About IREX  
IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $100 million, offices in 20 countries, and a global staff of 700. We work in more than 100 countries worldwide.  

Position Summary
IREX seeks a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for the upcoming five-year, approximately $30M USAID-funded Civic Engagement Activity in Iraq. The goal of this activity will be to foster a more politically engaged citizenry in Iraq, enhancing trust and participation in the country's democratic processes. This activity seeks to elevate civic literacy, empower citizens to actively engage and contribute to discussions on issues of concern. Equipping citizens with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively in the democratic processes. This includes fostering awareness of governmental processes, promoting access to accurate media content, facilitating increased engagement with government entities at various levels, and empowering citizens to participate in public life. 

The DCOP will provide technical and strategic support and expertise to the program and serves as a significant liaison with USAID/Iraq, other implementing partners, and key stakeholders. The DCOP will have demonstrated ability to work in complex environments and manage diverse teams to deliver impact. 

**Please note: Citizens of Iraq and the MENA region are highly encouraged to apply for this position**

Primary Responsibilities:  

• In coordination with the Chief of Party (COP), provide day-to-day management and overall technical direction and coordination of project activities
• Provide technical leadership in design and lead implementation of activities across all program objectives and in collaboration with consortium partners
• Supported by subject matter experts, provide technical input in one or more of the following areas: civic and voter education, civic participation/engagement, social and political empowerment of women and/or youth, media misinformation information integrity and resilience, institutional capacity, citizen empowerment
• Contribute to efforts by reviewing and assessing work plan activities with the leadership team to ensure progress and achievement of desired results and impact
• Promote team collaboration and identify synchronization opportunities across technical and functional teams
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of key stakeholders including government officials, donors, implementers, private sector, civil society among others
• Liaise with international partners, other donor projects, and other organizations to facilitate cooperation, collaboration and partnerships
• Serve as acting COP in the absence of the COP.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree from a related field required. Master’s Degree desired but not required
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience developing and implementing large and complex development initiatives, preferably in Iraq and/or the Middle East and Africa (MENA) region, in one or more of the following areas: civic engagement, citizen empowerment,  social and political empowerment of women and/or youth, information integrity and resilience, institutional capacity
• Demonstrated experience managing similarly sized donor-funded with skills in strategic planning, management, coordination and budgeting
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations 
• Strong leadership skills and experience building and maintaining working relationships with a wide network of institutional stakeholders including host-country government at all levels
• Demonstrated experience in mobilizing, leading and managing multidisciplinary teams
• Experience working on conflict and/or post conflict, highly challenging operational environments  
•  Advanced proficiency in English, required. Working-level knowledge of Arabic, highly desired.