STTA Investment Law Expert_ Baghdad & Erbil
Fulltime- Short term contract
September 27, 2021
October 11, 2021
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The purpose of the Iraq Governance Performance and Accountability (IGPA) - Takamul project is to advance effective, accountable, and transparent governance in Iraq. This USAID effort, implemented by DAI, will work with the Government of Iraq (GOI) at all levels to better respond to citizen needs by supporting reform initiatives and Iraqi change agents on inclusive governance and public sector transparency, accountability, and economy. “Reform initiatives” includes support to improve service delivery functions, public financial management, and open government initiatives. IGPA/Takamul will support the GOI and the citizens of Iraq in forming partnerships and collaborative efforts to solve problems jointly. IGPA/Takamul has four (4) objectives:
1. Enhance GOI service delivery capacity
2. Improve public financial management
3. Strengthen monitoring and oversight of service delivery and public expenditure
4. Support Iraqi change agents to ensure sustainability of reform
Under a separate Task Order 4, the IGPA Ninewa Investment Facilitation Initiative (NIFI) aims to increase employment and economic opportunities by helping the private sector, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and, as appropriate, larger, developed businesses. In addition, TO4 supports and builds the capacity of Investment Commissions in 6 provinces (Ninewa, Wasit, Basra, Baghdad, Najaf, Anbar) to increase investments from local and international investors.
PURPOSE
IGPA is proposing to undertake a comprehensive review of all laws and regulations as a starting point to help identify priorities to improve current laws and regulations related to private sector investment. The review would seek to identify and summarize any recent work undertaken in this area, conduct any new analysis required, and provide a set of recommendations which support a joint effort between the government of Iraq (GOI) and the private sector to work together towards a modern legislative and regulatory investment framework that follows international best practices and is tailored to Iraq’s potential economic growth. The overall objective of the activity is to build the capacity of Provincial Investment Commission (PIC) staff through the formation of a working group across commissions to review the investment laws, regulations, process flow, policy, and regulatory environment. This position will review and provide comments on the National Investment Law #13 of 2006 as amended, as well as all the related instructions, regulations and bylaws. The KRG has prepared a draft law to replace Law No. 4 of 2006, which currently governs investment procedures and regulations. This position will coordinate with the National Investment Commission and six provincial investment commissions to review the National Investment Law and propose amendments to improve the law in-line with the White Paper reform initiative issued by GOI.
CONSULTANT KEY TASKS AND DELIVERABLES:
Under this Scope of Work, the Investment Law Expert will contribute to, but not be limited to, the specific tasks and deliverables specified below:
1: Design and Build Investment Law Working Group
- Description: Design and build a working group across provincial investment commissions to review and revise investment laws, regulations, process flows, policy, and the overall business enabling environment.
- Deliverable: Formed and formalized Investment Law Working Group, inclusive of:
- At least two members of each target provincial investment commission,
- Representatives from the national investment commission,
- Investors, both international and domestic, and
- Business Leaders
This position will work with the representatives from each PIC to develop working group protocols, including communication protocol, frequency of meetings, and expectations of all participants. The project anticipates conducting at least one workshop once PIC members are selected to discuss priorities, agree to communication protocols, and goals of the working group.
2: Comprehensive Review of Investment Laws , Regulations, Instructions, and Bylaws
- Description: Conduct a comprehensive review of all legislation effecting private sector investment, including international investment and PPP funds.
- Deliverable: Minimum 15-page report on Comprehensive Review of Investment Laws and Regulations. Inclusive of:
- Current barriers to investment and proposed resolutions,
- Roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in investment lifecycle,
- Meetings and consultations held with Integrity Commission, the Supreme Judicial Council, the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, the National Investment Commission, Ministry of Finance, Governors offices, and representatives of the investment commissions in the governorates,
- Detailed recommendations on how to improve the Investment Law to better facilitate investment,
- Recommendations to enhance the structures and authority of investments commissions.
- Recommendations to be tailored and submitted to relevant implementing GOI entities, including the COM, COR, COMSEC, and NIC.
- If requested, the position will present findings and recommendations to relevant GOI entities.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
- Registered Iraqi lawyer with ability to practice law in Iraq. At least 5 years of experience practicing law in Iraq, with specific preference for experience with constitutional and business law.
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, business, legal studies, or related field.
- Demonstrated experience with investment promotion and/or international investment.
- Experience delivering training and capacity building programs for government officials and staff.
- Demonstrated experience developing institutional strategy.
- Experience in private sector development, entrepreneurship, international investment, and finance.
- Experience on USAID legal or private sector-oriented projects preferred.
- Professional English level (speaking, reading, and writing) required.
- Fluency in Arabic. Kurdish language abilities are preferred as well.
- Excellent technical and report writing skills.
GENERAL STATEMENT:
This scope of work will be conducted in part in the IGPA project office in Baghdad with some remote work and required travel to several provinces in Iraq including Ninewa, Erbil, Basra, Najaf, Wasit, and Anbar. Under this SoW, the IGPA/Takamul project will be responsible to cover all other indirect implementation costs including air and ground transportation, lodging, per-diem, and phone communications.
How to apply: You can address your application to: IGPArecruitment@dai.com Your application will not be taken into consideration if you do not insert the position title in subject line of your e-mail. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. This position is for Iraqinationals only.
