Near East Foundation (NEF) - Iraq

Business Development and Livelihood Officer 

Location: Baghdad, Iraq 

Reporting to: Program Director

Background: Building Resilient Livelihoods among Vulnerable Iraqi IDPs, Returnees, and Host Communities in Salah Al-Din and Diyala’

In partnership with US Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, the Near East Foundation Building Resilient Livelihoods project builds resilience and support economic well-being for IDP, returnee, and host community women and youth in Salah Al-Din and Diyala. 

Position Description

The Business Development and Livelihood Officer is a member of the Near East Foundation team in Iraq, reporting to the Program Director. The purpose of the Business Development and Livelihood Officer position is to coordinate all business development activities for beneficiaries and partner CBOs within the “Building Resilient Livelihoods” project.  

Responsibilities

Responsible for managing the agri-business development training, financial literacy training, and ongoing coaching/ networking and market access activities. The Business Development and Livelihood Officer will support the Field Associates to screen producers/processors, support business planning, and coordinate the evaluation committee. S/he provides leadership and day-to-day implementation of project and high-level technical leadership in conducting training, facilitates adoption of improved techniques and technologies, facilitate improved market access, sales, supplier agreements, commercialization strategies and guides field visits; maintains direct communication and coordination with technical experts and trainers.

Qualifications and Requirements

The successful Business Development and Livelihoods Officer must be a self-directed individual with the following qualifications: 

• Bachelor degree in development studies, business studies, social science, economics, or equivalent combination of education and work experience;
• 3-5 years of experience in development and/or humanitarian organizations, including significant experience working as a certified business development trainer in the UN/INGO sector;
• Expertise in income generation, SMEs and/or agribusiness development, poverty alleviation, livelihood and value chain development, social inclusion, etc.; 
• Proven record of effective project management, including project planning, implementation and managing a budget;
• Fluency in English and Arabic and ability to effectively write reports;
• Strong facilitation skills, including the design and management of effective trainings, workshops and meetings with a diverse population;
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and the ability to work effectively across a wide variety of cultural contexts;
• Effective team player, able to develop and maintain effective working relationships;
• Flexible, creative and problem solving-oriented;
• Competence with MS Office applications, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to live and work in Iraq without company sponsorship.

NEF will accept a rolling application until the position is filled.  Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before Saturday, February 27, 2021. 

To apply:

Please apply by submitting the following documents to the Near East Foundations Career Page at:

https://neareast.bamboohr.com/jobs/view.php?id=121&source=aWQ9MTY%3D

1. Cover letter outlining relevant experience and availability
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer) 

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Only applications submitted through the Near East Foundation Careers Page will be accepted.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org.

The Near East Foundation promotes Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.