Connecting...

Career Development Officer

Posted about 1 year ago by Baghdad Business School
Location Baghdad Job Type Permanent
Salary Sector Education

Background 

The Baghdad Business School is a non-profit higher education organization dedicated to preparing Iraqi youth to build successful careers, start their own businesses, as well as contribute to an open and inclusive society and prosperous economy.  BBS offers the one-year certificate-granting program called Business Foundations, which includes instruction in English language, business, and soft and professional skills.  Business Foundations is an innovative, high-quality education and employment program that uses progressive teaching methods that are student-centered and discussion-based.  BBS enrolled its first cohort in October 2020, and since then, it has graduated two cohorts of Iraqi youth who have gone on to build their own businesses or find entry-level jobs with Iraqi and international companies operating in Iraq.

The Career Development Program plays a critical role in BBS activities, as it prepares students to be independent job seekers through workshops, individual advising, mentorship activities, internships, and job search support.  The program also builds relationships with the private sector in Iraq to create opportunities for student engagement and ensure BBS is educating youth with the right mix of skills to build successful careers.  BBS is committed to preparing and providing opportunities for women to participate in our program and in the workforce.    

Job description 

The Career Development Officer develops and institutionalizes existing activities to prepare students and alumni to find meaningful employment after graduation.  The Officer reports to the Business Foundations Program Manager and is part of the BBS leadership team responsible for shaping the organization.  The Officer interacts regularly with students, providing individual and group activities to prepare them to start their own businesses or find jobs in the private sector.  The Officer also interacts regularly with private sector contacts to ensure that BBS is preparing students for current and emerging business trends.

The Officer plans and implements the Career Development Program.  The Program is developed with feedback from BBS staff and faculty, private sector partners, higher education contacts, BBS alumni, and current students.  The Officer must work collaboratively across a broad range of contacts.  The Program includes a  curriculum, mentorship program with business experts, professional lecture series, and internship and employment programs.  The Officer develops materials and delivers training workshops to groups of students on a regular basis.  The Officer provides regular counseling to students on an individual basis throughout the academic year.

The Officer builds strong relationships with the business community in Iraq to create opportunities for mentorship, internships, and job opportunities.  The Officer organizes regular roundtable discussions with business leaders, develops and analyzes surveys on key topics, and formalizes relationships to create employment and job training pathways for students.   

BBS has a strong commitment to providing women students and graduates with opportunities to succeed.  All career development activities should be seen designed, implemented, and evaluated through a gender-focused lens.

This is a full-time position located in Baghdad, Iraq.  The Officer works Sunday to Thursday during regular business hours.  However, some evenings and weekend work will be required.  While the Officer has primary responsibility for career development activities, the successful candidate should also be a Team Player and support other sections and colleagues as needed.  BBS is a young and growing educational institution, requiring that all staff and faculty show flexibility and professionalism in supporting the organization and helping students achieve their goals.

BBS staff work at the BBS office and telework from home as conditions require.  Travel within Baghdad will be required.  Some travel outside of Baghdad may be required and will be coordinated with the supervisor.

 

Job Responsibilities

  • Plan, design, implement, and evaluate all career development activities with a focus on supporting the success of women students.  Collaborate with the Gender Advisor, Recruitment/ Retention Officer, and other relevant staff/faculty to ensure all activities are seen through a gender-focused lens.
  • Develop work plans, strategies, and timelines for career development activities, in conjunction with other BBS staff and faculty.
  • Review and strengthen the existing Career Development Program curriculum by adding new activities and events.
  • Manage the Mentorship Program that links BBS students with business professionals.  Expand and strengthen the program by increasing the number of mentors, including formal programs with individual companies and organizations, with attention to recruiting women mentors.  Develop training and materials to support mentorship activities.  Match students with mentors and monitor their relationship, supporting participants to maximize the benefits of the program.   
  • Enhance and expand the Professional Development Lecture Series that brings professionals into the classroom to share best practices and personal success stories.  Ensure women business professionals are highlighted.
  • Provide individual counseling sessions to students throughout the academic year.
  • Design training presentations, create materials, and deliver instruction to groups of students.
  • Increase private sector engagement by researching and identifying new partners, establishing and enhancing relationships with companies and recruiting firms, and organizing roundtable meetings with the business sector.
  • Build and maintain a database of private sector contacts, employers, and recruiting firms.
  • Design surveys, gather and analyze data, and prepare/present findings to relevant stakeholders.
  • Coordinate internships and support BBS students to find jobs after graduation.
  • Collaborate with the Gender Advisor and the Recruitment/Retention Officer and hold group meetings for women students and graduates to address obstacles to their academic and job success.
  • Participate in recruitment activities at universities and youth organizations.
  • Identify and develop new activities to enhance and strengthen career development activities, soliciting feedback from students, staff, faculty, and external contacts.

 

Qualifications and Experience

Education and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree.
  • 2+ years of professional work experience in youth employment and/or human resources activities, including training, recruitment, hiring, career coaching, and mentoring.
  • Experience designing training presentations, creating materials, and delivering instruction to groups and individuals.
  • Experience organizing events, speakers, and activities with internal and external contacts.
  • Experience working with young adults or students, individually or in groups, preferably in a higher education or professional setting.

 

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of recruitment strategies and best practices in human resources.
  • Knowledge of the private sector in Iraq, with a focus on local and international organizations in Baghdad.
  • Knowledge of Google Office and MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) software programs.
  • Advanced online research skills.

 

Skills and Abilities

  • Strong commitment to the BBS mission and ability to deliver effective programming that helps BBS graduates build skills and find jobs in the private sector.
  • Excellent English language skills in reading/writing and listening/speaking.  Fluency in Arabic language.
  • Excellent interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex issues to a wide range of audiences.
  • Able to interact with a broad spectrum of stakeholders including private sector business professionals, students, staff and faculty, alumni, and higher education officials.
  • Demonstrated team player, committed to working collaboratively with colleagues, students, and external contacts.
  • Strong time management skills; organized and able to manage multiple projects; able to prioritize overlapping tasks.

 

How to Apply

To apply, send your CV and cover letter (no longer than one page), both in English, explaining your interest and relevant background to jobs@iraqed.org. Please make sure to write in the email subject the following: “BBS – Career Development Officer

Note: We will only respond to the candidates who successfully reach the interview stage.

 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Baghdad Business School provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, and marital status. We also strive to achieve equal employment opportunities in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs. Baghdad Business School is committed to fostering a diverse workforce and encourages men and women to apply.

Share this Job

Baghdad Business School

Live Jobs: 0 - View all Jobs
Sector Specialisms: Education
Office Location: Baghdad, Mansour. Amirat St.
Phone Number: ‭0782 942 6766‬