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Project Officer for Digital Skills and Technologies

Posted over 3 years ago by GIZ
Location Baghdad Job Type Permanent
Salary Sector Services
Information & Communication Technologies (ICT) for a Modern Youth in Iraq is a GIZ project commissioned by BMZ.
The project strives for a holistic approach of tech ecosystem building in Iraq and supports the establishment of a sustainable infrastructure that flourishes the environment for technology applications and entrepreneurship. Innovation Hubs in selected urban areas are set up and offer trainings, coworking and makerspaces where young people can enhance their practical skills, have access to a broad network of peers and are supported by experienced mentors in developing their business ideas. The trainings focus on practice-oriented skills in ICT, entrepreneurship and soft skills and improve the overall employability of young Iraqis. Therefore, employment prospects are created for both entrepreneurs and job seekers to the same extend. 
Furthermore, the matchmaking procedure between supply and demand side on the ICT market is an integral part of the project. Access to finance and investments is a major burden for startups and their growth prospects. During and after the training programs, attendees and entrepreneurs are brought together with suitable investors, potential employers and customers to create long-term employment opportunities. 

Responsibilities
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is driving much-needed job creation in Iraq. But tech-savvy young men and women are still facing challenges in finding employment in the field of ICT or in building their own start-up. Also, university curricula are not yet sufficiently reflecting the needs of the tech industry. 
To create job perspectives in the field of ICT, GIZ is setting up or expanding innovation hubs equipped with training facilities, coworking spaces and makerspaces in various locations across the country. These hubs provide coding bootcamps (app/web development, UX/UI, Java, AI, blockchain, gaming) and demand-driven trainings in digital skills (digital production, robotics) as well as entrepreneurship courses. These measures are complemented by the support of structures and programs in the field of early stage start-up finance.
The responsibilities of the Project Officer include support to and independent implementation of technical planning efforts which require local, practical, and academic knowledge. 
 
In this context, the position holder fulfils the following tasks:
Tasks
Implementation 
The position holder is supporting the technical implementation and monitoring of project activities in coordination with the project director and his deputy. This will include the full responsibility for certain activities, components and events. The position holder supports the setup and expansion of makerspaces in various locations in the country. 
Planning & Monitoring 
The position holder provides local, practical, and theoretical knowledge to the project planning process. The position holder supports in strategizing and planning of innovative approaches and events to support advanced digital skill development.  
Coordination and Stakeholder Management 
The position holder serves as liaison and activity coordinator to political partners, national organizations, project partners, and beneficiaries and supports the initiation and implementation of strategic partnerships with private sector entities and universities This includes the coordination and cooperation with actors of the innovation ecosystem as well as representing the project and its activities, building up new relationships, identifying potential cooperation partners, and being the contact person for administrative and political office holders to the project. Furthermore, the coordination and quality control of consultants and contracted project partners.
Other duties/additional tasks 
The position holder will support the project with any additional tasks if necessary.
Required qualifications, competencies and experience Qualifications
Professional experience 
  • Academic degree in relevant fields such as IT, Economics, Engineering, Social Sciences, Business Administration, Communications or comparable studies
  • At least 2-3 years of experience in the field of ICT and digital skills development; work experience in the private sector is an advantage.
  • Proven experience in supporting development cooperation efforts in the field of ICT employment promotion. Practical knowledge of gender equality measures is an advantage.
  • Proven working experience in supporting development cooperation efforts in the field of ICT employment promotion; working experience with GIZ is an advantage
  • Experiences coordinating activities with administrative entities, academia, business owners and managers as well as business organizations. 
  • Above average academic Arabic and fluent English language proficiencies are mandatory (written and spoken).
  • Management experience of (small) projects or contractors.
 

Other knowledge, additional competencies
  • Enjoyment of working in intercultural teams and a positive attitude towards diversity
  • Distinctive diplomatic and social skills 
  • Excellent command of Microsoft Office
  • Ability to work under changing work contexts and time pressure 
  • Ability to travel inside Iraq (incl. South and KRI) and abroad for limited periods of time

Requirements for application: 
  • Subject line of the application should clearly indicate the vacancy applied for. 
  • CVs and motivations letters that are in the form of IMG, pictures, screenshots and links will not be accepted. 
  • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 
  • Applications passed the expiration date of the advertisement will not be considered.

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The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a global service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education...

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