Project Assistant - G5

Iraq is emerging from an intensive conflict resulting in the defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and working to transition into a more sustainable development period in its history.  A development cooperation project that strengthens the humanitarian-development nexus has been designed with the aim of improving working conditions and labour market governance in the Republic of Iraq. 

The project will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Republic of Iraq by enhancing the application of International Labour Standards and national labour legislation and by promoting social dialogue, social justice, and decent work. It will respond to decent work priorities at the national and governorate level and will design and rethink approaches to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Iraq’s labour market through resilience and decent work.

The project will also develop and implement a compliance model in the agriculture sector to benefit workers through improved working conditions, skills development and opportunities. Interventions will also support longer-term institutional change, including through implementation of agricultural worker bylaws, development of an agriculture worker’s union and collective bargaining agreements.

The position will be based in Baghdad with a focus on supporting the project team in the implementation of national-level interventions and direct implementation in two-three governorates.

Under the technical supervision of the Project Manager and the Country Coordinator, the project assistant will Perform the following tasks:

• Assist with the planning and preparatory work of the project initiatives. Monitor status of project proposals and receipt of documentation for review and approval, verifying that information is in compliance with applicable rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Monitor the status of project outcomes and deliverables and inform the supervisor of any discrepancies.
• Perform a range of specialized finance support functions and related work of the Project, including initiating and processing financial transactions in the ILO administrative and financial system and verifying that information and supporting documentation is in compliance with financial rules and regulations, policies, procedures and applicable standards.
• Provide information to project’s Implementing Partners on ILO administrative and financial procedures. Inform the NPC of potential difficulties that may arise from the administrative and finance management capacity and competence of implementing partners to address the problem in timely manner. 
• Compile, summarize and present a variety of information and data to the supervisor on issues pertinent to the project including on budgets and other related topics or issues.
• Input complete data and process administrative actions project delivery in the ILO system. Based on information in the system, inform the project manager of inconsistencies and shortfalls in delivery and status of allocations.
• Follow-up on administrative matters, including the timely submission of terms of reference (TOR) for external collaborators, confirmation of funds, and other required administrative actions.
• Responsible for all administrative tasks, including logistical support to the project personnel, travel arrangements, visas, hotel reservation, etc. and provide logistics arrangements for conferences, seminars, workshops and meetings
• Assist the project manager in the programming and preparation of budget estimates and expenditure forecasts by analyzing and monitoring the situation of resources as compared to planned activities of the project needs.
• Respond to requests for general information on the project and routine queries on status of payments and other budgetary issues.
• Provide general office management support, draft correspondence, faxes, memoranda and reports on administrative matters from oral instructions, previous correspondence or other available information sources in accordance with standard office procedures.
• Perform other relevant duties as may be assigned by the project manager and/or the Country Director.

Completion of secondary school education. Qualifications in finance and/or administrative support would be preferable.

Five years of progressively responsible clerical and administrative work, and some training in an administrative field. Proven experience of implementing technical cooperation projects and working effectively with government bodies in charge of policy making and with development partners would be an asset.

Excellent knowledge of English and Arabic.

• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to demonstrate gender-sensitive and non- discriminatory behaviour and attitudes.
• Knowledge of programme and budget and through understanding of wide range of administrative policies and procedures
• Ability to work with word processing , spread sheet, web-browser, as well as other computer software packages required for work.
• Thorough knowledge of in-house procedures for the preparation of documents and administrative forms, and for the creation and maintenance of filing systems. 
• Good knowledge of accounting principles and practices
• Ability to prepare preliminary reports and to draft correspondence. 
• Good communication skills, both orally and in writing and ability to communicate with people in a polite, courteous and cooperative manner
• Ability to organize own work and to work independently as well as work in a team
• Ability to work under pressure and to meet the deadline
• Must demonstrate responsible behaviour and attention to detail.