Project Manager At Aid Gate Organization

About Aid Gate Organization “AGO”

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is an independent, nonpartisan, national organization in Iraq whose history goes back to 2014 with the beginning of ISIL’s occupation in Iraq. At that time and throughout the mass conflicts occurring from 2014 onwards, ISIL groups took control of large swathes of the country, including Nineveh, Salah al-Din, Anbar, and parts of Diyala. This period witnessed an unprecedented wave of displacement for people who lived in these areas in addition to extreme human rights violations. With the Iraqi government, unable to provide much-needed, widespread assistance, many international organizations entered the country to facilitate a response. In doing so, local community members were actively recruited to assist in the movement and return of displaced people, while providing them with emergency life-saving assistance to meet their basic needs. Since 2014, AGO has been working untiringly to help Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, and vulnerable host communities for the implementation of whole-of-community resilience-building measures in Iraq. Today AGO is functional in Salah al-Din, Kirkuk, and the Nineveh governorates, with 50–150 employees, depending on the situation in the region. We are currently working on expanding our operations into the Anbar governorate as well as southern Iraq through proven programs to rebuild the lives of men, women, children, refugees IDPs, minorities, ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Aid Gate Organization (AGO) is seeking a motivated and dynamic individual to join our team as a Project Manager for a project focusing on sustainable agricultural development in Al Qurna, Basra. The ideal candidate will be a professional with a strong background in agriculture and significant experience working with NGOs. The Project Manager will be responsible for the overall management, coordination, and implementation of the project, ensuring that all activities are executed according to the project plan and meet the expected outcomes.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Planning and Implementation: Lead the planning, implementation, and monitoring of project activities in accordance with the project’s objectives, timelines, and budget. Ensure that project activities are aligned with the strategic goals of AGO and the needs of the local community.
Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with the Directorate of Agriculture in Al Qurna, local authorities, community leaders, and other stakeholders. Facilitate effective communication and coordination between all parties involved in the project.
Team Management: Supervise and support the project team, including field staff and consultants. Provide leadership, mentorship, and capacity-building opportunities to ensure the team is well-equipped to deliver high-quality results.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Develop and implement a robust M&E framework to track the progress of the project. Regularly review and analyze project data to assess the effectiveness of activities and make informed decisions for project adjustments.
Financial Management: Oversee the project budget and ensure that all financial activities are conducted in compliance with AGO’s financial policies and procedures. Work closely with the finance team to monitor expenditures and manage financial risks.
Reporting: Prepare and submit regular progress reports, including technical and financial reports, to AGO’s senior management and donors. Ensure that all reports are accurate, comprehensive, and submitted on time.
Risk Management: Identify potential risks to the project’s success and develop mitigation strategies. Address challenges proactively and ensure that the project remains on track to achieve its objectives.
Capacity Building: Organize and conduct training sessions and workshops for local farmers and other beneficiaries. Promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices and the use of modern technologies to enhance productivity and resilience.
Compliance: Ensure that all project activities comply with local regulations, donor requirements, and AGO’s policies and procedures.

COMPETENCIES

A bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, or a related field. A master’s degree will be an advantage.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in managing agricultural projects, preferably with an NGO.
Experience working in the Basra region or similar contexts will be highly valued.
Skills: Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, and M&E. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders. Proven leadership abilities and experience in team management.
Language: Fluency in Arabic is required. Proficiency in English will be an advantage.
Personal Attributes: Commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. Ability to work under pressure and in challenging environments. Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to project management.