Nature Iraq - www.natureiraq.org
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) directs operations of Nature Iraq, an Iraqi, non-profit organization focused on environmental conservation and restoration in Iraq. Accountable to the Board of Directors, the CEO is responsible for overseeing the operational management of Nature Iraq, as well as the administration of programming, in order to achieve the organization’s mission and vision.
Organization Description
Nature Iraq is an Iraqi non-governmental organization registered in Iraq, accredited to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Iraq’s first and only Affiliate to Birdlife International. We work to protect, restore, and preserve Iraq’s natural environment and the rich cultural heritage it nourishes. Nature Iraq maintains offices and staff in Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan Iraq, Chibaish, Southern Iraq and Baghdad, Central Iraq. This position will be based out of the Sulaimaniyah office but will require travel throughout the country.
Our Mission Nature Iraq was created to protect, restore, and preserve Iraq’s natural environment and the rich cultural heritage that it nourishes. Our mission includes fulfillment of the following goals:
- Improve the capacity of Iraq’s institutions to protect its environment, including local and national governmental and non-governmental bodies, along with universities, colleges, and scientific institutes.
- Develop a scientific database of environmental conditions and trends within Iraq through environmental monitoring and research programs focusing on water resources, ecology, and biodiversity.
- Encourage environmental awareness and stewardship of Iraq’s environment by promoting community-based environmental centers and clubs, developing environmental education programs in Iraq, and maintaining global awareness of Iraq’s environment.
- Promote the sustainable use of Iraq’s environment and resources, respect and balance the traditional use of the environment by indigenous inhabitants, preserve wildlife and biodiversity, and address the economic needs of both local inhabitants and the nation.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
• Fiscal and development management (40%): Developing budgets, reviewing finances, setting fiscal policies, and assist the Board of Directors (BoD) in development, fundraising and grants management. • Organizational administration (50%): Managing and oversight of administrative, logistics and technical staff in Chibaish, Baghdad and Sulaimani including setting staff policies, interviewing and hiring staff as needed, conducting regular staff reviews. • Stakeholder Relations (10%): Developing and maintaining relations with funders, project partners, clients, and the general public.
Fiscal and Development Management (40%) • Review monthly financial statements prepared by the accountant/bookkeeper on all Nature Iraq accounts, project funds, and endowment before regular submission to the BoD. Ensure that yearly audits of Nature Iraq accounts are accomplished. • Lead the yearly budget planning process for staff and BoD. • Oversee grant-related finances and outcomes working with the BoD, managers and staff to assess the current status of grants, progress toward goals, objectives, deliverables, grant report deadlines and project funding. Leading and/or overseeing the grant writing/fundraising process including developing proposals, identifying grant deliverables, coordinating plans to achieve results, fulfilling budget requirements, and generating required grant reports. • Work with BoD, Project Managers and all staff to develop new funding proposals.
Organizational Administration (50%) • Provide updates to the BoD through a written monthly report, organize and attend regular BoD meetings, and coordinate direct staff reports, as needed. • Evaluate the administrative, logistic and technical staff in the regional offices. • Oversee staff/projects management and coordination to achieve Nature Iraq goals and objectives. • Participate in strategic planning with BoD, staff and partners.
Stakeholder Relations (10%) • Serve as spokesperson for Nature Iraq to the government, media, and the general public and represent NI at international, regional and national-level meetings. • Cultivate positive member and donor relations through e-mail/phone correspondence, grant reports and speaking events. • Maintain relationships with funders, key political and community partners, primary collaborators, contractors and general members to strengthen Nature Iraq’s environmental and sustainable development programming and profile. • Communicate the organization’s vision and mission to stakeholders through our website, newsletters, public presentations and community-based media channels. • Travel as needed in these capacities.
Qualification Requirements 1. Applicant must be bilingual in Arabic/English, and must possess excellent English writing skills to write documents such as grants, professional letters, and reports. Kurdish language skills are a plus. 2. Applicant must have a combination of training and work experience, preferably with a Masters degree or higher. 3. Applicant must be an Iraqi expatriate or national.
Experience & Skills Desired • 5+ years of executive experience including supervision of multiple employees, demonstrating outstanding leadership and management capacity. Strong leader who motivates others and can negotiate agreements between stakeholders in an Iraqi context. • Professional non-profit fundraising and development experience. At least 2 years at a director level, with a demonstrated track record of success. Small and startup non-profit environments a plus. • Experience with financial responsibility and budgeting for small or medium organizations. • Ability to travel easily internationally is desirable.
How to apply:
Application Information Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and three letters of references toinfo@natureiraq.org. Email applications preferred. Please, no phone calls. Position is open until filled. Interviews begin immediately. More information on Nature Iraq can be found on our website atwww.natureiraq.org
