Program Manager

We are looking for an innovative business professional to join us as our Program Manager in Erbil. The Manager will help open and lead our office in Erbil. He or she will oversee the implementation of our training programs and events, spearhead the expansion of our community in Erbil, and
support the executive team in the management of financial and grant processes. This is a critical role for the success of our team, organization, and, most particularly, our entrepreneurs. 

As our Program Manager in Erbil, you will become a leading part of a growing social enterprise, and will have a huge hand in shaping both our organization and our entrepreneurs’ futures. We are a fun, hardworking, and fast-moving team searching for someone who is interested in learning, growing, and becoming part of the Five One Labs family. This will be a great opportunity to see the inner workings of Iraq’s first full-time startup incubator!

The successful candidate will support Five One Labs to:

• Ensure the timely opening of Five One Labs’ new office in Erbil, which will includerecruitment of staff and finding and equipping the office, among other tasks

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Erbil office and ensure the success of programs and activities;

• Oversee our grant administration process and ensure that all programs are implemented in a timely and high-quality manner according to grant agreements;

• Develop the Five One Labs community and network in Erbil by identifying new opportunities, expanding partnerships and cultivating existing relationships;

• Together with Five One leadership, develop M&E processes, records, and program reports to ensure sustainability and improvement of the Five One Labs programs over time;

• Other tasks as required by our growing organization.

Additionally, based on the skills and interest of the applicant, the Manager may be asked to support
strategic priorities of Five One Labs, including:

• Strategy: Help Five One Labs with development and growth strategies, in Iraq and internationally.

• Investment Support: Work with leadership team to develop investment advisory support for angel investors and local business people interested in supporting early stage entrepreneurs in Iraq.

The Program Manager will work closely with the co-founders of the organization along with the the Erbil and Sulaimani teams. The team will ensure that the selected candidate has access to all relevantmaterials and support to succeed in his or her role.
 

The Five One Labs team is seeking candidates with the following profile:

Skills and Knowledge

• Graduate degree in business preferred; bachelor’s degree plus previous experience in entrepreneurship may substitute;

• Strong interest in and passion for entrepreneurship;

• 5+ years program or project management experience in relevant organizations, including development organizations, NGOs, governments or private sector organizations (like consulting firms or banks);

• Experience managing diverse and multicultural teams;

• Ability to multitask and manage priorities confidently and with minimal supervision;

• Experience building something new - at a fast pace and a high quality - from scratch;

• Fluency in English and Kurdish; Arabic a plus;

• Financial management experience, particularly with donor-managed projects.

Personal Characteristics

• Team-oriented and enthusiastic about working with and supporting others;

• Willingness to listen, learn and engage with the local culture and entrepreneurial ecosystem, with particular sensitivity to working with vulnerable populations;

• Outgoing, positive, and interested in developing a strong community;

• Attention to detail, conscientious about accuracy and professional presentation at all times; desire for continuous improvement;

• Self-starter personality – able to initiate and lead projects or tasks with minimal supervision;

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced work environment;

• Experience working and thriving in multicultural teams.