KfW Development Bank
KfW is one of the world’s leading promotional banks. As an integral part of KfW Group, KfW Development Bank carries out Germany`s Financial Cooperation with developing and emerging countries on behalf of the Federal Government. The 600 staff at its head office in Frankfurt, Germany and about 200 specialists in more than 65 local offices worldwide cooperate with partners all over the world. Our top priorities are to improve people’s prospects for a better life, to protect the environment and to combat climate change.
KfW in Iraq
On behalf of the German Government and in particular the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Federal Foreign Office (AA), KfW Development Bank is actively engaged in Iraq since 2015 and has continuously increased its portfolio since then. Financial commitments to Iraq are based on the German government’s decision. Currently, KfW’s portfolio in Iraq comprises 13 programs consisting of multiple projects and activities in the sectors of reconstruction/resilience/peace, sustainable economic development and employment creation, good governance, infrastructure, agriculture, private sector development and finance. Additional, new fields of cooperation are currently explored, most prominently adaptation to climate change and climate change mitigation through renewable energy. In Iraq, KfW engages with various partners such as line ministries of the Federal Government and line departments of Governorates, UN organisations and international NGOs. For the larger part, projects financed are located in the liberated areas, but not exclusively.
KfW Office Iraq
The KfW Office Iraq has been established in 2019 with its main representative office in Baghdad and a representative antenna in Erbil. The KfW Office is a small, dynamic set-up actively supporting KfW’s interests and the German Government’s development cooperation in Iraq. The Iraq office currently consists of 4 persons who cover various aspects of KfW’s engagement in the country. The principal purposes of the Country Office is to strengthen the effectiveness of German Development Cooperation (GDC) in general, and in particular the Financial Cooperation (FC) with Iraq; strengthen the visibility of development policy and the positioning of GDC in the international donor community; and to intensify the contact with partner institutions and project executing agencies with regard to a more effective, efficient and rapid implementation as well as identifying the potential for development and promotional loans as well as mandates.
Accordingly, the core tasks of the Country Office include:
- Supporting the Iraqi government (GoI) and the project executing agencies (PEAs) in the preparation and implementation of projects and programmes
- Performing overarching technical and administrative activities related to the projects and programs
- Representing the KfW.
The KfW representative Office Baghdad is looking for an Expert for Project Coordination in a full-time position
Based in Baghdad, our Expert for Project Coordination is responsible for assisting in the smooth day-to-day running of project and program implementation. Your role will include:
- Support the regular contact to relevant GoI institutions and liaise on matters pertinent to project implementation (in close coordination with the Country Director)
- Support and advise the HQ-sector-teams (around 10 persons), most notably but not limited to the infrastructure and finance sector team in Frankfurt/Germany and the Country Director of KfW Office Iraq in liaising with the PEAs and the preparation and implementation of respective projects and programs;
- Attend donor and partner related meetings in close coordination with the Country Director of KfW Office Iraq;
- Explore and identify new project/program opportunities based on a do-no-harm-approach and new partnerships in the above mentioned sectors as well as additional sectors;
- Support the implementation of project management tasks in the sector in close coordination with the respective sector team/s at HQ and the Country Director;
- Support the monitoring of projects and programs under implementation and undertake regular site visits to the projects all over Iraq;
- Review, comment on and contribute to project proposals, progress and monitoring reports;
- Support other local KfW colleagues in their work, if and when required;
- Support to missions from KfW HQ (arranging meetings, coordination of in-country field visits with partner organizations, etc.).
In addition, you are expected to:
- Monitor and report on relevant developments in the sectors of water, electricity, agriculture, renewable energy, roads & bridges, private sector development and initiatives of other donors;
- Prepare assessments and analysis related to peace and conflict aspects;
- Assist with the preparation and update of PR materials on projects and KfW’s work in Iraq;
- Screen news/media sources and compile relevant press overviews for the Country Director and KfW colleagues.
You will like this position if you are
- A team-player with strong interpersonal-skills and happy to be part of a friendly, small and dedicated team
- Supportive, solution-oriented and with a positive disposition
- Prepared to work hard in order to meet targets within certain deadlines, and understand when it is important to put in the extra mile
- Self-motivated, self-organised and with a desire to learn and embrace new topics and challenges
- Flexible and ready to think outside the box
- Prepared to take over responsibility and able to work independently, if needed.
Requirements and skills are, inter alia,
- Master level degree in economics, political/social sciences or related fields;
- Fluency in English and Arabic (speaking/writing);
- German language is not required but would be an asset, wanting to learn German would be a plus;
- A minimum of 3 to 5 (but preferably more) years of significant working experience with either the Government of Iraq, bi- or multilateral agencies, donors, international institutions or a large international NGO;
- Detailed knowledge of the country, the relevant sectors, governmental and international partners and specific cultural aspects
- Demonstrated understanding of international development cooperation, strategies and projects (incl. gender mainstreaming and gender-related challenges, climate and environment, do-no-harm approaches, peace-and conflict assessments);
- Computer literacy incl. Microsoft Word and Excel;
- Proven ability to build and manage successful relationships and to establish a business network;
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, intercultural competence;
- Willingness to work in teams and pro-active work attitude;
- Women are encouraged to apply.
Timing
- We would ideally like our new expert for project coordination to join the team during Q1/2023.
Contact and Application Process:
For the first stage of the application process kindly send us your resume including names and contact details of relevant references and a cover letter letting us know why you would like to work for KfW Development Bank and what qualifies you for the position. We would also like to receive an indication of the salary you would be expecting.
Kindly apply until December 7, 2022. Only applications including the above requested documents – and only those - will be considered.
To learn more about KfW Development Bank please visit our website www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de
