Introduction

“Promotion of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Iraq” is an eight-year project funded by the KFW.

The project aims to provide sustainable access to financial services for already operating but also start-up SMEs in Iraq for an improved job creation with focus on youth and women. This will take place through credit guarantees offered to commercial banks which lend to SMEs. Capacity building within project national partners including ICBG and participating financial institutions is a first step followed by funds injection in ICBG. The overall objective is to contribute to Iraq’s private sector development through enhancing the productivity of SMEs and hence their job creation potential.

The proposed Project structure combines three components, which are considered necessary for a significant contribution to the financial inclusion of SMEs in Iraq:

1. SME window established by selected private PFIs through their own capital funds for SMEs
2. An effective credit guarantee scheme: which is critical to overcome the obstacles that SMEs face in securing acceptable collaterals.
3. Technical assistance to capacitate the Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), Iraqi Company for Banking Guarantees (ICBG), as well as the SMEs

Reporting lines

The SMEs Development Coordinator will report to the Chief Technical Advisor and will work under the overall supervision of the ILO Country Coordinator in Iraq and will receive technical guidance and backstopping support from the DWT Beirut Enterprise Specialist as well as from the concerned colleagues in the MSMEs Branch and the Social Finance Unit in the ENTERPRISES department in HQ.

Description of Duties

This position is part of the Promotion of the Development of SMEs in Iraq project. The incumbent will support the planning and delivery of SME capacity-building activities, including the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) and Financial Education (FE) programmes. The role also involves coordinating project activities with key stakeholders and ensuring smooth implementation at field level.

1. Support and oversee the implementation of SME development activities, including the roll-out of the Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) and Financial Education (FE) trainings, incubation support, and the quality assurance of work carried out by the external service providers and trainers.
2. Develop and update workplans, budgets, and activities schedule, and trainings, ensuring alignment with project target and timelines. Monitor the progress of project activities and follow-up on delayed documents, clarify information, and answer questions about clearance and processing requirements to support successful completion of agreed activities.
3. Follow-up with relevant technical officers with counterparts in organizations and line ministries at national level, partner and executing agencies, government offices, constituents and in other organizations to expedite implementation and meet targets. Coordinate and monitor the work of implementing partners, trainers, and service providers to ensure timely and high-quality delivery of actives as well as reporting in the assigned data bases.
4. Provide in liaison with the ILO network of master trainers, regional trainers and trainers and relevant colleagues, technical and logistical support on entrepreneurship, business planning, coaching, and mentoring as well as on financial education to partner institutions and SME beneficiaries.
5. Track, analyse, and report on training delivery, SME support services, incubation and access to loans results, ensuring accurate data collection and documentation.
6. Draft progress reports, briefs, and knowledge products including success stories, case studies, and lessons learned.
7. Facilitate, monitor and report on linkages between SMEs, financial institutions, and business development service providers to strengthen the local entrepreneurship ecosystems.
8. Represent the project in coordination meetings and workshops, and stakeholder engagements related to SMEs and entrepreneurial development.
9. Perform other duties as assigned by the CTA.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in economics, public policies, development studies, business administration, or a relevant field.

Experience

At least one year of relevant professional experience at the national level in SMEs Development, Business support services, training delivery, and project implementation. Proven Experience working with business incubators, financial education programmes, or entrepreneurship support initiatives is an asset.

Technical requirements: Strong understanding of the SMEs ecosystem in Iraq, incubation models, and financial literacy tools.

Languages

Excellent command of Arabic and good working knowledge of English.

Competencies

Candidates interested in the position should consider that the nine core competencies of the ILO, listed below, may be evaluated during the selection process: Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning and knowledge sharing, Client orientation, Communication, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation and Collaboration. Among these nine competences, the following are of particular importance for this position: Customer Orientation, Communications, Collaboration

Technical competencies

• Knowledge of project administration, budgeting, monitoring tools, and the SME/Labour market context in Iraq.
• Strong analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to interpret project data and propose solutions.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to engage with stakeholders professionally.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a multicultural team, managing tasks under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and commitment to gender-responsive and inclusive project delivery.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.