPERT)

ASSIGNMENT PURPOSE

• To support Iraq’s inclusive, sustainable, and secure digital transformation by strengthening governance, connectivity, and innovation, in alignment with EU values and standards, and the principles of the Global Gateway and Digital for Development (D4D) approach.
  The initiative seeks to foster a digital ecosystem that promotes transparency, accountability, and economic diversification, while enhancing social inclusion and service delivery through effective use of digital technologies.

ASSIGNMENT OBJECTIVES AND OUTPUTS

1. Enhance Coordination and Policy Coherence
2. Support Digital Governance and Institutional Capacity
3. Promote Reliable, Inclusive, and Affordable Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity
4. Advance E-Government and Citizen-Centric Digital Services
5. Mainstream Cross-Cutting Priorities

EXPECTED RESULTS:

1. Operational Team Europe Coordination Platform established, holding regular coordination meetings, facilitating coherent EU engagement with Iraqi authorities, and enabling joint planning and visibility actions.
2. Joint Programming Framework and Team Europe Roadmap developed and adopted by the EU and Member States, identifying priority areas and coordinated interventions.
3. Institutional capacities strengthened in key ministries and agencies, resulting in improved policy formulation, digital governance, and service delivery mechanisms.
4. Enhanced digital infrastructure, including expanded broadband access and interoperable government systems, leading to improved connectivity and service reliability.
5. Increased digital inclusion of youth, women, and vulnerable populations through targeted capacity-building and access programs.
6. Cybersecurity and data protection systems improved, including the operationalization of a National CERT and adoption of regulatory frameworks consistent with EU and international best practices.
7. Greater alignment and visibility of European support to Iraq’s digital transformation, reinforcing the EU’s role as a strategic and trusted partner.

The expert will carry out the following tasks:

• The experts will provide technical, analytical, and coordination support to guide the conceptualization, design, and initial implementation of the TEI, in close collaboration with the EU Delegation to Iraq (EUD), participating EU Member States, and relevant Iraqi institutions.
• The Local Expert will support the Team Leader in data collection, stakeholder engagement, and contextual analysis, ensuring that the TEI design reflects Iraq’s institutional realities and national priorities.
  He/she will:
  • Conduct desk reviews and stakeholder interviews with Iraqi ministries, agencies, and private sector actors.
  • Support the mapping of national and donor-led digital initiatives.
  • Contribute to the drafting of analytical sections of the Team Europe Roadmap and other deliverables.
  • Facilitate communication and coordination with local stakeholders (MoC, MoP, COMSEC, etc.).
  • Support the organization of consultations, workshops, and validation meetings.
  • Provide contextual insights on governance structures, regulatory environment, and digital ecosystem challenges.

Qualifications, experience, and skills required:

• Education:
  • University degree (Bachelor’s or higher) in ICT, Public Administration, ICT Policy, Political Science, Economics, or another relevant field.
• Professional Experience:
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in governance, ICT policy, or digital transformation initiatives in Iraq.
  • Proven knowledge of Iraqi public institutions, national digital strategies, and ICT regulatory frameworks.
  • Experience working with or supporting international development partners (EU, UNDP, World Bank, etc.) in similar assignments.
  • Experience in organizing multi-stakeholder consultations and supporting coordination among government entities.
  • Familiarity with Iraq’s cybersecurity, data protection, and e-government landscape.
• Skills and Competencies:
  • Strong analytical and research skills with attention to policy and institutional dynamics.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with government and development partners.
  • Strong drafting and reporting skills in English and Arabic.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Language Requirements:
  • Fluency in Arabic (required).
  • Working proficiency in English (required).
• Level of Effort:
  • Approximately 44 working days over 16 weeks.

Duration of the assignment: 44 working days
Period of the assignment: December 2025 – March 2026.
Place of assignment: Baghdad, Republic of Iraq

The interested candidates are invited to submit their CVs in English no later than 21st of November!

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted!

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements