Job Title: Engagement and Business Continuity Officer
Location: Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Reporting line manager: Operations Manager
Supervisory responsibilities: NA
Contract type: 4 day/week

Background:
CARE International has worked in Iraq since the beginning of the humanitarian crisis in 1991. CARE International reopened its programming in Iraq in 2014 after a military offensive in Ninewa, which displaced hundreds of thousands of people into the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Together with local partners, CARE delivered humanitarian and development assistance to the most vulnerable populations.

CARE is registered with both the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi Federal Government.

Operating in Basra, Ninewa, Duhok, Salahaddin, and Anbar, CARE collaborates with local organizations to strengthen their capacities and implement transformative programs. These efforts align with CARE’s global theory of change, which emphasizes building individual agency, reshaping relationships, and transforming structures to create sustainable and inclusive development outcomes. Through this approach, CARE ensures that its interventions address root causes, empower communities, and promote systemic change for long-term stability and resilience.

 Job Summary:

The Engagement and Business Continuity Officer is responsible for cultivating and coordinating the relationships with a diverse range of external stakeholders in GOI and KRI to ensure the organization’s objectives are met effectively and sustainably. The primary responsibility is to serve as a bridge between the organization and key external actors, such as government bodies, academia, other NGOs and partner organizations. This involves fostering strategic partnerships, ensuring strategic alignment, compliance with regulatory requirements, and enhancing the organization’s visibility and reputation especially in GOI. This focus on stakeholder engagement is integral to the organization’s ability to navigate complex environments, secure resources, and maintain positive relationships that enhance its overall impact.

The occupant in this role will also monitor and analyze relevant policy developments, operating environment, risks, opportunities and stakeholder dynamics to provide insights, enabling the organization to adapt and align its activities with the changes in the external environment. Coordinate communications and engagement with relevant authorities to facilitate smooth operations, including coordinating the provision of permits, licenses, and work authorizations to ensure operational continuity and legal compliance.

Reporting to and work closely with the Operations Manager, this role requires proficiency in English, Arabic, and Kurdish, culture sensitivity, political acumen, negotiation skills, and a solid understanding of the regulatory and risk environment within Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead the development and execution of the country office first stakeholders engagement strategy in collaboration with key players in the country office and HQ,
• Cultivate and work on a sustained strategic relationships with external stakeholders, including but not limited to academia, relevant government bodies, other NGOs and partner organizations, to advance the organization’s objectives.
• Monitor and analyze public policy developments and stakeholder dynamics that may impact operations, providing actionable insights to the Operations Manager.
• Facilitate effective communication and engagement with government agencies and authorities to ensure regulatory compliance and positive relations.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of permits, licenses, registrations, visas and reports, ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
• Maintain organized records of external relationship documentation and correspondence to ensure transparency and accountability.
• Provide advice on emerging regulatory changes and trends affecting organizational strategies.

• Business Continuity and Operational Risk Management

• In collaboration with senior leadership, Lead the development and update of a business continuity plan to ensure uninterrupted operations, continued support of project participants, and maintain donor confidence amidst risks in dynamic work environments.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the operational context in collaboration with the Operations Manager.
• Monitor the operating environment, report emerging trends and threats, and attend local security coordination meetings.
• Support program staff with plans and activities that enhances community acceptance, and liaise with relevant agencies to facilitate staff access to program areas.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and establish protocols for managing health, safety, and security risks.
• Serve as the first point of contact for safety or security incidents, providing timely reports and supporting emergency medical evacuations.
• Organize and deliver risk-related training and briefings for staff in coordination with the Operations Manager.
• Support the Operations Manager in updating the Country Office’s Risk Management Plan and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Maintain and oversee safety systems, including first aid kits, fire prevention systems, and other security measures in CARE’s offices and guesthouses.

Key contacts and collaborators:
Internal:

Operations Manager, Communications Officer, Program Staff, Country Director, MEAL Team, Finance Team, Security Focal Points, Technical Advisors, HR and Admin Teams

External:

CARE International Network, INSO, Local and International NGOs, DNGO, Ministry of Environment (KRI and GOI), Ministry of Agriculture (KRI and GOI), Ministry of Health (KRI and GOI), Donors, Local Authorities, Academic Institutions, Private Sector Partners, Media Outlets

Staff Risk Management Responsibilities

CARE believes that personal risk management is crucial for staff; however, the risk management cannot be achieved unless each staff member fulfills the following responsibilities. Failure to do so can not only endanger their own safety but also compromise the entire team and organization.

• Maintain Situational Awareness:
• Staff must maintain a high level of situational awareness at all times. This includes being vigilant about their surroundings, recognizing potential threats, and understanding the local context and culture.

