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 a 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.
BBS has a strong commitment to providing women students and graduates with opportunities to succeed. This part-time Gender Advisor is a contract position.
Job description
The Gender Advisor develops and institutionalizes existing activities to prepare students and alumni to find meaningful employment after graduation. The Gender Advisor reports to the Business Foundations Program Manager and is part of the BBS leadership team responsible for shaping the organization. The Gender Advisor interacts regularly with students, faculty, and staff, delivering instruction and providing guidance on a range of Gender Equity issues. The Gender Advisor also interacts with private sector contacts to support gender activities and ensure BBS is preparing students for current and emerging business trends. The Gender Advisor prepares Iraqi youth to start their own businesses and find jobs in the private sector, with a focus on women students.
The Gender Advisor strengthens current practices and develops new activities to support Gender Equity in BBS programming. The Gender Advisor advises faculty and staff on best practices and supports improvements to curricula and activities to enhance the participation of women students. The Gender Advisor builds a more inclusive educational environment that promotes the benefits of Gender Equity to all students.
The Gender Advisor reviews all BBS curricula and activities through a gender-focused lens and provides critical input on strategies and best practices to enhance BBS programming. The Gender Advisor collaborates with the Recruitment and Retention Coordinator to strengthen the recruitment of women applicants and supports women students to increase their academic success. The Gender Advisor collaborates with the Career Development Coordinator to support women students with mentorships, internships, and job placement, as well as supports women graduates.
The Gender Advisor plans and implements the Gender Equity Program. The Program is developed with feedback from BBS staff and faculty, private sector partners, higher education contacts, BBS alumni, and current students. The Gender Advisor must work collaboratively across a broad range of contacts. The Gender Advisor develops materials and delivers training workshops to groups of students, faculty, and staff on a regular basis. The Gender Advisor provides counseling to students on an individual basis throughout the academic year.
The Gender Advisor collaborates with the Career Development Coordinator and Recruitment & Retention Coordinator to lead a monthly support group for women students. The Gender Advisor builds relationships with the business community in Iraq.
This is a part-time, contract position located in Baghdad, Iraq. The Gender Advisor will work for an average of 15 hours each week, including late afternoons/evenings and weekends, to accommodate the BBS academic schedule. The Gender Advisor will work at the BBS office, from home, and/or telework as conditions require. Travel within Baghdad will be required. Some travel outside of Baghdad may be required and will be coordinated with the supervisor.
While the Gender Advisor has primary responsibility for Gender Equity 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.
Job Responsibilities
- Act as an advisor to faculty, staff, and BBS leadership on effective strategies and activities to increase the recruitment, retention, and success of women students.
- Develop work plans, strategies, and timelines for gender activities, in conjunction with other BBS staff and faculty. Establish and grow a formal Gender Equity Program.
- Review the curricula for all BBS courses and other activities to ensure materials are viewed through a gender-focused lens. Advise faculty/staff on best practices and recommended improvements to strengthen programming. Develop and deliver programming in classes on gender.
- Work with the Career Development Coordinator to integrate gender into all Career Development Program (CDP) activities, including regular curricula and the professional lecture series.
- Support the Mentorship Program by creating and delivering training materials, advising mentors and mentees, and collaborating with the Career Development Coordinator (aligns with the CDP).
- Work with the Recruitment & Retention Coordinator to integrate gender into all activities to recruit students and to support their needs, once enrolled.
- Develop and deliver training for faculty and staff on Gender Equity and best practices.
- Collaborate with the Career Development Coordinator and the Recruitment & Retention Coordinator and hold group meetings for women students and graduates to include training workshops, lectures, and field trips.
- Provide individual counseling sessions to students throughout the academic year.
- Design training presentations, create materials, and deliver instruction to groups of students.
- Develop and grow a network that links BBS students/faculty with Iraqi women in business.
- Participate in recruitment activities at universities and youth organizations.
- Identify and develop new activities to enhance and strengthen gender equity, soliciting feedback from students, staff, faculty, and external contacts.
Qualifications and Experience
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree.
- 2+ years of professional work experience supporting gender policies and activities such as recruitment, hiring, career coaching, mentoring, and workplace performance in the private sector, government, or non-profit organizations.
- 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 gender equity research, best practices, and effective strategies in Iraq and globally.
- 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.
Deadline
All complete applications must be received by 11:59 PM on November 15, 2022, to be considered.
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.
