Iraq Project Manager

Handicap International is looking for Project Manager

COUNTRY : Iraq CITY : Erbil Starting date : 02/01/2012 Length of the assignment : 12 months Closing date for application : 27/11/2011 Advertisement reference : PMErbil

Handicap International is an independent and impartial international aid organisation working in situations of poverty and exclusion, conflict and disaster. Working alongside persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups, our action and testimony are focused on responding to their essential needs, improving their living conditions and promoting respect for their dignity and their fundamental rights. Handicap International is a not-for-profit organisation with no religious or political affiliation. It operates as a federation made up of a network of associations that provide it with human and financial resources, manage its projects and implement its actions and social mission. For more details on the association: http://www.handicap-international.fr/en/s/index.html

JOB CONTEXT: In Kurdistan Regional Governorate, where HI (Handicap International) mission is based, overall situation and the living conditions are far better than in the rest of the country.

At the moment HI is implementing (or planning to start) the following projects in Iraq: - The Multi stakeholder initiative (MSI) to improve access to rehabilitation services in Kurdistan region (North Iraq); the present position is hired within this project. - The Community Based Mine Risk Education project (North and South Iraq).

The general situation of the project is much stable at mid course (of the 4 years-long project) and implementation is well on track and clear.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Within HI’s Middle East programme and under the direct line management of the Head of Mission in Iraq, you are responsible for the implementation of all the activities under the project. You manage a small team based in Erbil, consisting of a national project officer and a project assistant.

The position will maintain the active presence of Handicap International in Kurdistan through the most efficient implementation of the project with the several stakeholders, with developing and keeping links at distance with stakeholders in the rest of the country. The position covers large scope of domains of intervention: access to services and multi-stakeholders dynamic, information management, capacity building, professional training of rehabilitation technicians, awareness raising and advocacy.

As project manager of the MSI project you:

• ensure effective communication and coordination between HI, HI’s partners and disability stakeholders in order to ensure cooperation and effective project implementation in a complex environment
• develop and support a network of relevant stakeholders: authorities, service providers, Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) of the Kurdistan region
• ensure the quality of activities implemented and that monitoring and reporting are conducted in a timely manner
• ensure that budget is efficiently managed and logistics and administrative matters related to project are managed smoothly and efficiently
• guarantee that project human resources are efficiently managed in accordance with HI procedures and regulations
• contribute to smooth running and development of HI mission in Iraq

CANDIDATE PROFILE: You have a University degree in Political Sciences, Social Sciences, International development or other relevant field You have a previous experience in project management (knowledge of project cycle management and logical framework approach) You have strong networking skills and experience in liaising with a wide range of stakeholders (authorities, service providers, PwDs and DPOs) You are able to work in a stressful environment

Complementary: A physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy background would be an asset

REQUIRED LANGUAGE SKILLS: Excellent written & spoken English

JOB ENVIRONMENT: The post is based in Erbil where threats on security are low, but still existent. Life in Erbil is rather easy, but at times can become a bit more difficult, mainly for the following reasons: because of security matters, social life has been facing certain restrictions so far. However, it is possible to go to gym, go out for dinner at restaurants, or gather with local friends or others NGOs colleagues. Living costs in Erbil (and Kurdistan in general) are relatively similar to the European countries; Weather is generally quite windy and dry, with little rain. Summer heat is very high (could reach 50°C), average temperature being around 40-45°C. Winter can be quite cold, but temperatures rarely descend below 0°C; For security measures, all expatriates are living in a shared house (not more than 4 persons); The position requires frequent travels within Kurdistan region (to Duhok and Sulaymaniyah governorates), and on as required to Amman.

This position is opened to Single only and is a Volunteer one

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS: Volunteer: 750 or 850 Euros monthly indemnity + living allowance paid on the field + accommodation + 100% of the medical cover taken in charge by HI + repatriation insurance

How to apply:

Please send resume and covering letter with the reference: PMErbil to: HANDICAP INTERNATIONAL - 14, avenue Berthelot - 69361 LYON CEDEX 07 - FRANCE By Email: recrut07@handicap-international.org Or by our website: www.handicap-international.fr Please do not telephone