• Stay Informed:
• Staff must stay informed about the security situation in their area of operation and avoid complacency. They should promptly read and understand information shared by the organization in relevant communication channels.
• Comply with Protocols:
• Staff must strictly adhere to the risk protocols and guidelines established by their organization. This includes following travel advisories, checking in regularly with designated security contacts, and complying with curfews or movement restrictions.
• Emergency Preparedness:
• Staff must be well-prepared for emergencies by knowing the location and contact details of local emergency services, the nearest hospital, and their organization’s security focal point. They should carry essential emergency supplies, such as first aid kits, communication devices, and personal identification, and participate in regular safety drills and training sessions.
• Maintain Reliable Communication:
• Staff must ensure they have reliable means of communication at all times and keep their phones charged and operational. They should keep the team informed of their whereabouts, especially when traveling or working in the field, and establish check-in routines to confirm their safety regularly.
• Respect Local Norms:
• Staff must understand and respect local customs, traditions, and social norms to avoid unnecessary risks and foster good relations with local communities.

• Additionally, all staff members must:

• Take Reasonable Care:
• Staff must take reasonable care for their personal health, safety, and security and ensure that their actions do not harm other staff members.
• Comply with Instructions and Policies:
• Staff must comply with the orders/instructions of the Risk focal points as required, and adhere to any workplace policy/procedure aimed at increasing the safety of all staff, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as laid out in the Risk Management Plan.
• Ensure Equipment Readiness:
• Staff must ensure that all radios, Track24 units, Satphones, helmets, body armour, trauma/first aid equipment, and any other personal protective equipment and items used in field operations and elsewhere are in a safe and serviceable condition and used in accordance with their operating instructions. All damages must be paid for personally.
• Supervise and Train:
• Supervisors of other staff have a Duty of Care to ensure that their staff are not put at risk and are adequately supervised while performing their work. Managers, supervisors, and staff must ensure that before they, or their staff, work in field-based locations, they receive adequate training in security, field health and safety, and risk management.
• Report Incidents Promptly:
• Staff must promptly notify the Risk focal point of any field/operational Risk, health, safety, and security incidents that occur.

Representation of CARE Mission and Values:

• Actively communicate and promote CARE’s mission, values, and goals to all stakeholders, partners, and the public.
• Utilize CARE’s logo and branding materials appropriately in all professional activities, ensuring donor acknowledgment and visibility.
• Wear the official CARE identification material such as vest, badge and/or pin at all business settings including meetings and events to clearly represent the organization.
• Employees are expected to engage in business related video/photo shoots, interviews, or audio recordings to promote CARE and its projects, enhancing organizational visibility.
• Employees are encouraged to re-share CARE’s social media posts and follow official CARE channels on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to help amplify the organization’s message.
• Ensure the organization’s logo and online presence are used professionally, with misuse potentially leading to disciplinary action.

Promoting Equality, Justice, and Climate Responsibility

Employees at CARE Iraq are expected to embody the organization's core values of equality, justice, and climate responsibility. This includes fostering equity between men and women, promoting climate justice, and embedding these principles into the organizational activities and work culture overall. A key focus internally and externally is on empowering women through leadership opportunities, professional growth, and meaningful participation in decision-making, while addressing workforce imbalances and amplifying women's voices to drive transformative change.

Equally, all employees of CARE Iraq are expected to prioritizes climate responsibility by encouraging sustainable practices, reducing ecological foot print, drive positive environmental impact, and supporting climate-affected communities. Integrating resilience and sustainability into all operations and actions will ensures a just and equitable future.

These principles are central to CARE Iraq’s vision for justice, fairness, and environmental stewardship.

Safeguarding and Ethics:

 At CARE, we recognize our responsibility to promote human dignity and social justice within our organization. At the heart of CARE’s efforts to impact poverty and social justice is our engagement with marginalized communities. We place human dignity at the center of our work. We are aware of the importance of organizational culture and accountability in enabling a safe and supportive environment for programme participants, the communities where we work, our staff, related personnel and our partners.

At CARE, we believe all people have a right to safety and to live their lives free from harm. The Safeguarding Policy is a response to CARE’s commitment and recognition of our responsibilities to protect and safeguard people we work with, and who work for CARE, from any form of abuse, including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and child abuse. To find further details about our Safeguarding Policy commitments, please click on this link CARE International Safeguarding Policy - October 2023_EN.pdf

CARE Iraq’s work:
CARE Iraq is a place where staff are supported to grow both personally and professionally. Our team environment promotes collaboration, diversity, and open communication, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. Our workplace culture is designed to encourage innovation, creativity, and respect, making it a supportive environment for all.
 
We are proud of the balance between women and men among our labour force. we are committed to equity and justice between women and men and strive to create a safe and inclusive space where everyone can thrive. Our goal is to build a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and contributes to meaningful change in the lives of women and girls.

• Languages: Fluency in English, Arabic, and Kurdish.
• Regional Knowledge: Strong understanding of federal Iraq and Kurdistan’s legal, political, and operational landscape.
• Diplomatic Skills: Proven ability to engage and communicate effectively with high-level officials and stakeholders.
• Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience in external relations, operations, or risk management, preferably within an NGO.
• Organizational Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams, and email platforms.
• Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in international relations, Business Administration, Law, or a related field. Relevant certifications are a plus.

If you're interested in this role, kindly apply via https://care-international-iraq.jobs.personio.com/job/1863735#apply  by 14 Dec 2024 at the latest. Regrettably, applications received after this date will not be considered.

Notes:

-Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

-For any inquiries regarding this position, please contact CARE Iraq HR Manager through nmirza@care.de