Counterpart International is currently seeking a Civil Society Technical Lead (CSTL) to support the implementation of the anticipated USAID Iraq Civil Society Activity (ICSA) opportunity. The overall objective of ICSA is to increase citizen engagement in the public sphere, especially among women and youth, while supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) to connect to and empower citizens and one another, thereby enhancing CSO resilience, increasing its credibility and effectiveness. The expected result is a more active and inclusive civil society sector that effectively fosters change and contributes to a more equitable and democratic Iraq.

The CSTL will be responsible for supporting the design and implementation of all civil society activities under the ICSA, including leadership of overall implementation, coordination, and management of programming aspects. He/She will be responsible for the provision and oversight of technical direction and assistance in support of improved public outreach and information, coalition building, and improved organizational management capacity. They will also be responsible for supervising technical program staff that will support organizational strengthening of civil society organizations, advocacy efforts of civil society networks, civic education, social accountability, and networking efforts of civic actors. The CSTL will also identify and mobilize medium- and short-term technical assistance to provide support to civil society activities.

 This position is full-time and will serve through the life of the project.   

Qualified Iraqi nationals are encouraged to apply.

• Provide senior-level technical leadership and technical oversight of the civil society strengthening activities, prioritizing local leadership and ownership while providing sufficient oversight and mentorship.
• Lead the design of the Activity technical workplan in participation with local partners and stakeholders, utilizing Counterpart’s tested approaches to local leadership and ownership. Ensure that program approaches are technically sound and grounded in the political realities, local context, and responsive to local needs. Lead the development of approaches that are sustainable, ensures local leadership and innovation.
• Oversee the implementation of the technical workplan and mobilize technical assistance or provide direct technical assistance in organizational strengthening, collective action, advocacy, civic engagement, or social accountability.
• Ensure timely implementation of project activities and work plan and the quality of technical deliverables.
• Monitor quantitative and qualitative data related to project implementation as well as provide quality control across project deliverables.
• Facilitate a learning culture among the program technical team and the local partners, ensuring evidence and learning are integrated into the technical workplans and inform adaptive management.
• Ensure effective and timely coordination and communication between all relevant actors, including Counterpart Headquarters, local civil society partners, relevant CSO’s, etc.
• In coordination with the Grant Manager, and under the supervision of the COP, ensure the development of meaningful sub-grants that are targeted to support the development of sub-grantee capacities in agreed-upon areas.

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in international development, political science, law, public administration, human rights or related area or an additional four years of experience in place of the Masters.
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience supervising donor-funded civil society or related projects. Significant experience implementing field activities related to civil society strengthening, democratic governance, and capacity strengthening.
• At least two years’ supervisory experience, managing a team of technical experts.
• Technical expertise in at least one of these areas: organizational/institutional strengthening, advocacy, collective action, civic education, and/or social accountability.
• Demonstrated experience working with broad range of civil society partners and local stakeholders, including mentoring and training civil society individuals and organizations.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and prioritization skills. Strong interpersonal skills, cross-cultural understanding, and the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.
• Sensitivity to culture, gender, religion, race, nationality, and age differences.
• Knowledge in development project design, implementation, management, and evaluation. Prior training experience is highly desirable.
• Previous work experience with civil society in Iraq is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English.