Near East Foundation (NEF)

Title: Director of Programs and Operations – Iraq

Unit: Senior Management
Reports to: Interim Country Director / Chief operation Officer
Duty Station: Iraq
Travel: Frequent travel within Iraq as required

Position Description

The Director of Programs and Operations – Iraq is a senior national leadership position responsible for the day-to-day management, coordination, and oversight of NEF’s programs and operations across Iraq. The role will support the effective implementation of NEF’s portfolio while ensuring strong operational systems, donor compliance, partnership management, and coordination with national and local stakeholders.

Working under the supervision of the Interim Country Director/Chief operation Officer and in close coordination with regional and global support teams, the Director of Programs and Operations will provide leadership to program and operational teams in Iraq and contribute to strengthening NEF’s locally led presence, partnerships, and institutional positioning in the country.

The position will play a key role in ensuring continuity, quality implementation, operational oversight, and relationship management with local authorities, partners, and coordination structures, while supporting the gradual transition toward strengthened localized leadership and sustainable country operations.

Key Responsibilities

Program Oversight and Coordination:

• Oversee the day-to-day implementation of NEF programs and projects across Iraq, ensuring activities are delivered effectively, on time, and in compliance with donor and organizational requirements.
• Support coordination between program, finance, procurement, logistics, MEAL, and administrative teams to ensure smooth project implementation.
• Monitor project progress, implementation challenges, and operational risks, and support timely problem-solving and adaptive management.
• Ensure project workplans, implementation targets, reporting timelines, and operational priorities are regularly monitored and updated.
• Support the quality and consistency of program implementation across different geographic locations and partnerships.
• Contribute to internal coordination and planning processes related to Iraq operations and programming.

Operations and Compliance:

• Oversee country-level operational functions and ensure compliance with NEF internal policies, donor regulations, and relevant Iraqi legal and administrative requirements.
• Support procurement planning and oversee procurement and logistics processes in coordination with relevant teams.
• Ensure appropriate management and utilization of project assets, offices, and operational resources.
• Coordinate with finance teams on budget monitoring, expenditure tracking, operational forecasting, and financial compliance.
• Support risk management, safety, security, and duty of care measures for staff, offices, and operations.
• Ensure operational documentation, approvals, and filing systems are maintained in line with donor and organizational standards.

Grants and Partnership Management:

• Support the effective management of grants, contracts, donor compliance requirements, and reporting processes.
• Oversee timely preparation and review of internal and donor reports in coordination with program and support teams.
• Maintain close coordination with national NGOs, civil society organizations, local institutions, and implementing partners.
• Support partnership management processes, including coordination, follow-up, monitoring, and capacity strengthening where needed.
• Coordinate with relevant Iraqi authorities, including DNGO and other applicable governmental entities, to support operational compliance and maintain required approvals and registrations.
• Support communication and coordination with donors, working groups, and coordination forums in alignment with NEF leadership guidance.

Representation and External Coordination:

• Represent NEF in meetings, coordination platforms, technical working groups, and stakeholder engagements at the national and governorate levels, as delegated.
• Maintain professional working relationships with governmental stakeholders, donors, local authorities, civil society actors, UN agencies, and private sector partners.
• Support the identification of operational and programmatic opportunities that contribute to the continuity and sustainability of NEF’s Iraq portfolio.
• Contribute to maintaining NEF’s positive institutional presence and partnerships across Iraq.

Staff Management and Team Leadership

• Supervise and support program and operations staff in Iraq and promote effective coordination and teamwork across departments.
• Support staff performance management processes, including work planning, objective setting, follow-up, mentoring, and regular feedback.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, respectful, and solutions-oriented working environment.
• Coordinate with HR and senior management on recruitment, onboarding, staffing needs, and staff well-being.
• Promote safeguarding, inclusion, staff care, and professional conduct across all teams and operations.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in business administration, international development, management, social sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of relevant professional experience in program and operations management within humanitarian, development, or recovery contexts.
• Strong experience managing operations, grants, compliance, procurement, administration, and multi-sector projects.
• Demonstrated experience working with international NGOs, donors, local partners, and governmental stakeholders in Iraq.
• Good understanding of the Iraqi operational, administrative, and regulatory environment, including coordination with DNGO and relevant authorities.
• Experience managing teams and coordinating across multiple departments and geographic locations.
• Strong organizational, communication, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Fluency in Arabic and professional working proficiency in English required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in senior management or deputy leadership roles within Iraq.
• Experience working in complex and multi-governorate operational environments.
• Familiarity with donor-funded programming, compliance requirements, and partnership management.
• Experience supporting localization, institutional strengthening, and capacity development initiatives.

NEF will accept applications on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The deadline will be on May 28, 2026.

To apply:

Please apply by submitting the following documents on the Near East Foundation's career page at: 

https://neareast.bamboohr.com/careers/530?source=aWQ9MTY%3D 

1. Cover letter outlining relevant experience and skills based on the requirements outlined above;
2. Curriculum Vitae;
3. List of three references (including one from current, or most recent, employer).

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

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 Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.

Pre-employment Checks

Any Employment with the Near East Foundation will be subject to the following checks prior to start date:

• A satisfactory Restricted Party Screening;
• Receipt of satisfactory references;
• Proof of eligibility to work in the national location for this role.

NEF's strength is its people. Our team is our fuel to achieving the innovation, quality programming, community focus, mutual trust, sustainability, and learning needed to realize our mission. To help our team thrive, we support a working structure that prioritizes flexibility, personal commitments, and staff well-being while promoting a work culture of teamwork, collaboration, respect, integrity, and excellence.

As an international organization, we value a truly diverse workforce and prioritize a culture of inclusivity and belonging. We strive to create a high-achieving work environment informed by different cultures, perspectives, and experiences. With a commitment to diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion in all we do, our aim is to ensure that people feel heard, protected, and empowered to contribute to NEF's mission from day one.