Senior Project Specialist – Ministry of Planning and Ministry of Finance, Administrative Reform Project, Iraq

Management Systems International (MSI) is a global international development firm based in Washington, D.C. providing specialized short- and long-term technical assistance. In 2008, MSI joined Coffey International, Ltd., becoming part of Coffey International Development, a global international development consulting firm. Together with Coffey ID, MSI now has more than 1,500 development professionals worldwide, a corporate presence in 11 countries and manages more than 200 projects worldwide. It currently manages more than 20 long-term projects in countries including Iraq, Sudan, Colombia and Russia. Broadly, MSI implements a range of analytical and field projects in its core technical areas, including democracy and governance, strategic management and performance improvement, organizational capacity building, human development and natural resource management. For more information on MSI, please visit our website at www.msiworldwide.com.

Project Summary: 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 management of the project as well as representatives from the Government of Iraq (GOI). This position is designated to work with the Ministry of Planning (MoP) and Ministry of Finance (MoF) team within the Administrative Decentralization component. Work includes a variety of analytical duties, problem-solving, monitoring, and coordination activities as well as establishing and maintaining relationships with GoI counterparts in the designated ministries.

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

Responsibility: • Under guidance of the MoP/MoF team leader, address technical and operational issues facing the designated ministries in pursuit of USAID/Tarabot's objectives. These activities will span across USAID/Tarabot's component departments, including fiscal decentralization, project management, and activities with other ministries. • Supervise the activities of coordinators, assistants, and other staff on the MoP/MoF team as directed. • Develop, maintain and manage contacts with officials from the MoF and MoP in a professional manner, and to serve as a direct liaison of the project when called upon. • Help ascertain technical problems facing the designated ministries, and work to solve issues through the development of straightforward solutions. • Liaise, coordinate, and provide operational assistance as needed to AD team leaders and component advisors to ensure effective delivery of services to GoI counterparts. • Work to facilitate and ensure the successful completion of all of the activities found in the MoP/MoF team's annual work plan. • Collect information and prepare detailed analyses pertaining to the designated ministries for presentation to component management. • Assist the designated team leader to prepare summary reports as necessary to fulfill monitoring and reporting requirements. • Assist with HQ-based administrative and supervisory activities pertaining to the team of ministry-embedded staff in the MoP and MoF. • Carry out other duties as requested by the MoP/MoF team leader or other AD component advisors as requested.

Qualifications:

a. Education: Completion of education resulting in BA/BS degree or higher in Economics, Finance, Statistics, Planning, Public Administration, or another relevant field is required. Additional professional certifications or training will be viewed favorably.

b. Experience: Demonstrated substantial professional-level experience in a professional, technical, or administrative management field is required. Documented prior experience working for or with the MoF or MoP is extremely beneficial. Prior experience with USAID projects is highly desirable.

c. Language Proficiency: Fluency in both Arabic and English in speaking, reading, and writing (Level IV) is required.

d. Knowledge: This position requires some knowledge of the structure, bureaucracy, and day-to-day operations of the MoP and MoF, as well as excellent understanding of GoI culture and ministerial 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.