COVID-19 Adaptation and Recovery Pilot: Supporting Firms’ Resilience, Access to Finance and Growth in Iraq

The COVID-19 outbreak in Iraq is stressing the already strained health and private sectors and setting back the country’s efforts in its fight against poverty. Mobility restrictions, liquidity pressures and uncertainty have had a devasting effect on private sector livelihoods, particularly for unbanked informal firms as well as micro and small formal firms. The project COVID-19 Adaptation and Recovery Pilot (CARP): Supporting Firms Resilience, Access to Finance and Growth in Iraq aims at supporting the resilience of viable micro, small and medium enterprises (“MSMEs”) and the sustainability of their intermediaries in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The project will focus on the recovery of SMEs from the impact of COVID-19 on the one hand while laying the foundations for a much larger growth program on the other hand around financial inclusion and SME-support measures.

This first component will support immediate relief of the microfinance sector in Iraq, including the most affected formal- and informal-operating small business owners. Two main interventions are being considered: (I) short-term liquidity support to the informal sector through direct funding to eligible MFIs in the form of grants, and (II) supporting the Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) to develop NBFI guidelines, establish and operationalize a NBFI Unit at the CBI with a focus on strengthening its institutional infrastructure.

The second component aims to support the strengthening of the SME sector in Iraq, with a focus on Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs). Two main interventions are being considered: (I) enhancing SME capabilities and resilience through blended learning, vouchers, and matching grants, and (II) catalyzing private investment into Iraqi SGBs through ecosystem support grants.

The CARP Project is financed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank) and is implemented by GIZ on behalf of the Iraqi Ministry of Finance.

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise with worldwide operations. GIZ supports the German Government in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. GIZ is also engaged in international education activities around the globe. Through our work we assist people and societies in shaping their own future and improving living conditions. GIZ has more than 22,000 staff around the globe and operates in about 120 countries worldwide. ​

 Tasks

1. Cost/expenditure monitoring

2. Smooth functioning management of financial administration, such as cash withdrawal, keeping the cashbook, bankbook, bank account, contracts, preparing and verifying vouchers in line with GIZ and client’s standard procedures and systems/Programs and in accordance with the signed authorization agreements for all InS office and projects

3. ensuring good communication and flow of information within the GIZ country office and in particular CARP team

4. providing administrative services for CARP if needed

5. managing procurement of goods and services in accordance with WB/GIZ rules and regulations (contract requests and preparations handled by a colleague)

6. managing travel arrangements (e.g. procuring tickets, managing travel expense advances and settlements)

7. supporting the financial manager in controlling costs with WINPACCS cost control, preparing invoices to the client.

Required qualifications, competencies and experience 

Qualifications

• University degree at least on bachelors’ level in Financial Management, Business Administration or related field. 

Professional experience

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in financial management of projects.

• Experience with international donor-funded projects.

• Experience with GIZ internal financial procedures is considered an advantage. 

Other knowledge, additional competencies

• In-depth knowledge of relevant financial management tools, such as WINPACCS.

• Fluency in English and Arabic language required.

• Strong interpersonal skills and motivated to close collaborate with all project staff involved.

• Stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to collaborate effectively.

• Dynamic and flexible to be able to respond to changing priorities and tight deadlines.

Requirements for application:

Please send your CVs/ Resumes and Motivation letter to GIZ.Iraq.Jobs@giz.de

• The reference number and position must be mentioned in the subject line of the email, Ref: (BGH-CARP21-108) Finance Manager

• Subject line of the application should clearly indicate the vacancy applied for.

• CVs and motivations letters that are in the form of IMG, pictures, screen-shots and links will not be accepted.

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• Applications passed the expiration date of the advertisement will not be considered.