Near East Foundation

Job Title: Project Coordinator
Reports to: Project Manager
Location: Mosul, Iraq

Travel: Yes, 80%
Project Duration: July 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025
Project Title: Innovate Mosul: Strengthening the Green and Digital SME Ecosystem

Organizational Background

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is an international non-profit organization that has worked for over 100 years to build more sustainable, prosperous, and inclusive communities in the Middle East and Africa. NEF operates through country offices and local partners across ten countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Senegal, South Sudan, Syria, and Sudan. NEF’s programs focus on Inclusive Economic Development, Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resource Management, and Peacebuilding.

As part of its Iraq portfolio, NEF is implementing the UNDP-funded Innovate Mosul project, which aims to strengthen the green and digital SME ecosystem in Mosul and surrounding areas, enabling small and medium enterprises to grow, create jobs, and access new markets.

Project Context

Years of conflict have undermined economic stability and reduced employment opportunities in Mosul, limiting access to sustainable livelihoods for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. Existing businesses lack business management skills, market access, and financing opportunities, while the entrepreneurial support system remains weak. Climate change further exacerbates displacement and socio-economic vulnerabilities in the region.

Through Innovate Mosul, NEF — in partnership with UNDP, Mosul University, and the Mosul Chamber of Commerce — will empower youth and SMEs by providing business management training, access to finance, coaching, mentorship, and digital solutions for business registration. The project aims to promote inclusive, climate-smart, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship as a pathway to long-term economic stability and resilience.

Position Overview

The Project Coordinator will play a central leadership role in overseeing the implementation of the Innovate Mosul project. The Coordinator will manage day-to-day operations, supervise technical teams, coordinate with partners and stakeholders, and ensure that all activities are delivered on time, within budget, and in compliance with NEF and UNDP guidelines. The role requires strong technical, managerial, and coordination skills, with an ability to navigate complex multi-stakeholder environments and deliver high-impact SME and livelihood programming.

Key Responsibilities

     1. Project Leadership and Coordination

• Lead the overall coordination, planning, and execution of all project components across business development, market engagement, training, coaching, financial support, and digital solutions.
• Ensure alignment of all activities with the approved work plan, targets, donor requirements, and NEF’s operational standards.
• Manage day-to-day operations, supervise field teams and technical staff, and ensure effective coordination across all project functions.
• Oversee planning and delivery of startup bootcamps, SME business management trainings, mentorship, coaching, and conditional financing processes.
• Facilitate collaboration between NEF, UNDP, Mosul University, Mosul Chamber of Commerce, business incubators, private sector actors, and government institutions.
• Ensure strong coordination between program, finance, procurement, monitoring & evaluation, and administrative teams.

     2. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Serve as the primary project focal point for engagement with UNDP, government authorities, private sector actors, and other stakeholders.
• Represent NEF in coordination meetings, project steering committees, forums, and external events related to SME development and livelihoods.
• Facilitate partnerships with relevant institutions to support business development, innovation, and climate-smart entrepreneurship.

     3. Technical Oversight

• Contribute in the technical design and delivery of the rapid market needs assessment, entrepreneurial ecosystem mapping, learning needs assessments, and business registration system development.
• Ensure integration of climate-smart business approaches, gender equity, youth inclusion, and disability mainstreaming across all project components.
• Supervise development of training curricula, business coaching content, and financial support mechanisms tailored to green and digital SMEs.
• Oversee beneficiary selection processes in collaboration with Mosul University, Chamber of Commerce, and local partners.

      4. Monitoring, Reporting, and Compliance

• Contribute into the project monitoring, reporting, and adaptive management processes.
• Ensure accurate documentation of project activities, progress reports, donor reports, and data collection.
• Ensure strict compliance with NEF and UNDP financial, procurement, operational, and programmatic guidelines.
• Contribute into  the monitor of project expenditures and budget forecasts in coordination with the Finance Department.
• Support internal and external evaluations, audits, and donor visits.

     5. Team Leadership and Capacity Building

• Build the capacity of project staff and partners to deliver high-quality, inclusive, and market-driven SME support services.
• Promote a positive, accountable, and collaborative work environment.

      6. Other Responsibilities

• Ensure proper documentation and archiving of project records.
• Support broader NEF Iraq programming and strategic objectives as requested by the Program and Operations Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree, or Bachelor’s degree with at least 7 years of relevant experience, in Social Sciences, Marketing, Sales, Business Development, Media, or other related fields.
• Minimum of 3 years of demonstrated experience in project management or coordination.
• Proven experience in implementing projects related to livelihoods, SME development, training, entrepreneurship support, or economic recovery.
• Strong understanding of SME ecosystems, market development, business services, and innovation programming.
• Excellent organizational, coordination, and leadership skills with ability to manage multidisciplinary teams.
• Familiarity with climate-smart business approaches, gender equity, disability inclusion, and youth employment programming.
• Strong financial management and donor compliance experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English. Kurdish is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to project locations in Ninewa and Erbil.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with UNDP or other international donor-funded programs.
• Experience working with government counterparts, business associations, private sector actors, and academic institutions.
• Experience with business incubators, startup ecosystems, and digital innovation programs.

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 June 14, 2025.

To apply:

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

https://neareast.bamboohr.com/careers/460?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.