Relief International (RI), an international relief and development agency with cross-sectoral programs bridging relief and development, is currently recruiting Program Director candidates for a two-year program in Iraq focusing on women’s empowerment and economic development. The innovative program, funded by the U.S. State Department and implemented in partnership with Kiva.org and the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, will expand women-driven growth in the small and medium enterprise (SME) sector by targeting 50 women-led SMEs in three governorates. In addition to receiving credit, the female entrepreneurs will benefit from targeted technical assistance designed to stimulate growth in their businesses and encourage their civic participation. This two-pronged approach will encourage the growth of the middle class in Iraq ultimately leading to a more stable democracy. The position will be based in Sulaymaniyah or Erbil, Iraq.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Program Director will work on the day-to-day implementation and management of the WLIFT (Women Leveraging the Internet for Financial Transformation) program. Responsibilities will include:
• Providing overall guidance and direction to the WLIFT team in collaboration with the Country Director and the Executive Director of Microfinance in order to achieve agreed upon targets and long-term strategic objectives; • Identifying challenges and implementing solutions to keep activities on track and ensure program quality; • Monitoring, evaluating, and documenting the program according to project objectives; • Overseeing the program’s finances in collaboration with the Country Finance Manager to ensure that activities are delivered within budget; • Providing written weekly and quarterly reports to headquarters; • Supervising national staff working on the WLIFT program.
QUALIFICATIONS: • At least ten years of progressively responsible training experience in the field of MSME lending and/or the strengthening of microfinance institutions. Experience working on lending programs focused on women is preferred.
• At least five years of managerial experience implementing complex donor-funded projects. Experience working on State Department programs is preferred. • At least two years of experience working in the Middle East and/or a post-conflict setting. • Graduate degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Economics, or related field. • Arabic language skills are highly desirable.
• At least five years of managerial experience implementing complex donor-funded projects. Experience working on State Department programs is preferred. • At least two years of experience working in the Middle East and/or a post-conflict setting. • Graduate degree in Development Studies, International Relations, Economics, or related field. • Arabic language skills are highly desirable.
How to apply:
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: To be considered for this recruitment, please submit a cover letter, references, writing sample and resume with the date of availability to hrdevelopment@ri.org. The email subject line should include the following: WLIFT Program Director.
