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Iraq Innovation Lead

Posted about 4 years ago by Field Ready
Location Erbil Job Type Permanent
Salary Sector NGO
Field Ready is a non-governmental organisation that is dedicated to empowering people living in complex environments to make the things they need, where they need them when they need them. Our vision is to meet development goals through technology, innovative design and engaging people in new ways. We make useful items to solve problems locally using the latest and traditional technology. We build capacity to continue this through makerspaces and communities of makers.
 
POSITION SUMMARY
The successful applicant would take over leadership of Field Ready’s growing presence in Iraq. Core to this is our GIZ funded work, though which in 2019 we established our own makerspace in Erbil and supported the community of Mosul Space to set up a co-working and makerspace in Mosul. In 2020 this is expanding to an additional directly managed makespace within the Culture Factory in Sulaymaniyah and support to the IOT Maker group in Baghdad. These spaces provide youth with the opportunity to gain practical digital fabrication skills to boost their future employability, opportunities to engage in entrepreneurship and prospects for peace. They also support industry, academia, government and the aid sector through prototyping, training and bespoke services. 
The role of the Iraq Innovation Lead is absolutely critical to the delivery of this project and Field Ready’s goals in Iraq, it is the most senior role in the Iraq country programme. The post holder is responsible for overseeing all aspects of programme management and development, and for all staff in Iraq. They will work closely with the Regional
Innovation Lead to build the strategy and partnerships to provide the makerspaces with a sustainable future. They will support the makerspace teams to plan and deliver a schedule of activities, to manage resources, and build relationships with both the Iraqi and global makerspace community. They will spearhead engagement with NGOs, donors, academia the private sector to identify potential new partnerships and project ideas in Iraq. 
An effective Iraq Innovation Lead will combine relevant technical know-how with excellent interpersonal skills and proven self-drive, to contribute to the development of Iraq’s innovation eco-system.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following are illustrative responsibilities that will evolve over time and depend on organisational needs:
  • Manage Field Ready's GIZ ICT for youth program providing oversight to teams in Mosul and Baghdad and direct management to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah.
  • Support the makerspace teams develop training and events series in the spaces, engage an active community
  • and develop services.
  • Lead engagement with donors, NGO, private sector, government and academia to guide spaces activities and identify new opportunities
  • Support the makerspaces in financial and human resource management.
  • Work with the global Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) lead to continue to develop and implement MEL system and oversee staff inputs.
  • Lead development of business plan for long-term sustainability of makerspaces and Field Ready in Iraq, including developing concept notes and proposals where relevant.
  • Contribute to Field Ready’s external communications, providing blog post material, photos etc.
  • Participate in Field Ready’s internal communications including weekly team meetings, Tales From The Field calls etc.
QUALIFICATIONS & CHARACTERISTICS
The best applicants will combine relevant technical know-how with strategic thinking, a brilliant analytical mind, humility, excellent listening skills, good interpersonal skills and, an ability to get things done.
 
Required competencies:
  • Project management: the ability to effectively manage projects throughout their life cycle including writing project reports, demonstrated by several years of project management.
  • Business Development: the ability to plan, secure funding for and establish a programme comprising one or more projects or funding streams and development of additional revenue streams.
  • Fundraising: the ability to seek out and secure funding opportunities by networking, project development and effective proposal and concept note writing.
  • Budget management: the ability to prepare, monitor and manage several budgets up to approximately $1.5M and experience of working with grant funds.
  • Monitoring and evaluation: the ability to effectively monitor project implementation, evaluate project and programme impact, collect and report on monitoring and evaluation data.
  • Tech for Good commitment: demonstrable prior interest in the role of tech in social innovation.
  • Working with others: the ability to work effectively with others and promote a congenial work environment.
  • Self-management: the ability to work independently and take initiative to seek out new opportunities and work in a challenging environment.
 
Required skills and experience:
  • English Language: Excellent written and interpersonal communication in English.
  • International work: experience of working in Iraq, or in a similar context.
  • Location: ability and willingness to work in Erbil, Iraq (other Iraq cities can be considered for a base) with frequent trips to surrounding areas.
 
Desirable criteria:
  • Kurdish and/or Arabic Language: the ability to communicate effectively in Kurdish and/or Arabic desirable.
  • Networks: Strong connections in Iraqis aid, investment, start-up or maker communities and ability to use them for the furtherance of Field Ready’s vision.
  • Humanitarian work: experience with refugees and vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities.
  • Innovation: prior work with start-ups, SMEs, social enterprise or co-working spaces an advantage.
  • Engineering/Tech: prior knowledge of fabrication techniques and their application an advantage.
  • Needs assessment: the ability to design and conduct needs assessments to identify a need which may lead to programme development opportunities.
  • Education: Master’s degree in relevant subject.

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Field Ready

https://www.fieldready.org/

Field Ready meets humanitarian and reconstruction aid needs by transforming logistics through technology, design and engaging people in new ways. We make useful items where they are needed to solve...

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