Private sector development in Iraq challenged by several factors as the economy is largely dominated by the oil sector and state-owned enterprises further impedes incentives for private sectors growth and diversification in the wider economy. Moreover, local firms struggle to become competitive within national and international markets and an abundance of cheap imports combined with low levels of investment have hindered the development of nascent domestic activities. Iraq is also known for challenging business environment which makes it difficult for “start-up” and/or MSMEs’ to flourish and expand their business in the formal economy and green businesses. Lack of business management skills and financial literacy coupled with lack of access to credit and loan services even makes it more complex for entrepreneurs and enterprises to start up business in Iraq. Furthermore, Iraqis private sector is characterized by high rates of informality and decent work deficit. Despite all the challenges, the sector has enormous potential for growth and job creation if there is enabling business environment for MSMEs.
The ILO, having the expertise and experience globally, in the region and in Iraq, namely building on its well-established business and financial management tools, and its previous agreement with the central bank of Iraq, aspires to achieve through the project “Towards more and better employment through enhanced support to private sectors in southern Iraq – with a focus on green business” the following objectives: 1) Improve business ecosystem for MSMEs in Iraq to grow and thrive through policy options along with national and subnational dialogue amongst key stakeholders in the private sector development; and 2) Capacitate and empower national/subnational financial and non-financial institutions to better support entrepreneurs and MSMEs to unleash their full potential; 3) Improve financial inclusion of start-up businesses and MSMEs with focus on green economy.
The position will be based in Basrah. The Project Assistant will report directly to the Project Manager under the general supervision of the ILO Country Coordinator for the Republic of Iraq
This position is currently advertised subject to the final confirmation of the resources being made available for this project and signing of the agreement with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation.
Reporting lines:
Under the overall guidance and supervision of the ILO Country Coordinator for the Republic of Iraq, and the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Project Assistant will perform the following tasks:
Description of Duties
Assist with the planning and preparatory work of the project initiatives. Monitor status of project proposals and receipt of documentation for review and approval, verifying that information is in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines.
Perform a range of specialized finance support functions and related work of the Project, including initiating and processing financial transactions in the ILO administrative and financial system and verifying that information and supporting documentation is in compliance with financial rules and regulations, policies, procedures and applicable standards.
Assist the NPC in providing information to project’s Implementing Partners on ILO administrative and financial procedures. Inform the NPO of potential difficulties that may arise from the administrative and finance management capacity and competence of implementing partners to address the problem in timely manner.
Compile, summarize and present a variety of information and data to the supervisor on issues pertinent to the project including on budgets and other related topics or issues.
Input complete data and process administrative actions project delivery in the ILO system. Based on information in the system, inform the project manager of inconsistencies and shortfalls in delivery and status of allocations.
Description of Duties
Follow-up on administrative matters, including the timely submission of terms of reference (TOR) for external collaborators, confirmation of funds, and other required administrative actions.
Responsible for all administrative tasks, including logistical support to the project personnel, travel arrangements, visas, hotel reservation, etc. and provide logistics arrangements for conferences, seminars, workshops and meetings
Assist the project manager in the programming and preparation of budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analyzing and monitoring the situation of resources as compared to planned activities of the project needs.
Respond to requests for general information on the project and routine queries on status of payments and other budgetary issues.
Provide general office management support, draft correspondence, faxes, memoranda and reports on administrative matters from oral instructions, previous correspondence or other available information sources in accordance with standard office procedures.
Perform other relevant duties as assigned by the NPC.
Required qualifications
Education
Completion of secondary school education. Qualifications in finance and/or administrative support would be preferable.
Experience
Five years of progressively responsible clerical and administrative work, and some training in an administrative field. Proven experience of implementing technical cooperation projects and working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset.
