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. Act as the main point of contact for technical staff involved under Component 2 regarding all technical/strategic exchange

2. Lead a comprehensive Diagnostic of the MSME Sector in Iraq

3. Provide assistance in the appraisal of proposals to the Capacity Development Grants and the shortlisting exercise.

4. In conjunction with the Project Coordinator, cultivate, engage and manage relationship with key partners and stakeholders under Component 2, including but limited to: local and regional early-stage investors and fund managers, start-up and SME support organizations.

5. Under Component 2.1, manage and supervise the development and roll-out of the blended learning platform (under Component 2.1).

6. Under Component 2.1, manage and support the roll-out of the voucher and matching grants scheme, including the selection of voucher/grant beneficiaries

7. Under Component 2.2, identify and pre-qualify partners for pre-investment and co-investment grants

8. Under Component 2,2, support and monitor implementation of the pre-investment grants, co-investment grants, and capacity development grants.

Required qualifications, competencies and experience

Qualifications

• University degree at least on bachelors’ level in a field related to business or economic development. 

Professional experience

• Direct, demonstrable experience working with or in the Iraq business sector for more than 10 years.
• Experience providing technical advice and support to MSMEs and/or managing programs to reduce constraints to MSMEs in Iraq.
• Previous experience managing other technical staff and integrating work in a team environment.
• Knowledge of WB project management policies, procedures and reporting requirements helpful. 

Other knowledge, additional competencies

• An analytical mind with the ability to conduct analyses, identify problems and opportunities, and craft feasible and affordable recommendations & approaches.
• Detailed knowledge of economic, political, social, and cultural dynamics in Iraq.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to motivate staff, partners, and others.
• Fluency in English and Arabic language required.
• A thorough understanding of the MSME eco-system across Iraq, as it relates to needed business development services (BDS).
• Strong communication skills and ability to deal with various levels of stakeholders.

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-CARP21-110) MSME Advisor

• 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.