Free to Run Program Officer

Position: Free to Run Program Officer

Reports to: Country Program Manager, Iraq

Activities to be carried out by Officer:    

The Officer implements and coordinates Free to Run activities in Erbil, in close coordination with, and reporting to, Free to Run’s Iraq Country Program Manager.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities Will Include (but not be limited to):

·         Implementing the day-to-day activities of Free to Run’s program areas in Erbil, including through:

o   Organizing and leading running and physical activities in Erbil (liaising with participant’s families; liaising with, and supporting, volunteers; direct training of team during running sessions; coordinating team drivers; tracking participants’ attendance and performance; coordinating volunteer schedules; translation (Arabic - English); liaising with camp management and implementing partners where appropriate)

o   Supporting hiking activities in northern Iraq (liaising with participant’s families, coordinating participants and team drivers; reimbursing transportation costs where appropriate; tracking participants; and organizing photos and feedback stories)

o   Developing and maintaining relationships with local authorities, volunteer groups, relevant community-based organizations, and partner NGOs

o   Engaging in regular dialogue, as appropriate, with members of the community, including family members of participants

o   Working with the Country Program Manager and local partner organization on establishing volunteer projects for program participants and overseeing their implementation on a regular basis

o   Leading Life Skills through Sports curriculum sessions for program participants under the guidance of the Country Program Manager

o   Managing program funds for Erbil team activities (maintain records; receive and disburse funds; obtain receipts; manage petty cash)

o   Coordinating transportation and communication with program drivers

o   Supporting Free to Run’s social media strategy (providing photos and human-interest stories in line with Free to Run’s communications policy)

·         Assisting Free to Run’s Country Program Manager with training new staff members and other responsibilities as needed

·         Preparing and submitting timely and quality financial and narrative reports

·         Supporting monitoring and evaluation of programs, including leading survey implementation, focus group discussions, parent interviews, etc.

·         Planning and attending events during Free to Run programmatic cycle, including Sports Weeks activities, and working closely with the Country Program Manager to compile and purchase materials, events logistics, and participant outreach.

·         Providing logistical support for visits of Free to Run board members and partners to Iraq

·         Interacting with partners in Iraq as instructed by Free to Run’s Country Program Manager and Executive Director

·         Tracking attendance for participants

·         Translation help, as required, from Kurdish/Arabic- English and English-Kurdish/Arabic

·         Assistance with developing annual and monthly work plans and ensuring team’s adherence 

Specific Outputs & Deliverables

·         Weekly narrative reports in line with templates provided by Free to Run

·         Weekly attendance sheets in line with templates provided by Free to Run

·         Monthly financial reports in line with templates provided by Free to Run

·         Monthly activity plans in line with templates provided by Free to Run

·         Baseline/Endline/LSS surveys in line with templates provided by Free to Run

·         Inputs into the annual work plan

Qualifications

The successful candidate must:

·         Be passionate about women's empowerment, community development, and appreciate sports and adventure.

·         2 years’ experience in community development and program implementation.

·         Experience leading a team, group, or project.

·         Experience with non-profit organizations and governmental ministries.

·         Have the highest level of integrity, take ownership of own work, and be goal-oriented.

·         Have the ability to work independently and against multiple deadlines.

·         Be organized, able to multi-task, and a creative problem solver.

·         Have demonstrated ability to coordinate logistics and implement action plans.

·         Be willing and ready to learn quickly.

·         Have prior work experience with local non-profits.

·         Have excellent written communication skills and able to use Microsoft Office programs, Google Suite, email, and social media.

·         Proficiency in Arabic and English- writing and speaking; knowledge of Kurdish- a plus. 

Specifics of Duty Station:

The full-time Officer (40 hours a week) will be based in Erbil and may travel occasionally for coordination meetings or to other parts of Iraq for project activities. Due to the program’s emphasis on implementing curriculum, hours may fluctuate outside regular core hours (Sunday – Thursday; 9AM-5PM), with the possibility of some Fridays and Saturdays, depending on the needs of the organization. Flex hours may be accommodated with prior approval from the Country Program Manager.

Timeline and Application:

Please send a cover letter and CV in English to Ericka@freetorun.org. Applications will be reviewed and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis- lending preference to early applicants. The application closes January 24^th with a hiring date in early February.

Salary information will be provided during first round interviews.