Project Summary

This project aims to empower disadvantaged youth in Duhok Governorate, Iraq, by enhancing access to quality learning and skill development opportunities. It involves the establishment of three Innovation Labs in Sumel, Shiekhan, and Duhok Youth and Sports Centers. These Labs will act as hubs for education, innovation, and entrepreneurship, providing dynamic spaces for young people to learn and grow.

Using a comprehensive UNICEF curriculum, the project will deliver tailored training programs in innovation, life skills, digital skills, and entrepreneurship. Both online and offline training will ensure inclusivity and accessibility, supported by the Learning Passport platform for peer-to-peer education and skill-building.

To further promote youth empowerment, the initiative will offer seed funding, mentorship programs, and employment services. Youth will have opportunities to pitch their innovative ideas in competitions, with selected projects receiving funding and support for implementation. The project will also establish Youth Advisory Groups in each location, enabling young people to participate in decision-making processes and community development.

Sustainability will be ensured by building the capacity of government-supported community center staff and creating a peer-to-peer education network. By fostering entrepreneurship, social cohesion, and active participation in economic and social life, the project will empower youth as agents of change in their communities.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

1. Manage the project and supervise the team in the relevant governorate,
2. Act as an integral part of the department/office by contributing ideas and initiatives,
3. Conduct field assessments and surveys as well as collect and analyze data to assist in project designing,
4. Organize in the allocation of resources, including personnel, equipment, and budgets, to meet project needs.
5. Act as a liaison between project team members, ensuring effective communication and collaboration to achieve project milestones.
6. Preparing detailed work-plans and budget breakdowns for the phases of the project,
7. Identify and address any issues or obstacles that may arise during the project lifecycle to keep the project on track.
8. Ensure that coordination between various project teams, donor representatives, stakeholders, and other sections are well maintained,
9. Maintain open and consistent communication with stakeholders, providing regular updates and addressing their concerns or inquiries.
10. Monitor the quality of work being delivered, ensuring it meets agreed-upon standards and project objectives.
11. Build a strong team by cultivating relationships between units and managing individual team members for the success of the entire project,
12. Assign tasks to team members, monitor their progress, and ensure deadlines are met efficiently.
13. Follow up projects progress, monitor and assess projects implementation, and prepare regular and ad hoc reports,
14. Manage documentation of the project phases and ensure that all documents are archived in orderly manner,
15. Perform other duties as assigned by the direct Supervisors.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in project management or business administration field
2. At least three years of working experience in/with NGO/INGO.
3. Proven experience in applying results-based management projects.
4. Experience in leading  Experience in innovation creation centers and entrepreneurial ecosystems, including designing and implementing programs Strong ability to work with diverse groups/individuals – ranging from local partners, local authorities, the humanitarian community, and the private sector.
5. Proven ability in staff management, donor contracting & budget management.
6. Proven experience managing and working with a diverse team, to achieve results in a timely manner.
7. Experience in operating and accessing to key stakeholders in KRI;
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and MS Office applications.
9. Required competencies: team player, effective communicator, successful negotiator, creative and analytical thinker, active learner, able to work in a multi-cultural environment.
10. Ability to function effectively under stressful conditions such as heavy workloads, extensive travel, and deadlines.

Skills & Abilities

1. Excellent in using Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-mail, and Internet,
2. Excellent interpersonal and verbal and non-verbal communication skills,
3. Excellent language skills of Kurdish, Arabic and English,
4. Perform independently and as a part of the team,
5. Dedicated, problem solving ability, dependable and flexible to multitasking,
6. Result oriented skills and good quality of work,
7. Knowledge in file management, transcription and other administrative procedures,
8. Ability to maintain the highest degree of discretion and confidentiality,
9. Ability to work on various computer software applications,
10. Open to suggestions, collaborative team work style and commitment to get the job done,
11. Ability to look at situations and find solutions from a broader perspective.

Reporting & Monitoring

1. Conducting assessments, information gathering, analyzing data and preparing comprehensive reports about office relevant activities and projects to management supported by presentations if required,
2. Attention to detail and high level of accuracy,
3. Provide ad hoc and regular reports including progress, monitoring, analysis and recommendations on a regular basis to the direct supervisor.

Working conditions

1. Flexible with working hours, working during holidays and under pressure
2. Able to travel within the country and overseas