General description:

Under the direct supervision of the Democracy and Human Rights Project Manager, the position holder will be responsible for the coordination and monitoring of the human rights and development projects, in line with NPA’s overall strategies, plans and policies.

·       In coordination with the Democracy and Human Rights Project Manager, ensure the coordination with all relevant stakeholders, local and national authorities and other organisations engaged in the development initiatives.

·       Assist the Democracy and Human Rights Project Manager in the process of partner identification and verification.

·       Be the principal day to day link between NPA and its partners.

·       Closely follow up the status of human rights situation in Iraq and keep the DPM and the management team updated accordingly.

·       Interact with local communities and authorities and may, should the occasion arise, have to act variously as advocate. These functions require on the part of the position holder, an ability to relate to the needs and aspirations of the underprivileged in a manner that is both supportive and respectful of culture and traditions.

·       Conduct media monitoring and Social Listening.

Specific duties:

·       Assist in verseeing the implementation of the project's activities in accordance with the approved program packages, including workplan, proposal, and budget.

·       Assist the Democracy and Human Rights Project Manager in developing and monitor work plans, budgets, and progress reports that NPA donors require, also all reports required from partner organizations. 

·       Contribute to monitoring the projects expenditures, and with the Democracy and Human Rights Project Manager and finance develop expenditure projections.

·       Monitor grant agreements and sub-agreements with partners.

·       Work with the Democracy and Human Rights Projects Manager to monitor and revise budgets, as needed.

·       In liaison with the MEAL Department, prepare and regularly update the Project Monitoring Plan (PMP).

·       Participate in grant opening meetings, conduct required preparation for the meeting and strictly follow up the decisions made in the meeting. 

·       Organise project kick off meeting and steering committee meetings on quarterly basis, providing materials to partners and organising the agenda in liaison with Democracy and Human Rights Project Manager.

·       Assist in overseeing the contracts with partners, ensuring timeliness and quality reporting of both financial and narrative reports, in cooperation with the other NPA units. Organise payment requests for instalments.

·       Assist in eviewing all partners publication to obtain approvals prior to publication.

·       Conduct regular visits and communication with partners on a regular basis to follow up project activity implementation.

·       Conduct social listening and media monitoring to identify and understand early trends relevant to the project’s scope and objectives.

·       Support the Project Manager in conducting short studies, including assisting with various aspects of the research methodology and data collection processes as needed.

·       Participate in conducting assessment meetings with potential local partners, for soliciting their proposals and concept notes to NPA. 

·       Assist the NPA team in the process of partners’ capacity building assessment, development of capacity building plans and tools and help partners in designing their organisational development plan.  

·       Participate in giving inputs and updates for different reports such as Final Narrative Report, Quarterly Report, among others.

·       Represent NPA in formal events such as conferences and meetings conducted by stakeholders.

·       Develop and maintain proper soft and hard copy archiving for all projects under his/her responsibility.

·       Other duties assigned by the Democracy and Human Rights Project Manager and/or the Country Director in relation to program issues.

Authority/ Decisions:

Typical decisions the holder of the positions makes

Reference is made to the NPA Regulation for Delegation of Authority, Quality Management and Guidelines for the NPA Iraq Office.

Function prerequisite:

The position is based in Erbil, Iraq with travel to other areas of operation as required.

Note, travel to other provinces will be essential.

·       One year experience and high interest in working with NGO/INGOs in development work.

·       University degree in social science, political science human rights, or other relevant educational degree.

·       At least one year of relevant experience in democracy and human rights type of programming in Iraq.

·       Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of democratic processes and human rights and participation in Iraq.

·       Proficiency in English and Kurdish language. Arabic language is an asset.

·       Good interpersonal skills, good communication, organizational and analytical skills and ability to work well in a team.

·       Able to work effectively under and adapt to difficult conditions.

·       Excellent computer skills.

·       Willingness and ability to travel within and outside of Iraq.

Required qualifications:

Education:

Must have:

·       University degree in social science, political science human rights, or other relevant educational degree.

·       Working experience with NGO/INGOs

·       Proficiency in English and Kurdish language. Arabic language is an asset.

·       Excellent computer skills.

Experience:

Must have:

·       At least one year of proven experience in development programming, in one or more of the following sectors: Human Rights, Democracy and Political Participation, Political Processes, freedom of expression, Minority Rights, Media and Access to Information, Natural Resource Management and Corporate Social Responsibility in the Oil Sector.

·       Good organizational, analytical skills and ability to perform well in a team.

·       Strong knowledge of cultural and political contexts in the Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Personal Competencies:

·       Self-driven with integrity, initiative and ability to think and work independently

·       Strong communication, networking and interpersonal skills

Additional Considerations:

.   The Junior Project Assistant is to abide by the policies and personal code of conduct by the Norwegian People’s Aid and represent the organisation in a loyal and responsible manner.

.   All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks including vetting and due diligence.