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. Prepare work-plans, coordination plans and budget breakdowns for all stages and parts of the project.
2. Supervise, guide, and coordinate the staff and provide services as per the projects.
3. Follow up on project progress, collect and analyze data, monitor, and assess project implementation on a regular basis.
4. Lead and motivate project teams, delegate tasks, and provide guidance to ensure productivity and cohesion throughout the project lifecycle.
5. ·  Establish and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring their expectations and concerns are addressed throughout the project.
6. Identify potential risks, assess their impact, and develop strategies to mitigate or address them effectively.
7. Monitor project budgets, track expenses, and ensure that the project remains within financial constraints.
8. Address challenges or obstacles that arise during the project, implementing effective solutions to keep the project on track.
9. Track project progress against milestones, key performance indicators (KPIs), and objectives, making adjustments as necessary.
10. Ensure that project deliverables meet the required quality standards and align with organizational , Donor and stakeholder expectations.
11. Conduct evaluations and lessons-learned sessions after project completion, documenting successes and areas for improvement to inform future initiatives.
12. Prepare reports including ad hoc, regular, and monitoring reports on a regular basis.
13. Draft letters, memos and other regular correspondences and translate documents as necessary.
14. Maintain clear and consistent communication with team members, stakeholders, and leadership, providing updates and addressing concerns as needed.
15. Assist the Director of Programs in liaising with the donor, local authorities, and other relevant partners and counterparts.
16. Manage raising awareness, organizing information sessions, and supervising the relevant staff.
17. Coordinate with external experts and coordinate with relevant government and non-government parties.
18. Support in designing and implementing the business plan, training manual, and best practice guide for project applicants.
19. Preparing presentations to update senior management on the project’s progress and showcase the project’s value.
20. Delegating tasks to team members.
21. Organizing and attending stakeholder meetings.
22. Providing administrative support.
23. Organizing project team meetings and ensuring that minutes are recorded.
24. Liaising with stakeholders to determine the project’s objectives.
25. Provide support to other duties.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree or Master 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 on employment assessments, with an understanding of both field data collection and analysis.
5. Strong ability to work with diverse groups/individuals – ranging from local partners, local authorities, the humanitarian community, and the private sector.
6. Proven ability in staff management, donor contracting & budget management.
7. Proven experience managing and working with a diverse team, to achieve results in a timely manner.
8. Experience in operating and accessing to key stakeholders in KRI;
9. Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and MS Office applications.
10. Required competencies: team player, effective communicator, successful negotiator, creative and analytical thinker, active learner, able to work in a multi-cultural environment.
11. Ability to function effectively under stressful conditions such as heavy workloads, extensive travel, and deadlines.

Skills & Abilities

1. Excellent communication and report skills in Kurdish, Arabic (must) and English.
2. Demonstrate good interpersonal communication and teamwork skills
3. Demonstrate good communication skills mainly in English and Kurdish; Arabic is a plus
4. Demonstrate good working knowledge of Microsoft Office programs and project management tools
5. Attention to details, multitasking skills, and working under pressure
6. Commitment to high professional ethical and confidentiality standards in a diverse workplace

Reporting and Monitoring

1. Conducting assessments, information gathering, analyzing data and preparing comprehensive reports about office activities supported by presentations if required
2. Maintain, file and organize documentations related to the project
3. Attention to detail and high level of accuracy

Working conditions

1. Flexible with working hours, working during holidays and under pressure
2. Flexible to attend meetings, conventions, trainings, and workshops outside duty station