Public Investment Advisor, Baghdad, Iraq

Project/Proposal Summary:
MSI is implementing the Iraq Administrative Reform Project - Tarabot. The Tarabot project works to improve the functions of the Government of Iraq’s public institutions in order to improve services delivery processes through better governance and resource management approaches. It is scheduled to run through 2015. The Administrative Decentralization (AD) component strengthens the ability of the provincial governments to take on increasing amounts of authority for the well-being of their citizens. The unit builds service delivery capacity through reformed procedures and modern operating systems.

Position Summary: The Public Investment Advisor is a member of the professional staff of USAID/Tarabot and is expected to provide pertinent expert advice to representatives from the Government of Iraq (GOI) as well as the project's management. This position is designated to lead the Public Investment team as part of the Administrative Decentralization component. The Public Investment Advisor will be responsible for the design and implementation of his or her subcomponent's annual work plan. Work includes a variety of complex analytical duties, problem-solving, information-gathering, monitoring, and coordination activities as well as establishing and maintaining relationships with GoI counterparts. This position will require extensive coordination with other AD component advisors (in fields such as project management and procurement) to ensure properly timed, effective delivery of services to GoI counterparts in the provinces.

This is a full-time position based in Baghdad, Iraq.

Responsibilities: Manage Public Investment Unit at Tarabot: • Manage and oversee a team of capital budget and public investment specialists that provides consulting services across Iraq. • Transfer technical skills and knowledge to Tarabot's Public Investment team. • Assist to design and implement work plans, fulfill reporting duties, monitor cost-sharing, ensure compliance, and complete all other activities as assigned by the AD component team leader. • Develop, maintain and manage contacts with GoI officials in a professional manner, and to serve as a direct liaison of the project when called upon.

Design and Develop Public Capital Investment Cycle Solutions: • Develop standardized project offerings to assist GoI entities in capital planning, budgeting, executing, and attaining funds releases using internationally-recognized tools and best practices.
• Carry out comprehensive needs assessments in partner GoI entities and develop action plans to address discovered weaknesses in the public capital investment cycle.
• Assist AD component leadership to explore opportunities for decentralization, particularly those found in Iraq’s annual budget laws and other public investment regulations. • Work to facilitate and ensure the successful completion of all of the activities found in the AD team's annual work plans.

Assist in National Solutions for the Public Capital Budget Cycle: • Identify weaknesses and bottlenecks in Iraq’s national capital budgeting system • Discuss and develop solutions to problems with key counterparts including the MoF, MoP, and COMSEC. • Prepare summary analytical and research reports for presentation to GoI decision-makers on ways and methods to improve the success of Iraq's capital investments. • Produce regular analyses and reports on facts and trends of Iraq’s capital budget execution for presentation to USAID and Tarabot management.

Assist in Capital Investment Resource Management: • Assist GoI to prepare detailed budgets of each project according to international best practices and in compliance with the regulations and templates of the MoF and MoP.
• Assist GoI entities to enhance their abilities to carry out feasibility studies for capital investment projects • Assist GoI entities to understand cost elements and prepare the fiscal segments of their annual and mid-term capital investment plans.

Assist in Budget Execution: • Assist ministries to harmonize their fiscal systems to that of the national government. • Assist to develop annual disbursement plans for contractors • Assist ministries to prepare cash-flow analysis of their projects implementation. • Enhance internal ministry public investment management systems to expedite disbursements

Assist in Financial Monitoring: • Enhance internal controls of each ministry’s investment management by introducing key performance indicators. • Assist ministries to prepare cash-flow analysis of their projects implementation. • Prepare reports on implementation for the MoF to facilitate linear disbursements.

Qualifications: a. Education: Completion of an advanced degree in Finance, Economics, or Public Administration, or other relevant field is mandatory. Professional certifications such as a CPA or other relevant training will be viewed favorably.

b. Experience: Minimum of ten-plus years of progressively responsible experience in a professional, technical, or administrative management field is required. Documented prior experience working for or with the GoI, particularly the MoF or MoP, or other central ministries is extremely beneficial. Prior experience with USAID projects is highly desirable.

c. Language Proficiency: Full fluency in English in speaking, reading, and writing (Level IV) is absolutely required. The nature of this position will call for extensive face-to-face consultation with GoI officials and the production of reports, documents, and other deliverables in Arabic. As such, full fluency in spoken and written Arabic is desirable.

d. Knowledge: This position requires in-depth understanding of the GoI’s capital investment cycle, steps, and procedures as well as a strong knowledge of internationally-accepted best practices. In turn, this position requires extensive knowledge of the structure, bureaucracy, and day-to-day operations of the GoI ministries, as well as excellent understanding of GoI culture and government protocol. Professional knowledge of USAID compliance requirements is also desirable.

e. Skills and Abilities: This position requires strong organizational, technical, and administrative skills. The incumbent should be equipped to regularly produce basic analysis and succinctly present information, in writing and in oral presentations, in a logical manner. Ability to work effectively in a multicultural, multinational team environment is required. Strong computer skills for document preparation (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint) are required.

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

How to apply:

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