Senior Project Specialist – Iraq Administrative Reform Project - Service Centers (Babil)

Management Systems International, an international development consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., is implementing the Iraq Administrative Reform Project - Tarabot. The Tarabot project works to improve the functions of the GOI’s public institutions in order to improve services delivery processes through better governance and resource management approaches.

Position Summary: The Senior Specialist is a member of the professional staff of IARP and is expected to provide pertinent expert advice to representatives from the Government of Iraq (GOI) as well as to members of the Administrative Decentralization (AD) component management. This position is designated to work in a regional hub on behalf of the Service Centers Senior Advisor in the USAID/Tarabot AD component. Work includes a variety of analytical duties, problem-solving, monitoring, and complex coordination activities as well as establishing and maintaining relationships with GoI counterparts.

** Please note that this is a local position. Only Iraqi citizens are eligible to apply.**

RESPONSIBILITIES: Under guidance of the Service Centers Senior Advisor, assist various GoI entities in the designated provinces to strengthen their organizations through reform and the introduction of new skills; Coordinate and provide oversight, under the direction of the Service Centers Advisor, to specialists located in the project’s designated provincial offices; Provide technical assistance to GoI counterparts in order to open service centers in your designated region on a pilot basis; Assist in the implementation of improved service delivery systems, including automated systems, software, and hardware in the pilot service center; Develop, maintain and manage contacts with GoI officials in the designated provinces in a professional manner, and to serve as a direct liaison of the project when called upon; Assist the AD component management with their efforts to decentralize services from designated ministries; Liaison, coordinate, and provide assistance as needed to AD ministries team leaders to ensure properly timed, effective delivery of services to GoI counterparts in the provinces; Work to facilitate and ensure the successful completion of activities found in the AD team’s annual work plans; Collect information and prepare detailed analyses pertaining to service delivery inIraqfor presentation to component management; Assist the designated team leader to prepare summary reports to fulfill monitoring and reporting requirements; Carry out other duties as requested by the Service Centers Advisor or other advisors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

a. Education: Completion of education resulting in a BA/BS degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Public Administration or another relevant field is required. Other professional certifications will be viewed favorably. b. Experience: Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in a professional, technical, or administrative management field is required. Documented prior experience working for or with the GoI entities in the designated provinces is extremely beneficial. Prior experience with USAID projects is highly desirable. c. Language Proficiency: Fluency in Arabic and English in speaking, reading, and writing (Level IV) is required. d. Knowledge: This position requires in-depth understanding of GoI practices as well as a strong knowledge of internationally-accepted best practices, such as those detailed by the International Standards Organization (ISO). In turn, this position requires some knowledge of the structure, bureaucracy, and day-to-day operations of the GoI in the provinces and in Babil, as well as excellent understanding of GoI culture and government protocol. Professional knowledge of USAID compliance requirements is also desirable. e. Skills and Abilities: In addition to a technical background in a relevant field, this position requires strong organizational and administrative skills. The ability to present ideas and complex arguments, in writing and in oral presentations, in a logical and persuasive manner, is required. This position will require effective personal-relationship building skills to establish connections with the designated ministries. Ability to work effectively in a team environment is required. Strong computer skills for written document preparation (e.g. Microsoft Word) are required. Strong computer skills for other types of presentations (e.g. Microsoft Powerpoint, Excel) are desirable.

Only candidates who have been selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

To apply, please visit our website: www.msiworldwide.com.