Job Details

JOB VACANCY

Project Coordinator - Iraq WEFE Nexus Pilot (FT)

The Blue Peace Middle East Initiative, driven by a vision of leveraging water as a tool to foster regional cooperation and sustainability, invites applications for the position of Project Coordinator for the Iraq WEFE Nexus Pilot for Sustainable Development Project. 

Type of Contract: Fixed term

Full-time

Location: Diyala Governorate, Iraq

Position exclusively for Iraqi Nationals
Expected start date: May 2024

About Blue Peace Middle East

Blue Peace Middle East is a non-governmental initiative dedicated to promoting cooperation and peace through sustainable water management in the Middle East. 

Established in 2010, the Blue Peace ME initiative is committed to its mission of transforming water from a potential source of conflict into an instrument of cooperation and peace through dialogue, capacity building, and concrete actions.

This unique initiative is led by a regionally owned mechanism, which is comprised of members from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Türkiye, and, to a certain extent, Iran and Syria. The Blue Peace ME Regional Mechanism (RM) contributes to peace by stimulating political and technical dialogues about water and supporting concrete regional projects, know-how transfer, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building activities in its member countries.

The Coordination Office

The Blue Peace Middle East initiative’s Coordination Office (CO) provides logistical, organizational, and communication support to help the Blue Peace Middle East RM achieve its objectives. The CO is responsible for the overall coordination of Blue Peace ME activities, smooth communication within the RM and with Blue Peace ME partners. Its duties include providing secretarial support to the Managing Committee (MC) and Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), coordinating thematic activities, managing subcontractors, and implementing a coherent outreach strategy for Blue Peace ME. The CO also provides technical and logistical support for Blue Peace ME events and liaises with support institutions on progress of thematic activities, financial matters, and administrative issues. Additionally, the CO organizes and hosts MC and PAC meetings and workshops, takes minutes, and provides technical and logistical support as needed. The CO is currently hosted at the offices of INWRDAM in Amman, Jordan.

About INWRDAM

The Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management (INWRDAM) is an autonomous intergovernmental think-tank based in Amman, Jordan. It was established in 1987 under the Ministerial Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. 

With 21 member countries, the organisation focuses on promoting cooperation in water resources management through research, actions on ground, dialogue and policy development. 

About the Iraq WEFE Nexus Pilot

The Iraq WEFE (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem) Nexus Pilot for Sustainable Development aims to address Iraq's pressing resource challenges through an integrated approach that connects water, energy, food, and ecosystem considerations. This initiative will work at both policy and community levels to enhance resource efficiency, strengthen institutional coordination, and build climate resilience in Diyala Governorate, creating a model for sustainable development that can be replicated across the region.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Major responsibilities

The Project Coordinator will lead the implementation of the Iraq WEFE Nexus Pilot, ensuring effective delivery of project activities in alignment with Blue Peace Middle East objectives and Iraqi national priorities. The position requires a dynamic professional who can bridge policy discussions with practical implementation while maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

The Project Coordinator reports directly to the Regional Technical Coordinator and collaborates closely with the Blue Peace Coordination Office team members to support the implementation of the initiative's technical programs. 

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Coordination: Lead project implementation in Iraq, serving as the primary liaison between the Blue Peace Middle East Coordination Office, Iraqi governmental institutions, and local stakeholders.
• Technical Implementation: Manage the execution of project activities related to WEFE Nexus integration, ensuring technical quality and alignment with project objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, farmer associations, and technical partners.
• Capacity Building: Guide the implementation of training programs and knowledge exchange activities that strengthen local capabilities in sustainable resource management.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Implement the project's monitoring framework, prepare regular progress reports, and document lessons learned for adaptive management.
• Team Management: Supervise the project team in Iraq, ensuring effective coordination and compliance with established procedures.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in water resources management, environmental engineering, agricultural sciences, public policy, or related fields.

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in managing development projects in Iraq, with at least 3 years in leadership positions.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the WEFE Nexus components (water, energy, food, ecosystems) and understanding of their interconnections.
• Proven knowledge of efficient irrigation techniques and renewable energy applications in agriculture and water management.
• Strong knowledge of Iraq's water and agricultural sectors, including relevant policies, institutions, and stakeholders.
• Proven experience in working with governmental institutions, international organizations, and local communities.
• Excellent project management skills, including planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting.

Other requirements

• Iraqi nationality is mandatory for this position.
• Willingness to be based in Diyala Governorate with regular travel to Baghdad and occasional travel to Amman, Jordan.
• Ability to work effectively in complex environments and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to overcoming challenges.

Language Proficiency

• Fluency in Arabic and English (written and spoken) is mandatory.

Computer Skills

• Proficient in MS Office Suite and project management tools.
• Proficient with virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, MS Teams).

Qualities

• Transparency: 
  • Able to build trust and contribute to informed and responsible decision making by carrying out the work of Blue Peace ME in a transparent manner;
  • Provide clear guidance to ensure that objectives and desired measurable results are understood by members of the team.
• Inclusiveness: 
  • Understand and accept cultural diversity; able to provide a tolerant, positive and supportive working environment that fosters respect for diversity;
  • Demonstrate ability to work in a multicultural, gender-balanced environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
• Professionalism: 
  • Promote the interests, objectives and values of Blue Peace ME in a diligent and professional manner.

APPLICATIONS

Applicants are requested to apply by sending their CV, a letter of motivation and 3 professional references to the Blue Peace ME Coordination Office at recruitment@inwrdam.net, stating 'Your Name -- Iraq Project Coordinator Application' in the subject line.

Applications will be accepted until Monday April 7, 2025 at midnight, Jordan time (UTC +3). 

Please note that only complete applications will be considered for shortlisting, 

We encourage applications from all qualified Iraqi nationals and are committed to creating an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve.