Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organizations, providing emergency relief, post-conflict development, protection, resettlement, and advocacy for people uprooted by conflict and oppression. The IRC works globally in over 40 countries and in 26 U.S. cities.

In the MENA region—including Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Yemen, and Libya—the IRC implements lifesaving and development-oriented interventions for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities. Since 2003, IRC Iraq has developed expertise in protection (especially for women and girls), governance, early childhood development, and economic recovery. IRC works in both camp and non-camp settings, supporting local communities and vulnerable populations.

As part of its phase-out strategy in Iraq, the IRC aims to transition responsibilities to local partners by equipping

them with the skills and tools needed for sustainability. Iraq’s NGO sector, however, faces substantial challenges:

• Limited Funding Access: Many local NGOs struggle to access international funding directly (ICVA).
• Donor Compliance: Capacity gaps exist in understanding and applying donor compliance and reporting requirements (IRES).

• Sustainability and Capacity Building: Only a few NGOs have achieved self-reliance in proposal development, financial oversight, and reporting (DARPE).

Position Overview:

 The Grants & Compliance Consultant will play a critical role in supporting IRC local NGO partners to navigate funding landscapes, enhance their internal systems, and meet donor standards. This role is designed to strengthen partners’ institutional capacities and facilitate a smooth transition as IRC exits direct implementation.

1.Capacity Building and Training

• Design and conduct customized training on business development (BD), proposal writing, budgeting, and donor engagement strategies.

• Build capacity in donor compliance, financial reporting, and audit

2. Funding Landscape Navigation

• Identify and share relevant funding opportunities through: monitoring websites of relevant international and national donors, scope possibilities with private sector entities, foundations,

 charities, connect with existing working groups/roundtables/collectives to generate potential streams of funding, elaborate strategies to set-up strategic partnerships or co-elaboration of proposals.

3.Proposal Development

• Provide one-on-one support in drafting concept notes and full
• Ensure at least two quality proposals are elaborated during the consultancy with indication of potential target donors.

4.Mentorship and Follow-up

• Offer mentorship to partner staff over the period identified, helping them overcome technical and procedural challenges and provide resources the partners could refer to after the consultancy.

5.Documentation and Reporting

• Prepare and submit:
• Training materials tailored to partner needs
• Monthly funding opportunity bulletins
• Donor compliance checklists (with indication of weblinks to guidelines, templates and similar)
• Final consultancy report covering achievements, challenges, and recommendations

Job Requirements:

• Education: Advanced degree in International Development, Business Administration, or related field
• Experience: At least 5 years of relevant experience in grants management, donor compliance, and partner capacity building in Iraq or similar contexts

• Skills:

• Strong facilitation and training capabilities
• Excellent writing and editing skills for proposal and report development
• Ability to work independently and coach diverse partner organizations

• Knowledge:

• Familiarity with major donors (USAID, EU, UN) and their compliance frameworks
• Understanding of the operational challenges faced by Iraqi NGOs

• Languages: Fluent in English, and Arabic is Kurdish is preferred.

Applicants, please email CV, cover letter, sample training or proposal materials, and references to: iraq.hr@rescue.org and mention the Grants & Compliance Consultant – Support for Local NGO Partners in the email subject line

deadline: October 9 2025