Senior Adviser Stabilisation and Violence Prevention

The GIZ project “Support to Stabilisation and Violence Prevention in Iraq” (SSVPI) supports the stabilization process in Iraq and contributes to the prevention of violence and violent extremism through support to coordination on stabilisation, a funding facility addressing drivers of radicalisation, and a component on dealing with the past/restorative justice. 

We are a motivated, and dynamic team that values ownership of one’s areas of responsibility while working in a team showing a cooperative spirit. We welcome applications from personalities with similar qualities.

The duty station for this position is the GIZ Baghdad Office.

Responsibilities
After the Iraqi armed forces succeeded in liberating the areas occupied by IS with the support of an international anti-IS coalition, a comprehensive stabilization process began in all parts of the country. SSVPI supports the dialogue between the Iraqi Government and the international community on stabilisation efforts. In addition, the project will engage in violence prevention with a focus on preventing violent extremism. 

The SSVPI project is looking for a senior project advisor who will focus on addresses supporting the coordination between the international donor community and the Government of Iraq in promoting coherence in national and international stabilization efforts and in coordinating and promoting strategies for preventing extremism and their implementation. 
The Senior Adviser will work in a tandem on the support to the Stabilisation Task Force and a newly established working group on violence prevention. Part of the responsibilities is the comprehensive preparation, facilitation and follow up of Task Force sessions, incl. substantial liaison to governmental partners and international organisations as well as donors.  In addition, the Senior Adviser will be responsible for establishing relationships with relevant governmental entities, civil society and research institutions as well as providing technical guidance and advisory on issues evolving around and the prevention of violent extremisms, radicalisation and violence to the working group. 
The position will allow for a good balance between managerial and secretarial responsibilities, as well as content-driven/conceptual work on stabilisation and violence prevention. The position demands dedication to our objectives, diplomatic skills, and self-reliance.

The Senior Adviser performs the following tasks:

Tasks
Strategic Networking, Stakeholder Management and Coordination

• Stakeholder outreach, network management and facilitation of cooperation with entities of the government of Iraq (i.e. COMSEC, PMO, CCPC, MoMD and other relevant ministries, National Security Council, et. Al.), civil society/NGOs, research organisations on stabilisation and the prevention of violent extremisms, radicalisation and violence 

• Facilitation of coordination between implementing organisations and the donor community on stabilisation and the prevention of violent extremisms, radicalisation and violence

Planning, Preparations and Facilitation

• Preparation of Stabilisation Task Force Meetings, incl. conducting of preparatory consultations, development of agendas, and facilitation of meetings

• Executive secretarial support to the Stabilization Task Force and Working Group on Violence Prevention incl. communication with international organisations and embassies for the preparation and follow-up of Task Force/Working Group Meetings

• Translation support for bilateral consultations and political dialogue with GoI

Analysis and technical Advisory

• Political analysis of developments linked to stabilisation; return and reintegration of IDPs; families with perceived ISIL-affiliation; the prevention of violent extremisms, radicalisation and violence as well as provision of strategic advisory based on said analysis

• Development of thematic briefings/briefing notes for Task Force or Working Group members on issues related to stabilization and the prevention of violent extremisms, radicalisation and violence

• Technical guidance and development of approaches on stabilisation as well as the prevention of violent extremisms, radicalisation and violence in Iraq 

• Identification and development of pilot projects contributing the prevention of violent extremisms, radicalisation and violence in Iraq 

• Knowledge management on the prevention of violent extremisms, radicalisation and violence incl. development of lessons learned, and mapping of engagement

Other duties/additional tasks 
The position holder will support the project with any additional task if necessary.

Required qualifications, competences and experience Qualifications

Formal Qualification:

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, or other relevant fields. Lack of relevant degree can be compensated with substantial working experience in relevant governmental institutions or international organisations. 

• 10 years plus relevant professional experience on policy development, donor coordination, or advisory services in a political setting

• Working experience with and consequently excellent network within Iraqi governmental institutions relevant to stabilisation and violence prevention on national (i.e. COMSEC, PMO, CCPC, MoMD and other relevant ministries, National Security Council, et. Al.) and governorate level

• Work experience in international development cooperation organisations is an advantage

Technical Skills:

• Technical expertise on stabilisation, prevention of violent extremisms, radicalisation and violence

• Background in consultancy and the provision of advisory services – especially to political dignitaries - is an advantage

• Experience in the preparation, facilitation and follow-up of working groups/high-level consultations and meetings

• Experienced networker, able to expand network and establish lasting working relationships with partners 

• Excellent organisational skills and ability to keep overview of complex settings and various simultaneous tasks, attention to detail and reliability

Soft Skills:

• Diplomatic and socials skills incl. the ability to manage sensitivities and diverging interests in a complex stakeholder setting

• Self-reliant, proactive, and responsible personality, innovative and flexible

• Team player

• Other knowledge, additional competences

• Above average academic Arabic and fluency in English are mandatory (written and spoken). Knowledge of German is beneficial.

• Very good working knowledge of ITC technologies and computer applications (e.g. MS Office, MS Teams, Zoom/Webex et.Al.)

• Ability to travel within Iraq and possibly internationally is required

• Willingness to upskill as required by the tasks to be performed – corresponding measures are agreed with management

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, screen-shots and links will not be accepted. 

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• Applications passed the expiration date of the advertisement will not be considered.